Cameron Shabazi, Julie Fuchs, Kenneth Overton, Hugh Cutting & Veronique Gens Lead New CD/DVD Releases

Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. Check the latest solo releases, including a digital concert from a leading countertenor and a world premiere recording of a modern-day requiem. Warsaw Sessions Award-winning Iranian-Canadian countertenor Cameron Shahbazi releases his latest digital concert project, Warsaw Sessions, created in collaboration with pianist Sophia {…}

Jul 9, 2024

Black Leadership Arts Collective To Present Inaugural Gala

On August 23, the Black Leadership Arts Collective (B.L.A.C.) will present an Inaugural Gala. The evening will feature musical favorites at Manhattan School of Music, featuring members of B.L.A.C. and Grammy-nominated pianist Kevin Miller hosted by Terrance McKnight. Soloists will include Russell Thomas, Morris Robinson, Laquita Mitchell, J’Nai Bridges, Kenneth Kellogg, Kenneth Overton, Nicole Heaston, and Lawrence Brownlee. The proceeds {…}

Jul 27, 2023

Kenneth Overton and Denyce Graves Headline Lyric Fest’s 2023-24 Season

Lyric Fest has reveal a lineup of concerts in the Philadelphia metro area and a revival performance of “Cotton” at New York’s 92nd Street Y. Included in the program is a new commission from composer Benjamin P. Wenzelberg that explores Mexican song. Also on the schedule is a celebration of the renowned song composer Ned Rorem. Featured performers include Michelle {…}

Apr 6, 2023

The Harlem Chamber Players to Present ‘Harlem SongFest II’ Celebrating 15th Anniversary

The Harlem Chamber Players will celebrate its 15th anniversary with “Harlem SongFest II,” a summer concert to be presented on June 9, 2023, at Columbia University’s Miller Theater. The event features music by Black composers—women included—and a lineup of accomplished singers. Dedicated to bringing exceptional classical music to Harlem, the Ensemble will feature sopranos Janinah Burnett and Jasmine Muhammad, baritone {…}

Apr 1, 2023

Lisette Oropesa, Laquita Mitchell, Kenneth Overton, Katrina Galka, Yongzhao Yu Star in New Orleans Opera Association’s 2023-24 season

(Credit: Steven Harris) New Orleans Opera Association has announced its 2023-24 season. “The New Orleans Opera Association is proud to bring another robust season of opera to our beautiful city – the North American birthplace of the art form,” said Clare Burovac, General and Artistic Director, in an official press statement. “Incredible stories will be told through well-loved classics, new {…}

Feb 20, 2023

Kenneth Overton & Camille Ortiz Headline World Premiere of ‘Invocation – a prayer for peace’

The Elsewhere Ensemble will premiere “Invocation – a prayer for peace” starring Kenneth Overton and Camille Ortiz. The world premiere is set for March 3 and 5 at the Aasen-Hull Hall at the University of Oregon while a latter performance on March 7 will take place at The Old Church Hall in Portland. Joining Overton and Ortiz will be violinist {…}

Jan 29, 2023

J’Nai Bridges to Host Final of Duncan Williams Voice Competition This February

(Credit: Suzanne Vinnik) The Duncan Williams Voice Competition Final is set for Feb. 3, 2023, at the Manhattan School of Music. Hosted by J’Nai Bridges, the showcase will spotlight Black and Latinx singers. The competition is presented by the New York City Opera and Manhattan School of Music and features over $50,000 in prize money. In the Developing Artist Division {…}

May 20, 2022

Brandie Sutton, Janinah Burnett, Krysty Swann, Kenneth Overton, Chauncy Packer Headline Historic Performance & Broadcast of Dett’s ‘The Ordering of Moses’

Back in 1937, composer R. Nathaniel Dett’s “The Ordering of Moses” aired on NBC Radio. However, due to racist complaints, the network pulled the plug on the ending of the performance, resulting in a truncated broadcast. Dett’s work will now get its due on June 17, 2022 when The Harlem Chamber Players will bring the work to life at the {…}

Apr 27, 2022

Marina Costa-Jackson, Zachary Nelson & Nicole Cabell Lead North Carolina Opera’s 2022-23 Season

North Carolina Opera has announced its 2022-23 season, featuring two company premieres and audience favorites. Here’s what the company has in store for audiences. NCO will present its season opener and company premiere of Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” in concert for one night only. The presentation stars Marina Costa-Jackson, Jonathan Burton, Levi Hernandez, and Donald Hartmann. NCO’s presentation of Puccini’s devastating {…}

Apr 2, 2022

Michelle Bradley, Brian Jagde, Kenneth Overton, Allegra Da Vita & Leona Mitchell Headline Tulsa Opera’s 2022-23 Season

Tulsa Opera has announced its 75th anniversary season. The company will kick things off with the company premiere of Rossini’s “The Italian Girl.” The opera will star Allegra De Vita, Aaron Crouch, Robert Mellon, Ashraf Sweailam, Abigail Raiford, and V. Savoy McIlwain. Leslie Dunner conducts the production by Kimille Howard. Performance Dates: Oct. 28 & 30, 2022 Next up is {…}

Mar 6, 2022

Center for Contemporary Opera Adds Kenneth Overton to Board

The Center for Contemporary Opera has announced the appointment of Kenneth Overton to its Board. Overton is Grammy Award-winner who has performed with such companies as the Met Opera, Opéra de Montréal, Palacio Bellas Artes, New York City Opera, Opera Memphis, Nashville Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Opera Carolina, Toledo Opera, Opera Idaho, Opera Grand Rapids, San Francisco Opera, Deutsche Oper {…}

kenneth overton