On December 20, 2021, the Oratorio Society of New York returned to Carnegie Hall for its annual performance of Händel’s “Messiah,” a tradition which the organization has kept since 1847. The evening’s concert, dedicated to the memory of company artist and board member Marie Gangemi, was comprised of the first part of the oratorio, with selections from Parts II and {…}
Virginia Opera tees off its season with performances of a condensed version of Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” at Topgolf Virginia Beach on Sept. 12, 2021, and at the venue’s Richmond location on Sept. 19. The condensed “Rheingold,” adapted by Jonathan Dove and Graham Vick, and directed by Mary Birnbaum, will be performed amphitheater-style, with the driving range bays turned into box {…}
Opera Theatre Saint Louis has announced its 2022 season featuring four works. Daniela Candillari will conduct a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen“ directed by Rodula Gaitanou. The production will star Sarah Mesko in the title role, Adam Smith as Don Jose, Christian Pursell as Escamillo, and Yunuet Laguna as Micaela. Performance Dates: May 21 – June 25, 2022 Rory MacDonald conducts Mozart’s “The {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced its 2021-22 season, which includes both in-person and video productions throughout the year. So let’s kick it off with the onstage performances. On Stage It all starts with “Amici e Rivali” starring Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres. This pre-season concert will showcase the two tenors alongside conductor Corrado Rovaris and the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus {…}
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has announced plans for a live, in-person 2021 Festival Season. The upcoming festival will include a ground-breaking free ticket initiative, comprehensive cast lists, and thorough health protocol to provide the safest experience for artists, patrons, and staff. The festival will run between May 22 and June 20 and will feature four all-new productions on an {…}
(Photo credit: Final Note Magazine) For the first time in the history of the New York Festival of Song’s NYFOS Next series, the program will focus entirely on the work of one lyricist/librettist, Pulitzer Prize, and Grammy® Award-winner Mark Campbell. The 40-minute virtual concert will take place on April 14, at 7:00 P.M. ET. The program will preview Campbell’s recent {…}
Classical Movements has announced its plans for a spring and summer 2021 concert series. In a press release, the organization noted that it is still seeking out the proper permits from the Alexandria City Council in Virginia to be able to host the outdoor showcases. The concert series is set to begin on March 27 and would run through August {…}
East Passyunk Opera Project has partnered with local Philadelphia businesses Psitaloa’s del Sur, Sancho Pistola’s, and Jose Pistola’s for a virtual Valentine’s Day concert titled “Love Notes.” Presented by RE/MAX One Realty – The Capri Dessecker Team, the concert will feature soprano Ashley Marie Robillard and tenor Joshua Blue; the real-life couple will be accompanied by pianist Aurelien Eulert, and {…}
The recording of “Pepito,” a comedic opera in one act with music by Nicolas Lell Benavides and libretto by Marella Martin Koch, is set to release on May 1, 2020 and it is an amusing, quick-hit of delightful opera worth a listen. This compact, 20-minute chamber opera tells the story of Pepito, a shelter dog meeting a husband and wife who {…}
(Credit: Washington National Opera) The Washington National Opera has announced its 2020–2021 season offering up some ambitious repertoire. The season with WNO’s new production of Beethoven’s “Fidelio.” Robert Spano makes his WNO debut conducting a cast that includes Elza van den Heever, Brandon Jovanovich, Brian Mulligan, Ryan Speedo Green, Joshua Blue, and Eric Owens. Performance Dates: Oct. 24–Nov. 9, 202o {…}
Musica Sacra, New York’s longest continuously performing professional chorus under the direction of Kent Tritle, has announced its 2019-20 season. The season will open with the a cappella concert “Music for a Gothic Space” at Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The performance, preceded by a recital by the Newark Boys Chorus, will feature Machaut’s “Messe de Nostre Dame,” the {…}