Mid-Atlantic Symphony Honors Denyce Graves & Raises Historic Sum for Upcoming Recording Project

On June 4, 2026, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra presented its annual Legacy Award Dinner at the Talbot Country Club, honoring internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and celebrating the future of the Orchestra through a landmark fundraising effort. The evening, which began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, was followed by a special performance by the MSO String Quartet which paid tribute {…}

Apr 21, 2026

Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra to Honor Denyce Graves at the Spring Legacy Awards

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is set to honor mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves as its National Legacy Award recipient at the Spring Legacy Awards on June 4 at the Talbot Country Club in Easton, Maryland. The National Legacy Award, introduced last season, recognizes individuals who have made a profound and lasting impact on the arts at a national level. The inaugural honoree {…}

Apr 9, 2026

Denyce Graves to Serve as Distinguished Speaker at New England Conservatory Commencement

New England Conservatory will hold its 155th Commencement on Sunday, May 17, in Jordan Hall, with acclaimed mezzo-soprano and NEC alumna Denyce Graves serving as the distinguished speaker for the occasion. Graves, who graduated from NEC in 1988 and received an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the institution in 2014, became a legendary opera star over four decades, performing {…}

Mar 17, 2026

Maria Brea, Eugene Brancoveanu, Elliot Madore & Kelly Guerra Lead Opera San Jose’s 2026-27 Season

Opera San José has announced its 2026-27 season celebrating its 43rd season. In a statement, General Director & CEO Shawna Lucey said, “This season, Music Director and Opera San José Principal Conductor Joseph Marcheso and I are thrilled to present repertoire that will delight longtime opera lovers while welcoming new audiences into the magic of brilliant singing, transformative music, and {…}

Dec 9, 2025

Metropolitan Opera 2025-26 Review: Porgy and Bess

On December 2, 2025, the Metropolitan Opera delivered a ray of sunshine with a jubilant opening of Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess.” Last seen on the Met stage in their 2021 season, this year’s run featured new and returning artists who all came together for something as uplifting as it was exciting. In regard to James Robinson’s production, many of my {…}

Nov 14, 2025

Alfred Walker, Brittany Renee, Denyce Graves, Latonia Moore & Leah Hawkins Lead Metropolitan Opera’s ‘Porgy and Bess’ Revival

(Credit: Ken Howard / Metropolitan Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” for the first time since 2019 in James Robinson’s production. The opera will open on Dec. 2 and be performed 13 times. The production will feature conductor Kwamé Ryan in his company debut, leading a cast that includes bass-baritone Alfred Walker and soprano {…}

Nov 11, 2025

Denyce Graves Announces Retirement from the Stage

Denyce Graves has announced she will retire from the stage on Jan. 24, 2026. The mezzo will take her last bow during the Metropolitan Opera’s run of “Porgy and Bess” and she will sing the role of Maria. Graves made her Met debut in 1995 and went on to sing 158 times with the company in such productions as Kevin Puts’s {…}

Nov 10, 2025

Opera for Peace & the Denyce Graves Foundation Team Up for U.S. Opera for Peace Academy

Opera for Peace and the Denyce Graves Foundation, in collaboration with Washington National Opera and its Cafritz Young Artists Program, have announced the inaugural U.S. Opera for Peace Academy in Washington, D.C., from Nov. 10 to 17, 2025. The Academy will bring world-class training and cultural diplomacy to the nation’s capital, with marquee events at the Embassy of France, including {…}

Sep 25, 2025

Andrea Bocelli to Headline Denyce Graves Foundation’s ‘The Harvest Moon Gala’

The Denyce Graves Foundation is set to present “The Harvest Moon Gala” on Oct. 6, 2025. The Black Tie Affair, which will take place at Guastavino’s in New York, will feature a special guest performance by Andrea Bocelli, who will also be among the honorees. Other honorees include Chandrika Tandon, Dr. Louise Toppin, and Francesca Zambello. Deborah Roberts hosts. Also {…}

Jul 29, 2025

Denyce Graves, Mark Campbell, Donnie Ray Albert Among OPERA America’s 2025 Opera Hall of Fame Inductees

OPERA America has announced the 2025 Opera Hall of Fame Inductees. This year’s recipients include baritone and teacher Donnie Ray Albert, librettist and teacher Mark Campbell, mezzo-soprano and teacher Denyce Graves, arts leader and administrator Christopher Hahn, philanthropists and advocates Susan F. and William C. Morris, philanthropists and advocates Bernard and Barbro Osher, and arts administrator and director Francesca Zambello. {…}

Jun 2, 2025

Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center Celebrates Second Season Under Music & Artistic Director Jonathon Heyward

The Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center celebrates its second season under the Renée and Robert Belfer Music & Artistic Director Jonathon Heyward with several premieres, commissions, and exciting performances. “Connected Perceptions,” a world premiere commission by James Lee III. Soprano Gabriella Reyes performs Britten’s “Les illuminations” and Golijov’s “Three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra.” Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist alumni {…}

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