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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
(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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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. {…}
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 {…}
Opera Carolina has unveiled its 2025-26 lineup, marking the first season under new management. “A Night to Remember” opens the season. The concert is presented in partnership with the Puccini Festival of Torre del Lago. Performance Date: November 1, 2025 The “9/11 Commemorative Concert” features a performance of Pergolesi’s “Stabat Mater.” Performance Date: September 11, 2025 A double bill of Puccini’s {…}