New Orleans Opera has announced changes to its “An Homage to Josephine Baker” performances. The company noted that it was forced to cancel the ballet portion due to an outbreak of COVID-19. In a statement, the company said, “We are very sorry to share the news that there has been a COVID outbreak within the ballet, so we are unable {…}
On Jan. 6 the New Orleans Opera is set to present “An Homage to Josephine Baker,” an evening that will include Tom Cipullo’s “Josephine” and the world premiere of the ballet “Josephine.” The performances are sold out and are part of New Orleans Opera’s mission to increase access to the art form for all New Orleanians and to produce more {…}
On Site Opera will kick off its tenth season with the world premiere of “Lesson Plan” featuring music and libretto by Rachel J. Peters. Stephanie Blythe and Laquita Mitchell will tell the modernized version of George Phillip Teleman’s “Der Schulmeister” set in the world of online learning. Performances will take place Jan. 21 – 29, 2022 on Zoom and include {…}
New York-based Dessoff Choirs has announced its 2021-22 season. The season kicks off with “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a three-part fusion oratorio about the young, gay student who was kidnapped, tortured, and left to die. The work features texts by Hildegard of Bingen, Lesléa Newman, Michael Dennis Browne, and Rumi as well as passages from Matthew’s personal journal and the words {…}
The Brooklyn Art Song Society has announced its 2021-22 season. The season kicks off with a performance of selections from Wolf’s “Mörike Liederbuch.” The showcase will feature Amy Owens, Sarah Nelson Craft, Daniel McGrew, and Tyler Duncan. Spencer Myer and Erika Switzer will perform at the piano. Performance Date: Oct. 1, 2021 Streaming Date: Oct. 18, 2021 “Remembering” will feature {…}
The New Orleans Opera has announced its 2021-22 season. The season will open the first act of Wagner’s “Die Walkure” in a semi-stage production. Carlo Miguel Prieto will conduct the act with a cast that includes Felicia Moore, James Creswell, and Kevin Ray. Performance Dates: Nov. 12 & 14, 2021 Laquita Mitchell headlines the production of “An Homage to Josephine {…}
Opera Colorado has announced a 90-minute, digital double-bill, featuring Tom Cipullo’s “Josephine” and “The Promise of Living.” The new free livestream includes an encore presentation of Tom Cipullo’s “Josephine” and an original, multimedia program “The Promise of Living” which puts a spotlight on jazz-age icon and civil rights activist Josephine Baker. Meanwhile, “The Promise of Living” takes audiences on a {…}
Soprano Angel Blue has announced the upcoming guests for her “Faithful Fridays” series. First up will be a conversation with mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. In the episode, which can be viewed on Facebook Live at Blue’s official page, the American soprano will speak with Bridges about her activism, her transition from a basketball player to an opera {…}
Opera Colorado has announced details for its upcoming digital programming, beginning in March under its Opera Colorado Amplified series. As part of a new relationship, Opera Colorado has partnered with Rocky Mountain Public Media for the production and distribution of these programs and will broadcast select education programs produced by Opera Colorado to its audiences on RMPBS and PBS Kids. {…}
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 {…}
An up-and-coming soprano makes her debut on record, while another noted baritone, also in his CD debut, presents a series of unique and rarely heard songs by a wide range of composers. Finally, a tribute to brave men and women takes center stage in the final major release of the week. Check it out. Romance Valentina Naforniţa releases her debut {…}