(Credit: Carol Friedman) July 14 is Bastille Day, a celebration to commemorate the French Revolution. In 1989, France invited one of the world’s greatest sopranos, Jessye Norman, to sing the national anthem in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Storming of the Bastille in 1789. Norman, who began her career in Europe, maintained a close association with France. That {…}
While theaters are opening, more and more American opera companies are committing to the online presentation. So there is no doubt that there will be plenty of streaming options for the foreseeable future. And we will be here to spotlight 10 operas every week. But as we have done over the past few weeks, do not forget to check out {…}
Back in 2018, baritone Jonathan Estabrooks received a call from Lynne Block, the daughter of pre-eminent bass-baritone Simon Estes. She wanted to see if Estabrooks would work with her on a short documentary about her father’s life. Estabrooks, an internationally renowned performer, was also actively involved in the recording industry, creating music-related documentaries, hybrid music videos, and directing a TV {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced week 16 of its Nightly Streams. This coming week’s streams feature a wide range of options including a showcase starring Beverly Sills, Shostakovich opera, a classic Ring performance, some Bel Canto magic, and a historic performance from the 2018-19 season. Monday, June 29 – Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment Conducted by Enrique Mazzola; starring Pretty Yende, Stephanie {…}
June 8th marks the start of African-American Music Appreciation Month. While the talent and musical accomplishments of the black community cannot possibly be summarized in one article, we have compiled a list of notable recordings of not only great singers, but also composers whose works have been overlooked for decades, even centuries. In recent years more attention has finally been {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced Week 9 of its night streams. This coming week features some of opera’s greatest stars including Jonas Kaufmann, Plácido Domingo, Joan Sutherland, and Jessye Norman. Monday, May 11 – Massenet’s Werther Starring Lisette Oropesa, Sophie Koch, Jonas Kaufmann, and David Bižić, conducted by Alain Altinoglu. From March 15, 2014. Tuesday, May 12 – Thomas Adès’s The Tempest {…}
Lincoln Center at Home is set to present a unique and rarely seen performance by iconic soprano Jessye Norman from 1997. The concert, entitled “A Celebration of Johannes Brahms with Jessye Norman,” will be streamed on the company’s Facebook page on April 28, 2020 at 5 :30 p.m. ET and features the famed artists alongside violist Pinchas Zukerman. The concert was comprised of {…}
(Credit:Marecllogiordani.com/Carol Friedman While there was a lot to celebrate in 2019, there was also a lot to mourn. The final year of the decade brought about the end of the lives of many notable figures of the opera world. Here is a look at some of the many figures we lost this year. Jessye Norman The renowned soprano passed at {…}
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 {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced that it will be hosting a celebration in honor of legendary soprano Jessye Norman on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. Norman passed away on Sept. 30, 2019. The event, which will be open to the public, will feature perforamcnes from leading artists as including J’Nai Bridges, Lise Davidsen, Leah Hawkins, Latonia Moore, and Eric Owens. There {…}
Recently, mourning the death of truly great soprano Jessye Norman, many opera singers, directors, and other professionals shared an extract from her amazing interview for BBC HARDtalk, in which she covered many important topics on the opera industry and education. But what people shared was a very particular short piece, where she shared her thoughts on opera critics. Question: Did {…}