Soprano Ailyn Perez is coming off two successful productions at the Metropolitan Opera in some of her signature roles and winning the prestigious Opera news award. Her star has risen and she has become more and more in demand around the world. Now the soprano returns to the Houston Grand Opera where she has debuted numerous roles and has had {…}
Over the last 15 years, bass-baritone Paolo Bordogna has become one of the most esteemed specialists in the buffo/comic repertoire. His appearances have garnered him rave reviews and a huge following all over the world. He has performed at many of the leading theaters, including the Royal Opera House, Teatro alla Scala, Opéra National de Paris, Vienna State Opera, Teatro Real {…}
With the Easter weekend upon us, many opera companies have taken a break from performances. This week’s installment, as a result, will be a bit more limited. Don Giovanni – Houston Grand Opera Mozart’s masterpiece opens on Saturday at the Houston Grand Opera with an impressive cast that includes Ryan McKinny, Paolo Bordogna, Ailyn Pérez, Melody Moore, Ben Bliss, Dorothy {…}
There will be no lockout or work stoppage at the Houston Grand Opera. The company announced that it has reached a new agreement with International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 51 which would extend union contracts through July 31, 2022. Per a press release, the two sides had been working toward an agreement after the previous agreement {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced that it will release another two episodes of the web opera series “Star-cross’d.” The two episodes are entitled “Now” and “A Rose” allow viewers a window into the 21st-century opera viewing experience with short opera films based on a true story with a Romeo and Juliet theme. The series’ pilot, titled “Boundless,” premiered on {…}
The Houston Grand Opera and its Artistic and Music Director Patrick Summers have announced that Ana María Martinez will join the artistic team as the first-ever artistic advisor. Martinez will begin her new post this season and it will be a three-year appointment. In her new position, the soprano will advise on casting and future productions, mentor the HGO Studio artists, {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has selected the finalists for the 31st annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers Concert of Arias. This year’s finalists are Sopranos Anna Dugan, Yunuet Laguna, Elena Villalón, mezzo-soprano Katherine DeYoung, and tenor Angel Romero. Bass-baritone Nicholas Newton and Basses William Meinert and William Guanbo Su are also finalists. This year, the competition received 525 applications {…}
Baritone Alexander Birch Elliott is set to make his Houston Grand Opera debut when he replaces Mariusz Kwiecien in the company’s production of “The Pearl Fishers.” Per a press release, Kwiecien, who was set to take on the role of Zurga, has withdrawn “due to personal circumstances.” Elliott also replaced Kwiecien at the Met Opera’s recent revival of the work. {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2019-20 season which includes seven operas, including five new productions, one world premiere, and one company premiere. The season kicks off with Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in a new production by Tomer Zvulun. The famed Italian work will feature Brian Mulligan in the title role and Mané Galoyan and Arturo Chacón-Cruz as Gilda and the {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has chosen the semifinalists for the 31st annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers Concert of Arias. This year’s semifinalists are sopranos Anna Dugan, Kathryn Henry, Yunuet Laguna, Rebecca Pedersen, Alexandra Razskazoff, and Elena Villalón; mezzo-sopranos Katherine DeYoung, and Mary Beth Nelson; and tenors Andres Acosta, Elliott Paige, and Angel Romero. Additionally, bass-baritone Nicholas Newton and basses William Meinert {…}
January is more than halfway done and a lot of companies are starting up again with unique performances. This week’s picks center on works composed in the 20th century and beyond, with one exception. Here’s the list (in alphabetical order by company). As One – Alamo City Opera For two nights (Saturday and Sunday), Laura Kaminsky, Mark Campbell, and Kimberly {…}
