Weekend Preview – USA (7/14-16): Leah Crocetto, Portland Opera, Wolf Trap Opera All Weekend Must-Sees

The summer festival season continues with a few companies putting on new and exciting productions. Portland Opera showcases its new production of “Così fan tutte” on Friday, while Wolf Trap Opera unveils its own “Tosca.” Pittsburgh Opera Festival debuts its own “Xerxes” production that same night. Charlottesville Opera continues its production of “Rigoletto,” as does Central City Opera with “Carmen,” {…}

Jul 7, 2017

Weekend Preview – USA (7/7-9): Glimmerglass Festival Opens With ‘Porgy and Bess’

The summer continues its torrid pace with a number of major companies showcasing production premieres. The Glimmerglass Festival kicks off its 2017 season on Friday with “Porgy and Bess,” which stars Musa Ngqungwana. The same goes for the Pittsburgh Festival Opera, which debuts that same night with “Sweeney Todd,” which also plays on Sunday. Meanwhile, Des Moines Metro Opera showcases {…}

Jun 27, 2017

Crossing Vast Oceans – Musa Ngqungwana’s Journey From South Africa To Rising Operatic Stardom

From South Africa to America. Between those two countries is a vast ocean and traversing from the former to the latter presents a number of major challenges, not only physical, but emotional and economic. Opera is rife with characters battling the ocean on their way to success or tragedy. Just to name a few are the characters in Jake Heggie’s {…}

May 3, 2017

10 Must See Operas For The Summer Season [U.S Edition]

Now that that most of the major opera companies in the U.S are about to finish their 2016-17 season, most opera lovers will be left searching for what to see. While most festivals take place in Europe, many companies and festivals will be active introducing new works, bringing old classics and discovering new talent. The following is a list of {…}