On February 27, 2021, Minnesota Opera will present a celebration of music as a transformative power with its virtual benefit concert, featuring the world premiere of “Art is a Verb.” Organized into five sections, the upcoming piece was created in collaboration with the singers involved, with them lending their own words to the subjects of art, opera, social justice, and {…}
Fort Worth Opera (FWO) has announced an expansion of its 2021 spring lineup that comprises a film festival in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera, a virtual celebration of Black History Month, a collaboration with Opera San José, drive-in events, and more. For the first time in FWO’s 74-year history, the company will collaborate with the Metropolitan Opera to create an {…}
It turns out that despite some progress, we are in for a sustained lockdown period to start 2021. But what we are also seeing from opera companies is greater flexibility and creativity on the streaming front. That is on full display in this week’s edition of our top 10 operas to stream with a bevy of new short opera films, {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
