The Kennedy Center has unveiled the first installment of its “Come, Hope” series, an initiative by the Washington National Opera inspired by Beethoven’s “Fidelio.” The video, entitled “Monuments of Hope” features mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny performing in front of D.C.’s most iconic monuments including the World War II Memorial, the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Sith {…}
Pianist and activist Lara Downes is making the stars align in a video of Leonard Bernstein’s song “Take Care of this House.” The video, which is being released on Sept. 22 in honor of National Voter Registration Day, features a wide range of major superstars from the opera and classical music world including Thomas Hampson, Anthony Orth Costanzo, Julia Bullock, {…}
With opera companies returning in full force digitally, this week’s selections will highlight a mix of repertory staples with some unique and experimental new works. Before we kick off our list, don’t forget to check out important discussions taking place regarding issues of race and equality in opera with such programs as Karen Slack’s “KikiKonversations,” Kenneth Overton’s “Black Opera Live,” and Mark {…}
It’s going to be an exciting week with a combination of live streams and other performances being made available digitally for opera lovers worldwide. And while we are at it – get ready for more in coming weeks as opera companies around the world start to embrace digital opera as part of their 2020-21 seasons. Before we kick off our {…}
Black Opera Productions has announced a virtual gala aimed at celebrating the career of Jessye Norman. Entitled “Jessye Norman at 75: A Celebration,” will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 at 6 p.m. ET. The program will feature virtual dedication from around the country with performances filmed at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. The program will be hosted {…}
Columbia Artists Management Inc. has announced it will shut down due to the prolonged pandemic. In a statement that was emailed Saturday to CAMI artists the agency said it would be closing its doors on Monday, August 31. “Columbia Artists has engaged with a fiduciary to enter into an assignment for the benefit of creditors, a form of insolvency proceeding {…}
We are now entering the final weeks of summer, which means that opera companies in Europe will be in full swing while many opera companies in North America will start to test the waters with their brand new digital seasons. Nonetheless, the streaming has continued at a steady clip with another set of unique offerings coming your way this week. {…}
(Credits: Decca-Timothy White/ Chris Singer/ © S. Richards Photography 2016) Lyric Opera of Chicago will open the company’s redesigned fall season with a virtual concert on Sunday, September 13, 2020. “Lyric’s Opening Night Opera Ball has long been a signature project of Lyric’s Women Board,” Lyric’s General Director, President and CEO Anthony Freud stated. “Even before we began to imagine {…}
The Kennedy Center has announced a revised 2020-21 season for the Washington National Opera. In a press release the WNO, led by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and General Director Timothy O’Leary, announced plans for its season beginning fall 2020. The new 2020-21 will include an innovative mix of virtual performances and small-scale live performances, culminating in May and July with {…}
As Europe shifts into full-on live performance mode, you will notice that many of the streams on offer tend to shift toward U.S.-based companies. Of course, many of those performances on offer are quite exciting and we are going to be continually bringing them the attention they deserve. And speaking of continuing to bring attention to truly deserved streams, we {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center is set to present “Lawrence Brownlee and Friends: The Next Chapter.” The concert, slated for July 26 at 6 p.m. will feature the famed tenor as he presents a concert alongside such artists as Whitney Morrison, J’Nai Bridges, and Will Liverman. The concert will also feature three 2020-21 Ryan Opera Center Ensemble {…}
