The Houston Grand Opera has announced that it will present an in-person live event. “My Favorite Things: Songs from The Sound of Music” will take place at the University of Houston’s TDECU Stadium on May 8, 2021 and will be headlined by soprano Jeanine De Bique and Michael Mayes, as well as the cast of the company’s originally programmed production {…}
Fort Worth Opera (FWO) has announced an expansion of its 2021 spring lineup that comprises a film festival in partnership with the Metropolitan Opera, a virtual celebration of Black History Month, a collaboration with Opera San José, drive-in events, and more. For the first time in FWO’s 74-year history, the company will collaborate with the Metropolitan Opera to create an {…}
It turns out that despite some progress, we are in for a sustained lockdown period to start 2021. But what we are also seeing from opera companies is greater flexibility and creativity on the streaming front. That is on full display in this week’s edition of our top 10 operas to stream with a bevy of new short opera films, {…}
Fort Worth Opera (FWO) has announced “A Night of Black Excellence: Past, Present, and Future,” a virtual benefit concert to celebrate Black History Month, on Sunday, February 21. Hosted by Tashara Parker, the showcase will feature internationally renowned artists including Patrice P. Eaton, Nicole Heaston, Cameo Humes, Keron Jackson, Latonia Moore, NaGuanda Nobles, Kenneth Overton, Chivonne Perkins, Adam Richarson, Audra {…}
Houston Grand Opera has announced the return of “Giving Voice: Lawrence Brownlee and Friends Sing Opera, Gospel, and Standards” on Jan. 22, 2021. The original concert sold out during its initial showcase back in 2020 at Wortham, and this latest installment will feature the return of Lawrence Brownlee as co-host alongside soprano Nicole Heaston. The free digital stream will feature {…}
Houston Grand Opera is set to present on November 27, 2020, a double-bill of “Bon Appétit!” and “The Impresario.” The first work is based on an episode of a children’s TV show called “The French Chef.” This one-woman opera is written by Lee Hoiby, directed by Ryan KcKinny, and will feature renowned mezzo Jamie Barton in the role of Julia {…}
This week climaxes in World Opera Day on Oct. 25. So in leading up to that momentous celebration (which will feature half of the entries on this list), our recommendations will spotlight diversity in the opera world, offering up audiences a chance to check out works by and featuring BIPOC composers and performers as well as unique performance experiences that {…}
Houston Grand Opera has announced that it will present “Vinkensport” or “The Finch opera” by composer David T. Little and Royce Vavrek. The showcase is set for Oct. 23, 2020 and will be streamed virtually for one month following release via Marquee TV. The performance will star Nicole Heaston as Sir Elton John’s Trainer with soprano Elena Villalón as Farinelli’s {…}
Cincinnati Song Initiative has announced its 2020-21 season which will feature all-digital performances. The season will feature mainstage projects including “A World of Song,” “Winter Song Festival,” and “Let it Be New.” A World of Song The main slate will kick off with “For the Dream Unfinished” starring Jasmine Habersham, Nicole Heaston, Nicholas Newton, Blair Salter, and Rolando Salazar. The {…}
The Malmö Opera has announced its 2020-21 season. The Swedish opera house kicks off its season with “Transformations in Hell.” The opera by composer Isabelle Aboulker and librettist Jean-Pierre Vaguer will be directed by Dite Hammar and stars Tor Lind The, Hanna Fritzson, Linnea Andreassen, and Teresia Books. Performance Dates: July 25 – August 22, 2020 Next on the slate {…}
On Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, the Houston Grand Opera will present “Giving Voice,” a concert presented by tenor Lawrence Brownlee. The performance will be live streamed via YouTube and is set to feature J’Nai Bridges, Nicole Heaston, Reginald Smith Jr., and Russell Thomas. Kevin Miller will be at the piano. The concert was developed by Brownlee in association with the {…}