(Photo Credit: Jordan August Photography, Courtesy of Highmark Mann.) When an artistic institution plans a 250th U.S. birthday concert in a political atmosphere like the one we find ourselves in today, the question is: where do they plan to fall on the balancing act spectrum of patriotism and honesty? It’s exceedingly hard to nail, and despite putting on a truly {…}
(Photo credit: Brandon Patoc) For its 2026 season, Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 50th anniversary at Fairmount Park. This article only features classical music events. Highmark Mann’s newly commissioned oratorio, “A Hundred Years On” by Peter Boyer and Mark Campbell celebrates the 1876 Centennial Exposition, which took place in Fairmount Park. Soloists include sopranos Mary Dunleavy, {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera is set to present the world premiere of “American Apollo.” The new opera by composer Damien Geter and librettist Lila Palmer, which was originally conceived as a 20-minute chamber opera in 2021 as part of Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative, was expanded and transformed into a full-length work. The cast will include baritone Justin Austin {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced casting updates and an additional performance for the company’s 2024 Festival Season. The company noted that due to strong early ticket sales, there will be an additional performance of Damien Geter and Lila Palmer’s world premiere opera, “American Apollo.” The added performance will occur on Friday, July 19 at the Blank Performing Arts {…}
Over 100 singers came together for a video performance of “Light Shall Lift Us,” a work by librettist Mark Campbell and composer Paul Moravec. The duo, which has worked together on “The Shining” proposed the idea to Marc Scorca of Opera America, who embraced the idea and helped put together the 107 artists who would eventually record their individual parts {…}
The Tulsa Opera has announced its 2020-21 season with three main stage productions. Here is a look at what the company will showcase. Verdi’s “Rigoletto” opens the season with a cast that includes Sarah Coburn in the role of Gilda and Allegra De Vita as Maddalena. Tomer Zvulun’s production, which was originally commissioned for Boston Lyric Opera, Atlanta Opera, and {…}
The winners of the 23rd South Bank Sky Awards were announced on July 7, 2019 during a ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London. The Sky Awards are unique in that they “celebrate every genre of the arts, including pop, dance, opera, comedy, and TV,” according to Sky News. “British culture is really thriving right now, and this year’s Awards nominees reflect the {…}
This year, Wexford Festival Opera presented the European premiere of William Bolcom and Mark Campbell’s opera “Dinner at Eight,” an operatic version of the stage play and Hollywood film of the same name. At the center of the opera is Millicent Jordan, who was portrayed in this version by soprano Mary Dunleavy. The American soprano has sung all over the {…}
Wexford has a long history, dating back to at least 800 AD when it was founded by the Vikings. Walking around the town, along the quay or through its narrow streets, there is plenty of evidence of events and people who have shaped the town. A minutes walk from my B&B is Selskar Abbey, which dates back to the 1100s, {…}
On Jan. 13 the Minnesota Opera previewed the upcoming world premiere of William Bolcom’s recent opera “Dinner at Eight.” At the Feinstein 54 Below in Manhattan, the company held a dinner for members of the New Works Forum, sponsors and donors of the company. Bolcom was present at the dinner alongside librettist Mark Campbell. During a Q & A, Bolcom {…}