(Photo credit: Clärchen & Matthias Baus/Dutch National Opera) Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s “Blue” makes its Lyric Opera of Chicago premiere from Nov. 16 to Dec. 1. The company has announced special events to take place in conjunction with the opera. Lyric Unlimited, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Learning and Civic Engagement department, invites the public into spaces of reflection, healing, {…}
(Credit: Kia Caldwell Photography) Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that Karen Slack, the company’s “Lyric Unlimited Artist-in-Residence, will present a three-part recital series. First up, on Nov. 12, the soprano will present “Of Thee I Sing! Songs of Love and Justice.” This showcase with pianist Kamilla Arku and visual designer Angela Owens highlights Langston Hughes’ “The Kids Who Die,” {…}
Stephen Spinelli and Tamara Acosta, the co-founders of ONEcomposer talked with OperaWire about their research and the importance of documenting the lives and work of underrepresented composers. Specifically they dive into their finding on Florence Price and the creation of the new album, “Beyond the Years,” with Karen Slack and Michelle Cann. “Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price” {…}
Portland Opera has announced its selections for the company’s Resident Artist program for the 2024-25 season. The artists in residence for the 60th anniversary season are soprano Ginaia Black, mezzo-soprano Erin Roth Thomas, tenor Nathaniel Catasca, and baritone Matthew Maisano. Collaborative pianist Claire Forstman returns for a second year. For eight months, the residents will study with primary vocal coach Paul {…}
(Credit: Kia Caldwell Photography) Soprano Karen Slack will headline Music Academy of the West’s recently announced 2024-25 Mariposa Concert Series. Her new recital “African Queens,” featuring pianist Kevin Miller will kick the series off. The program, dubbed as “an evening-length vocal recital of brilliantly curated new art songs celebrating the history and legacy of seven African Queens,” includes music by {…}
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 two high anticipated album debuts by two celebrated performers. There are also reissues and the completion of an acclaimed Ring Cycle. O Sole Mio – Reissue Decca Classics reissues Luciano Pavarotti’s classic album. The album showcases {…}
(Credit: Kia Caldwell Photography) Few sopranos have managed to build as diverse a career as Karen Slack has over the past few years. Throughout the pandemic, Slack made numerous premiere digital performances with such companies as the Houston Grand Opera, Madison Opera, and Minnesota Opera. She launched her digital talk show “#kikikonversations.” She’s been a massive advocate for new works, {…}
(Kia Caldwell Photography) The 92nd Street Y in New York City has announced its 2024-25 Tisch Music Season. Here is a rundown of the classical vocal performances. Vocalist and composer Caroline Shaw headlines “Rectangles and Circumstance” alongside Alica Olatuka and So Percussion. Performance Date: Oct. 23, 2024 Soprano Julia Bullock and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment present “The Golden {…}
(Kia Caldwell Photography) Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that Karen Slack will be the Lyric Unlimited’s newest Artist-in-Residence. In her new role, the soprano will perform during the annual “Sunday in the Park with Lyric” concert on August 25, 2024 and will also host the program “KiKi Konvos” as part of the Opera Insights series. She will also be {…}
Illinois’ Ravinia Festival has announced its 2024 edition. Here is a rundown of the vocal works on offer. First up is a concert featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchester under Marin Alsop. Soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha performs Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915.” Also on the program are works by Copland, Gershwin, and James P. Johnson. Performance Date: July 12, 2024 The Chicago {…}
Opera Philadelphia will present Karen Slack in “To Sit and Dream” as part of its Sounds of America series. The concert will be held on March 17, 2024 at Philadelphia’s Tindley Temple United Methodist Church. Appearing in this program alongside the Philadelphia Opera Chorus in partnership with Wharton-Wesley Faith Ensemble, Slack is featured in a program of music by Black {…}