The Grange Festival to Present ‘The Soul of Opera’

https://operawire.com/the-grange-festival-to-present-the-soul-of-opera/

The Grange Festival is set to present “The Soul of Opera” on July 2 and 3, 2026. The concert, set to take the stage at at The Grange Festival in Hampshire, blends opera with soul, jazz, and gospel, drawing inspiration from Aretha Franklin’s 1998 Grammy Awards performance of “Nessun Dorma,” in which she stepped in for Luciano Pavarotti. The performance {…}

Business, News

David Lomelí Named General Director & CEO of the Dallas Opera

https://operawire.com/david-lomeli-named-general-director-ceo-of-the-dallas-opera/

The Dallas Opera has appointed David Lomelí as the next Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, effective June 1, 2026. The Boad of Directors, Chair Quincy Roberts announced the news and said, “David Lomelí is the rare leader who understands that great opera companies must honor tradition while fearlessly building for the future. He brings international artistic credibility, strategic vision, and {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

OPERA2DAY & the Netherlands Bach Society 2026 Review: The Opera Circus

https://operawire.com/opera2day-the-netherlands-bach-society-2026-review-the-opera-circus/

(Photo: Bart Grietens) The production of “The Opera Circus” vividly revives the historical tradition of the Pasticcio, a staple of 18th-century operatic life. By weaving together a curated selection from Handel’s vast sprawling catalog—ranging from the iconic “Alcina” to the lesser-known gems of “Teseo”—the production team mirrors the composer’s own creativity brilliance. This format provides a flexible, 90-minute skeletal framework {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

A Rescue Mission – General Director Maria Todaro on Rebuilding Florida Grand Opera

https://operawire.com/a-rescue-mission-general-director-maria-todaro-on-rebuilding-florida-grand-opera/

In 2014, Florida Grand Opera accumulated a $19.4 million deficit. The company was in chaos, warning that the cancelation of its 2015-16 season in Broward County could be imminent if the organization was unable to secure $400,000. The future of the organization, which was founded in 1941, was uncertain and insecure. Fortunately an anonymous donor pitched in to erase the {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Francesco Lodola on Starting Ben Artists Management & the Joy of Working With Opera Singers

https://operawire.com/q-a-francesco-lodola-on-starting-ben-artists-management-the-joy-of-working-with-opera-singers/

(Credit: ©️Alessandro Lodola) In 2022, Francesco Lodola founded Ben Artists, a management and public relations agency for artists that support artists. Lodola is a graduate in his city in Science of Communication and started studying piano since he was seven years old, attending the Liceo Musicale where he had the opportunity to deepen the theoretical and practical aspects of music {…}

News

Lincoln Center Announces ‘Heartbeat’

https://operawire.com/lincoln-center-announces-heartbeat/

(Photo credit: Jonathan Tichler/Metropolitan Opera) Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has released details for its first-ever wellbeing summit, “Heartbeat.” On Feb. 21, the community is invited to a multi-genre arts and wellbeing summit. The event brings together leading artists, healthcare professionals, and scientists for an afternoon of engaging live performances, movement sessions, expert-led wellbeing workshops, immersive virtual reality, and meditation. {…}

IndieOpera

Art City Opera to Present ‘Suor Angelica’

https://operawire.com/art-city-opera-to-present-suor-angelica/

Art City Opera will present its first fully staged production with Puccini’s “Suor Angelica.” The production, set to open Feb. 20 and running through Feb. 23 at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA, will star soprano Ryan Colbert in the title role, alongside mezzo-soprano Rebecca Sacks as the Princess. The cast is completed by Philadelphia-area singers. Julian Grabarek serves {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Puerto Rican Soprano Kresley Figueroa on Her Upcoming Metropolitan Opera Debut, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra & Performing with Regional Orchestras

https://operawire.com/q-a-puerto-rican-soprano-kresley-figueroa-on-her-upcoming-metropolitan-opera-debut-the-mid-atlantic-symphony-orchestra-performing-with-regional-orchestras/

(Credit: Soloman Howard) Puerto Rican soprano Kresley Figueroa is a graduate of the Cafritz Young Artist with Washington National Opera where she has performed in numerous productions including “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs,” “Partenope,” “La Périchole,” and “The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me.” She has also appeared alongside Renée Fleming, Thomas Hampson, and Denyce Graves in WNO’s annual gala. Figueroa {…}