The LA Philharmonic is set to present Carlos Simon’s “Good News Mass.” The world premiere will be held on April 17 and 18, 2025 at Walt Disney Concert Hall. A setting of the traditional mass in a gospel style, the multimedia piece will be led by Gustavo Dudamel and will feature vocal soloists Zebulon Ellis, Samoht, and Kierra Sheard, the {…}
(Credit: Dario Acosta) There are many things to mention about this important performance under review. Let’s start by acknowledging the dramatic and historic setting of the venue – the amazing Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, where world-renowned Black leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Barack Obama, and Nelson Mandela have talked and sermonized. Then, there were the arrayed forces. {…}
The Unsung Collective will join forces with The New York Philharmonic at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church on Feb. 28, 2025. The showcase, titled “An Unsung Symphony: Simon and Brahms” will feature mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges performing Carlos Simon’s “Songs of Separation.” The work features text by Persian poet Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī. Also on the program is Brahms’ “Ein Deutsches Requiem” {…}
(Photo credits: Bessent, Cheng, & Yildiz) Music of Remembrance has announced its 2024-25 season. This season aims to champion those who use their art to stand up against injustice and inspire action. Concerts will feature works by prominent Black American composers that confront the residual trauma of slavery, a 10th-anniversary production of an opera that addresses the responsibility of artists to {…}
(Credit: Kendall Bessent) Carlos Simon has joined 8VA’s roster. In a statement, the PR company said, “8VA is (at least 3 octaves) over the moon to announce the newest addition to the fam – GRAMMY-nominated composer, Keenedy Center composer-in-residence, Boston Symphony Composer Chair, and busiest man in showbiz, Carlos Simon!” This season, Simon will have premiere performances with the National {…}
Death of Classical has announced its new concert series, “The Light After.” The new collaboration between Death of Classical, St. John the Divine, and Trinity Church features three evenings of music in the Crypt under the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Chamber groups from Trinity’s acclaimed new music ensemble NOVUS perform. The first concert includes selection of music {…}
The Kennedy Center has announced a three-year contract extension for Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon. “My time here at the Kennedy Center has been amazing. It’s been rewarding creating many new works in partnership with the National Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Opera, and the many other art forms here,” said Simon in an official press release issued by The Kennedy Center. “I’m {…}
In celebration of The Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary, the organization has inducted 50 cultural leaders that represent its hopes for the next 5o years. “The Kennedy Center Next 50” includes both individual artists, writers, chefs, athletes, and other leaders and organizations that are paving the way forward in their fields. The initiative will have “the cultural leaders will take part {…}
Tulsa Opera has announced an additional performance of its “Greenwood Overcomes” program on May 2, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The program is also being performed on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. That first showcase will be streamed on the company’s official website. In a press release, the company cited “high demand” as the reason for adding its {…}
The MET Orchestra, one of the greatest in the world, is in jeopardy. Read that again. The MET Orchestra, one of the greatest in the world, is in jeopardy. That’s not just an opinion. As reported in multiple news outlets, including this one, none other than the iconic conductor, Maestro Riccardo Muti, unequivocally stated just that. In his letter dated {…}