Obituary: Conductor Kenneth Montgomery Dies at 79

https://operawire.com/obituary-conductor-kenneth-montgomery-dies-at-79/

Photo: Annelies van der Vegt British conductor Kenneth Montgomery OBE, British passed away on March 5, 2023, at the age of 79. Montgomery began his career in 1973, when he was appointed as the music director of the Bournemouth Sinfonietta. He worked with leading orchestras inside and outside the United Kingdom, working extensively with music organizations in the Netherlands. Montgomery {…}

News

Brindley Sherratt Weighs in on BBC Singers Getting the Axe

https://operawire.com/brindley-sherratt-weighs-in-on-bbc-singers-getting-the-axe/

Photo: Gerard Collett In a heartfelt article published by The Guardian, renowned bass Brindley Sherratt expressed his disappointment over the BBC’s decision to dismantle the BBC Singers. Sherratt, who spent 13 years with the group, described his experience as nothing short of exceptional and praised the supreme level of musicianship he encountered while singing with the ensemble. “The audition was {…}

Business, News

Derek Welton Joins TACT International Art Management

https://operawire.com/derek-welton-joins-tact-international-art-management/

(Credit: Simon Pauly) Derek Welton has joined TACT International Art Management for General Management. Welton is described as “mightily imposing” and “noble sounding,” and is a noted interpreter of Wagner’s music. He has performed such roles as Figaro, Il Conte, Don Giovanni, through Pandolfe, Don Pizarro to Orest, Wanderer, and Wotan. He has performed at some of the most prestigious {…}

News

Countertenor Daniel John Taylor Earns Major Distinction in Canada

https://operawire.com/countertenor-daniel-john-taylor-earns-major-distinction-in-canada/

Choral Director, University Professor of Singing, and Countertenor Daniel John Taylor has been awarded the inaugural National Medal of Music. Established in 2023, the distinction is Canada’s highest honor in the Arts. Per an official press statement, “it will be awarded every year to two outstanding leaders who have had a major and positive influence on the cultural life and {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Annabel Arden on ‘Aida’ & the Royal Danish Opera

https://operawire.com/q-a-annabel-arden-on-aida-the-royal-danish-opera/

On March 2, the Royal Danish Opera is set to open a new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The production by British director Annabel Arden is set to highlight the personal story of the captured Aida, who falls in love with her enemy. Arden will bring the story to modern times and showcase two neighboring countries at war, which is very {…}

News

Obituary: Conductor Julian Smith Dies at 78

https://operawire.com/obituary-conductor-julian-smith-dies-at-78/

Conductor Julian Smith has died at the age of 78. Long associated with the Cardiff Sing of the World Competition, the organization released a statement noting, “we are very much saddened to report the death of Julian Smith, who for many years selected the singers who would take part in our competition, and acted as Music Adviser. His wisdom, support {…}

News

Joyce El-Khoury Nominated for 2022 Paul de Hueck & Norman Walford Career Achievement Award

https://operawire.com/joyce-el-khoury-nominated-for-2022-paul-de-hueck-norman-walford-career-achievement-award/

(Photo by: Heather Elizabeth Media) Soprano Joyce El-Khoury has been nominated for the 2022 Paul de Hueck & Norman Walford Career Achievement Award. The soprano is nominated for her achievements in classical singing. Past recipients in classical singing include Gerald Finley and Judith Forst. The soprano has performed all the over world at such companies as The Royal Opera House {…}

News

Artist of the Week: Sally Matthews

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-sally-matthews/

This week La Monnaie du Mont opened a new production of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece “Eugene Onegin” with a star cast including a major soprano making her role debut as Tatyana. Sally Matthews will sing her first Tatyana, which will mark her first Tchaikovsky role. In a statement, regarding her role debut the soprano said, “at the moment I’m learning and exploring {…}

News

Arts Council England Plans Independent Analysis of Opera; ENO Responds

https://operawire.com/arts-council-england-plans-independent-analysis-of-opera-eno-responds/

Arts Council England (ACE) has announced plans to conduct an independent analysis of opera and musical theatre following criticism of its investment plans. The news comes after many U.K. companies including the Royal Opera House, English National Opera (EPO), Glyndebourne, and Welsh National Opera released a joint statement asking “the ACE to develop a strategy for opera provision based on {…}

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Obituary: Conductor Kenneth Montgomery Dies at 79

Brindley Sherratt Weighs in on BBC Singers Getting the Axe

Derek Welton Joins TACT International Art Management

Countertenor Daniel John Taylor Earns Major Distinction in Canada

Q & A: Annabel Arden on ‘Aida’ & the Royal Danish Opera

Obituary: Conductor Julian Smith Dies at 78

Joyce El-Khoury Nominated for 2022 Paul de Hueck & Norman Walford Career Achievement Award

Artist of the Week: Sally Matthews

Arts Council England Plans Independent Analysis of Opera; ENO Responds