Leah Hawkins, Elza van den Heever, J’Nai Bridges, Will Liverman, Soloman Howard Lead Philadelphia Orchestra’s 2026-27 Season

(Photo credits: Acosta, Brown, Simpson, Adjahoe) Philadelphia Orchestra announces its 2026-27 season. This article only features vocal concerts. Opening night features soloists Leah Hawkins, J’Nai Bridges, Issachah Savage, and Ryan Speedo Green in Beethoven “Symphony” No. 9. They are joined by the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir led by Joe Miller. The U.S. premiere of Hisaishi’s “Orbis” is also slated. Yannick Nézet-Séguin {…}

Jan 7, 2026

Teatro Real de Madrid 2025-26 Review: Carmen

(Photo: Javier del Real) The Teatro Real farewells 2025 and welcomes 2026 with 16 performances of Bizet’s popular masterpiece, “Carmen.” This revival is a new production directed by the talented stage director Damiano Michieletto, which opened in London two seasons ago and which will be seen at La Scala. Italian stage director Damiano Michieletto proved once more why he is {…}

Dec 23, 2025

San Diego Opera & La Jolla Music Society Present Damien Geter’s ‘Cotton’

San Diego Opera and La Jolla Music Society announce the co-production of Damien Geter’s song cycle, “Cotton.” Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, baritone Justin Austin, and pianist Laura Ward perform. “Cotton” features the photography of John Dowell with newly commissioned poetry set to music by composer Damien Geter. “I am so thrilled to partner with La Jolla Music Society on Cotton, an {…}

Dec 3, 2025

J’Nai Bridges Recital at San Francisco Performances Canceled

(Credit: Dario Acosta) San Francisco Performances has announced the cancellation of the March 19, 2026 recital featuring mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges with pianist Terrence Wilson and the Catalyst Quartet due to a scheduling conflict. Per her official website, Bridges is set to open a production of “The Crucible” on March 19, 2026 with the Washington National Opera. That production runs through {…}

Sep 17, 2025

San Francisco Opera 2025-26 Review: Rigoletto

(Photo: Another grand Opening Night at San Francisco Opera Fall 2025 Season, its 103rd. Glamor in sequins and sparkly platform heels, green and mauve brocaded would-be pashas, feathery boas and head-dresses – and this was just the lobby – on the tail of the Annual Opera Ball. Inside, magenta and rose heart-shaped flower-masks adorned the parterre, while colored lights oscillated {…}

Jul 29, 2025

Jamie Barton, Samuel Mariño, Luciano Pavarotti, Enea Scala & Anna Goryachova Lead New CD/DVD Releases

Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. This week, audiences will get to hear a world premiere recording of a modern masterpiece, a recording by a male soprano, and some modern works. There are also some Bel Canto gems to discover. Intelligence Houston Grand Opera releases a recording of composer {…}

Jul 24, 2025

Kathryn Lewek, J’Nai Bridges, Matthew White, Ryan McKinny & Heidi Middendorf Lead Cincinnati Opera’s 2026 Season

The Cincinnati Opera has announced its 2026 season. Strauss’ “Salome” will star Kathryn Lewek, Alfred Walker, Chad Shelton, Michelle DeYoung, and Zach Borichevsky. José María Condemi directs the production, with Robert Spano conducting. Performance Dates: June 18 & 20, 2026 Kevin Day’s and Tifara Brown’s “Lalovavi” will be directed by Kimille Howard and conducted by Kevin Miller. Brittany Olivia Logan, {…}

Jun 23, 2025

Juan Diego Flórez & J’Nai Bridges Star in La Jolla Music Society’s 2025–26 Winter Season

(Photo credit: Hoebermann & Acosta) La Jolla Music Society announces its 2025–26 Winter Season. J’Nai Bridges and Justin Austin, with pianist Laura Ward perform in Damien Geter’s “COTTON.” This is a co-production with San Diego Opera. Performance Date: January 16, 2026 Tenor Juan Diego Flórez presents a program of songs by Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, Gounod, and Puccini. Performance Date: February 12, 2026 {…}

May 31, 2025

Morris Robinson, J’Nai Bridges, Jacqueline Echols, Limmie Pulliam Headline Anna H. Wang Concert Series 2025-26

The Anna H. Wang Concert Series has announced its 2025-26 season. The season features two performances, including one starring bass Morris Robinson. That showcase, set for Jan. 31, 2026, is titled “Morris & Friends: An Evening of Opera & Gospel” and features Robinson alongside such artists as mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, lyric soprano Jacqueline Echols, tenor Limmie Pulliam, Music Director Brandon {…}

May 16, 2025

J’Nai Bridges, Matthias Goerne, Kelli O’Hara, & Davóne Tines Among Performers in Celebrity Series of Boston’s 2025-26 Season

(Photo credit: Acosta, de Bon, Madrid, & Morrison) The 2025-26 season for the Celebrity Series of Boston has been announced. This article only features classical voice events. Mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges opens the subscription season in her Celebrity Series recital debut. Performance Date: October 9, 2025 (Groton Hill Music Center) Baritone Matthias Goerne and pianist Daniil Trifonov perform Schubert’s “Schwanengesang.” Performance {…}

Apr 10, 2025

J’Nai Bridges to Headline Nashville Symphony’s World Premiere of ‘Everything Hurts’

Nashville Symphony is set to present a special world premiere starring mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges on Oct. 24 and 25, 2025. The showcase includes the first-ever performance of “Everything Hurts” by Brian Field. The work is a musical setting of Amanda Gorman’s “Hymn for the Hurting.” “It is an honor to see ‘Hymn for the Hurting’ as a call to mobilize {…}

j'nai bridges