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 {…}
Photographer credit: Dario Acosta Mezzo-soprano Krysty Swann is currently performing the role of Mayme in “Intimate Apparel” at Lincoln Center Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater. The opera is one of Ricky Ian Gordon’s latest works and features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage that is based on her play. The production officially opens on January 31st, after a two-year pause {…}
On Oct. 14, 2021, mezzo-soprano Krysty Swann and pianist Michael Fennelly performed at a special Sing for Hope (SFH) pop-up concert in Little Island in New York. In attendance were Founder’s Circle Members, as well as The International Foundation for Arts and Culture’s (IFAC) International Executive Director Midori Miyazaki, former Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott, and The Handa Foundation’s {…}
Ohio’s Toledo Opera has announced its 2021-22 season featuring three productions. The season opens with Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” with Jennifer Rowley as Leonora and Carl Tanner as Manrico. The cast is rounded out by Deborah Nansteel as Azucena and Kyle Pfortmiller as Count di Luna. Adam Turner conducts the production by Jeffrey Buchman. Performance Dates: Oct. 8 & 10, 2021 {…}
Michigan Opera Theatre has officially announced details for its upcoming production of Jeanine Tesori and Tazewell Thompson’s “Blue.” The company, which had announced the opera as part of its 2021-22 season, has revealed that it will be directed by Kaneza Schall, whose work has been shown at Brooklyn Academy of Music, LA Philharmonic, The Shed, The Kennedy Center, Walker Arts {…}
Catapult Opera has announced the streaming of “The Glitch,” the first of a series of micro video-opera commissions. “The Glitch” is a new work by composer Nico Muhly and librettist Greg Pierce that stars Krysty Swann, Lester Lynch, and Adam Tendler. The video-opera is directed by Marcus Shields. “I am extremely proud of The Glitch. It proves that one does {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
In our first article on black history month we took a look at the opera stars making their mark in the biggest of ways, the singing actors taking headlines at the biggest houses in the world. As we continue to celebrate black history month OperaWire will recognize other black singers making waves in the opera world, many of them rising {…}