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 {…}

Feb 13, 2020

Houston Grand Opera to World Premiere ‘Marian’s Song’

(Credit: Lynn Lane) The Houston Grand Opera is set to showcase the 68th world premiere in company history when it opens “Marian’s Song” on March 5 and 6, 2020 at the Cullenter of the Wortham Theater Center. The opera, which is written by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton and composed by Damien Sneed, is based on the life of the legendary opera {…}

Nov 26, 2019

Metropolitan Opera Honors Legendary Soprano Jessye Norman With Heart-Warming Tribute

On November 24, 2019, audiences gathered at the Metropolitan Opera to pay tribute to the life and career of Jessye Norman. The event comprised of musical performances, video highlights of Jessye’s performances, and statements from her family, friends, and colleagues. First among these highlights were two clips of Norman singing “Amazing Grace,” from her performances at the 1997 Presidential Inauguration {…}

Oct 11, 2019

J’Nai Bridges To Star In Damien Sneed’s ‘Our Journey: 400 Years From Africa To Jamestown’ At Carnegie Hall

Composer and pianist Damien Sneed is set to showcase his new opera “Our Journey: 400 Years From Africa to Jamestown,” at Carnegie Hall on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. The world premiere performance will star mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and baritone Will Liverman alongside the Chorus Le Chateau and the Sphinx Virtuosi Orchestra. The opera highlights the challenges and difficulties that Africans {…}

Jul 3, 2019

Brandie Sutton & Orson Van Gay II Lead Phoenicia International Festival Of The Voice’s 2019 Season

Phoenicia International Festival of the Voice will soon celebrate its 10th anniversary season with “musical gems that honor African American culture and talent,” according to the press release. The Festival will kick off with “10 Year Gala, Decade of Opera Favorites,” featuring sopranos Nancy Allen Lundy and Michelle Jennings, tenors Anthony Laciura and Barry Banks, bass-baritone Kyle Albertson, bass Morris {…}