Karen Slack, Nicole Heaston, Kenneth Overton, Latonia Moore, Jorell Williams Headline Fort Worth Opera’s ‘A Night of Black Excellence: Past, Present, and Future’

Fort Worth Opera (FWO) has announced “A Night of Black Excellence: Past, Present, and Future,” a virtual benefit concert to celebrate Black History Month, on Sunday, February 21. Hosted by Tashara Parker, the showcase will feature internationally renowned artists including Patrice P. Eaton, Nicole Heaston, Cameo Humes, Keron Jackson, Latonia Moore, NaGuanda Nobles, Kenneth Overton, Chivonne Perkins, Adam Richarson, Audra {…}

Jan 8, 2021

Houston Grand Opera to Stream Lawrence Brownlee’s ‘Giving Voice’

Houston Grand Opera has announced the return of “Giving Voice: Lawrence Brownlee and Friends Sing Opera, Gospel, and Standards” on Jan. 22, 2021. The original concert sold out during its initial showcase back in 2020 at Wortham, and this latest installment will feature the return of Lawrence Brownlee as co-host alongside soprano Nicole Heaston. The free digital stream will feature {…}

Dec 14, 2020

Best of 2020: OperaWire’s Top 11 Industry-Defining Moments of the Year

This calendar year has been a difficult one for the world and for the music industry. It tested artists in ways they never thought they would. And yet it also showed resilience, love, and humility. It was a year where generosity was predominant and where artists united for a better cause. Usually, at this point in time, OperaWire has a {…}

Nov 19, 2020

Houston Grand Opera to Present Documentary on Making of ‘The Snowy Day’

The Houston Grand Opera has announced that it will present a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “The Snowy Day.” “The Making of The Snowy Day: An Opera for All on HGO” is set for online release on Dec. 10, 2020 and will feature a collaboration between the opera’s creative team with documentarian Annalise Ophenlian. The film explores the creative {…}

Nov 16, 2020

Stephanie Blythe, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Karen Slack Join Forces for ‘Thankful For’

Famed mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe will join forces with Anthony Roth Costanzo and Karen Slack to present “Thankful For (A Thanksgiving Variety Show)” on Nov. 20, 2020. The showcase, which can be viewed online at the Our Concerts Live official website, will feature selections from the American songbook, including a new song by William Bolcom setting poetry by Blythe. Blythe will {…}

Oct 19, 2020

Diana Damrau, Denyce Graves, Isabel Leonard, Terrence Blanchard, Morris Robinson Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week

This week climaxes in World Opera Day on Oct. 25. So in leading up to that momentous celebration (which will feature half of the entries on this list), our recommendations will spotlight diversity in the opera world, offering up audiences a chance to check out works by and featuring BIPOC composers and performers as well as unique performance experiences that {…}

Oct 15, 2020

Lawrence Brownlee & Friends in Philadelphia to Stream on Opera Philadelphia’s Digital Channel

Lawrence Brownlee will take a starring role this fall in the debut of the Opera Philadelphia Channel, a global platform that will bring a robust 2020-2021 season into opera lovers’ homes via their television screens and streaming devices. The tenor will take center stage in the first performance created for the channel, “Lawrence Brownlee & Friends in Philadelphia.” The recital and {…}

Sep 30, 2020

Karen Slack, Liev Schrieber Headline Orpheus Chamber Orchestra’s ‘Speaking Truth to Power’

The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will present a unique program entitled “Speaking Truth to Power” on Oct. 17, 2020. The online event will feature a performance of Beethoven’s “Egmont,” Op. 84 with a new Orpheus-commissioned English translation by Philip Boehm. The concert will also feature performances by soprano Karen Slack, with narration by famed actor Liev Schrieber. Additionally, Slack will join {…}

Sep 24, 2020

Karen Slack & Ian Cusson Join Banff Centre’s Opera Faculty

The Banff Centre in Canada has announced it will build upon its work in recent years changing conversations about opera. The Centre announced that Joel Ivany, director of opera at Banff Centre since 2014, will be joined this season by two co-directors: Métis and French-Canadian composer, Ian Cusson, and American soprano, Karen Slack. Cusson will look at historical interactions with {…}

Sep 14, 2020

Juan Diego Flórez, Lawrence Brownlee, Lisette Oropesa, Martina Arroyo, J’Nai Bridges Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week

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 {…}

Sep 1, 2020

Black Opera Productions to Present ‘Jessye Norman at 75: A Celebration’ Virtual Gala

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 {…}

karen slack