Swedish conductor Arnold Östman died on August 15, 2023, at the age of 83. The conductor was born on Dec. 24, 1939 in Malmö, Sweden, and studied art history and musicology in Lund, Paris, and Stockholm. Throughout his studies Östman concentrated on the piano and the harpsichord, being largely self-taught. He was also a researcher and focused on the subject {…}
A new survey out of Australia’s The Conversation has revealed that there is still gender inequality in the majority of opera companies in Australia. The survey looked at the production credits for staged operas presented by Opera Australia, Opera Queensland, the State Opera of South Australia, Victorian Opera, and West Australian Opera between 2005 and 2020. According to the survey, {…}
Baritone Jack O’Kelly has passed away. O’Kelly was a chorus member at the Welch National Opera for nearly 40 years. “Madama Butterly,” “Tosca,” and “La Traviata” were a few of his regularly performed operas. He sang under conductors such as Carlo Rizzi and James Southhall, among others. He was a member of the RTE Chamber Choir and performed with Opera {…}
Anna Netrebko’s Prague recital on Oct. 16 has been canceled due to political pressures. In a statement, Nachtigall Artists Management said, “We agreed that we would give in to political pressure and that Anna would not demand compensation from either Nachtigall Artists Management or the Municipal House.” Alena Kunertová from the organizing agency added, “Netrebko was sorry for the situation, {…}
The Phoenix Symphony has announced that Alex Amsel will be the company’s new Associate Conductor. A graduate of Peabody Conservatory, Amsel was most recently the Resident Conductor for the Houston Grand Opera and spent three seasons as Assistant Conductor for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with such organizations as the Aspen Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, {…}
The Music Academy has announced that Shauna Quill will be its New President and CEO. She takes over the role from Scott Reed. Her tenure commences on Nov. 1, 2023. Quill is the current Executive Director of the New York Youth Symphony, a position she has held since 2011. During her time with the ensemble, the organization won the Grammy {…}
Houston Grand Opera is set to present the 2023 Butler Studio Showcase on Sept. 14, 2023. The program, which will feature selections from “Eugene Onegin,” “The Turn of the Screw,” “La Favorite,” “Susannah,” Béatrice et Bénédict,” and “Madama Butterfly,” will provide audiences with the first look at the Butler Studio class of 2023-24. The singers included in the program are {…}
(Photo: © Craig Fuller) Opera Holland Park’s last show this summer was Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Ruddigore.” This was their third co-production with G&S specialists, Charles Court Opera, following last year’s “HMS Pinafore.” Again, it is directed by John Savournin, who also plays a leading role, with David Eaton conducting the City of London Sinfonia in one of the duo’s more {…}
Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb has responded to the news that the Met Opera Guild has been dissolved. Gelb told the Associated Press, “It really is the result of several years of declining economic fortunes. What they’re suffering is what many non-profits have been suffering, which is a situation where the earned revenues and donations are not enough to {…}
Virginia Opera has announced its 2023-24 season. “Our new season is about giving audiences—old and new—an opportunity to hear fresh voices,” said Peggy Kriha Dye, General Director and CEO of Virginia Opera, in an official press release issued by the company. “Whether the opera is an established classic or new to Virginia, each work offers a different perspective on this {…}
Soprano Lise Davidsen is set to give a recital at the Metropolitan Opera on Sept. 14, 2023. The program, which will feature Davidsen alongside pianist James Baillieu, will include music by Strauss, Wagner, Verdi, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Sibelius, and Schubert. The performance kicks off at 8 p.m. local time. Davidsen will be headlining the Met Opera’s 2023-24 season with a production {…}