Denyce Graves Foundation Presents Classical Vocal Arts Symposium ‘Shared Voices’

The Denyce Graves Foundation announced the 2024 Classical Vocal Arts Symposium “Shared Voices.” This year’s symposium features collaborations with 14 music schools, conservatories, and HBCUs. Participants are offered an immersive experience to engage with classical vocal arts, gain an understanding of the industry, and receive foundational music training including aspects of vocal health, mental health, and physical fitness. In the {…}

Jul 5, 2023

CD Review: Lawrence Brownlee’s ‘Rising’

“The poem with this music is complete.” The final line to composer Shawn E. Okpebholo’s “Romance” reveals, in essence, the method behind Lawrence Brownlee and pianist Kevin J. Miller’s newest release, “Rising,” on Warner Classics: Setting poetry from the Harlem Renaissance to song. With its 29 tracks, the album includes texts from writers such as Langston Hughes, Alice Dunbar Nelson, {…}

Mar 3, 2023

Lawrence Brownlee Announces ‘Rising’ Tour

Lawrence Brownlee has announced “Rising,” a project aimed at commissioning new works by African-American composers. Per an official press statement, Brownlee has commissioned new works by such composers as Damien Sneed, Brandon Spencer, Jasmine Barnes, Joel Thompson, and Shawn E. Okpebholo. Writers of the Harlem Renaissance inspired their works, including Alice Dunbar Nelson, Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and James Weldon {…}

Dec 2, 2022

Damien Sneed, Justin Austin & Jacqueline Echols Star in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Concert

The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is set to present Damien Sneed‘s concert “Our Song, Our Story.” The concert will highlight well-known operatic arias, art songs, and spirituals. The solo and duet performances will pay homage to two iconic Black singers, Marian Anderson and Jessye Norman. Repertoire includes works by Händel, Mozart, Puccini, Verdi, Strauss, Gershwin, Margaret Bonds, Harry T. {…}

Aug 26, 2021

The Oratorio Society of New York Announces Winners of 44th Annual Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition Finals

The Oratorio Society of New York (OSNY) announced the winners of its 44th Annual Lyndon Woodside Oratorio Solo Competition Finals, which was held on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021. Here are the winners: Soprano Emily Cedriana Donato won First Place, receiving the Andrew R. Preis Award and a $7,000 prize. In Second Place, soprano Emily Yocum Black took home the Meyerson/Zwanger Award, along {…}

Jun 7, 2021

Artist of the Week: Laura Karpman, Steven Mackey & Damien Sneed

With live performances returning to the stage, OperaWire will continue its weekly artist of the week series highlighting some of the world’s greatest artists as they reach milestones in their careers. And this week will be an exciting one at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as the company will world premiere the News Works Bold Voices Lab featuring three {…}

May 17, 2021

Ailyn Pérez, J’Nai Bridges, Juan Diego Flórez, Marina Rebeka, Isabel Leonard Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week

If you’re looking for some classic operas, this week has quite a few of them in store. If new operas are more your thing, then get ready for a couple of world premieres. But if all you want is some concerts featuring operatic superstars, then you can be content with some of the offerings this week as well. So without {…}

May 16, 2021

Opera Saratoga to Present ‘A Tribute to Langston Hughes’

(Credit: Jessica Osber Photography) Opera Saratoga has announced that it will present “A Tribute to Langston Hughes” on May 21, 2021 as part of its America Sings Digital Concert Series. The showcase, which will stream via the company’s official website, will star baritone Justin Austin and pianist / composer Damien Sneed as they take on music by Margaret Bonds, Robert {…}

Apr 7, 2021

Tulsa Opera Adds Performance of ‘Greenwood Overcomes’

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 {…}

Nov 13, 2020

Brandie Sutton, Damien Sneed, Justin Austin, Deborah Nansteel Headline Opera Saratoga’s ‘America Sings’ Online Series

Opera Saratoga has announced a brand new partnership with Caffè Lena to produce “America Sings,” a new online series that feature BIPOC artists. The series will launch on Nov. 19 with a concert performance featuring mezzo-soprano Deborah Nansteel alongside pianist Giovanni Reggioli as they take on music by George Gershwin, Billy Strayhorn, Richard Rogers, Erroll Garner, Richard Wagner, and William {…}

Sep 14, 2020

Juan Diego Flórez, Lawrence Brownlee, Lisette Oropesa, Martina Arroyo, J’Nai Bridges Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week

With opera companies returning in full force digitally, this week’s selections will highlight a mix of repertory staples with some unique and experimental new works. Before we kick off our list, don’t forget to check out important discussions taking place regarding issues of race and equality in opera with such programs as Karen Slack’s “KikiKonversations,” Kenneth Overton’s “Black Opera Live,” and Mark {…}