(Credit: Paola Kudacki / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to present a new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The new production will open on Dec. 31, 2024, and will be directed by Michael Mayer, who has already been in charge of the Met’s productions of “Grounded,” “Rigoletto,” “La Traviata,” and “Marnie.” This will be the first new production of {…}
Cincinnati Opera has announced its 2025 season celebrating its 105th anniversary season. In a statement General Director Christopher Milligan said, “We’re thrilled to invite audiences to experience our 2025 Summer Festival, a season that reflects our commitment to both tradition and exploration. We aspire to offer accessible points of entry to enjoy opera, and we hope that productions like Fiddler on {…}
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 {…}
The Washington Chorus has announced its 2024-25 season. Dr. Eugene Rogers conducts Morris Robinson in music by Jessie Montgomery, Aaron Copland, and Carlos Simon/Dan Harder. rs. Performance Dates: Sept. 14, 2024 Dr. Eugene Rogers conducts Suzzette Ortiz. Performance Dates: Dec. 14-22, 2024 Dr. Eugene Rogers conducts Damian Norfleet and Monique Holmes-Spells in music by Leonard Bernstein, Nkeiru Okoye, Eugene Rogers, {…}
Fort Worth Opera is set to offer ‘An Evening with Morris Robinson.’ This one-night-only performance on June 18, 2024 at the Kimbell Art Museum will feature the bass performing works from the classical canon alongside traditional Black spirituals in honor of Juneteenth. Pianist Caren Levine will accompany Robinson. In a statement, Fort Worth Opera General & Artistic Director Angela Turner {…}
The Boston Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a look at the vocal performance. Andris Nelsons conducts the opening night concert with Lang Lang and Gina Alice Redlinger as well as Susan Graham and Keila Wakao. The program includes music by Carlos Simon, Ravel, Canteloube, Saint-Saens, and Ravel. Performance Date: Sept. 19, 2024 Andris Nelsons conducts Mahler’s {…}
The National Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a look at the vocal performances on offer. Eugene Rogers conducts Morris Robinson in a program that includes music by Jessie Montgomery, Aaron Copland, and Carlos Simon. Performance Date: Sept. 14, 2024 Gianandrea Noseda and Rachel Willis-Sørensen join forces for music by Carlos Simon, Strauss, and Beethoven. Performance Dates: Oct. {…}
The Anna H. Wang Concert Series is set to present “Morris & Friends: An Evening of Opera & Gospel.” The showcase will be headlined by bass Morris Robinson, who is joined by such artists as soprano Brandie Sutton, soprano Michelle Bradley, tenor Aaron Crouch, countertenor John Holiday, and conductor Brandon Waddles. Also on the program is Patrick Lundry & The Minister of {…}
The Washington National Opera is set to open its 2023–2024 season with the world premiere of “Grounded.” The opera, which is set to be presented between Oct. 28–Nov.13, is composed by two-time Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori with a libretto adapted by George Brant from his eponymous play. The opera will be directed by Michael Mayer. “Grounded” tells the story {…}
The Fort Worth Opera has announced its 2023-24 season. The season opens with “Dinner with the Stars,” a fundraising dinner hosted by Joe Illick, Music Director Emeritus and dear friend to the company. The dinner will feature soloists Vanessa Becerra, Siphokazi Molteno, Alok Kumar, and Kofi Hayford. Performance Date: Sept. 22, 2023 The continues with “La Médium” in Spanish by Gian Carlo Menotti. Directed {…}
Photo: ShoutPR (Shout Factory) This review was written jointly by Chris and Finn Ruel. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” directed by Florian Sigl, hit the silver screen nationwide on Mar. 10, 2023. It’s a fantasy film that captures the essence of Mozart’s stunning operatic fairy tale and does it well. There is much to commend about Sigl’s film. It’s well put {…}