Opera Philadelphia has announced a cast change for its production of “Don Giovanni.” The company said that Timothy Murray has withdrawn from the title role due to illness. As a result, Sidney Outlaw will join the cast singing the title role, and his performances will be underwritten by Sheila Kessler. Outlaw first performed the role of Don Giovanni just one year {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced its 2025-26 season. First up is the 50th anniversary gala “Vox Ex Machina.” It will feature a unique use of technology described as a singer’s aria becoming “a physical painting in real time before the audience’s eyes.” Performance Date: Sept. 13, 2025 Damiano Michieletto will direct “Il Viaggo a Reims” in its Philadelphia premiere. The opera stars {…}
Opera Philadelphia is set to close its 2024-2025 season with Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” The opera will be performed at the historic Academy of Music in a new production led by American stage director Alison Moritz. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris will lead the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra, with Elizabeth Braden leading the Opera Philadelphia Chorus. In a statement, Moritz said, “Working on this {…}
Opera Philadelphia is gearing up for its production of “The Anonymous Lover” with a series of community events. Prior to the opening of the production on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, 2025, the company will screen the 2022 film “Chevalier,” which explores the life of Joseph Bologne, the composer of “The Anonymous Lover.” The showcase is set for 7 p.m. {…}
(Photo credit: H. Paul Moon) Opera Essentia and Zen Violence Films have released a new opera film of Händel’s “Admeto.” The film stars Hans Tashjian, Jeffrey Mandelbaum, Kristin Renee Young, Nicole Besa, and Melisa Bonetti. The cast also includes a Baroque orchestra playing on period instruments. “Admeto” was filmed at the Campos Community Garden in New York City during a {…}
Opera Philadelphia returns to the historic Academy of Music in January with the company premiere of Joseph Bologne’s “The Anonymous Lover.” The 1780 opera will be performed on Jan. 31 and Feb. 2, 2025 and is widely known as Bologne’s only surviving opera. This company premiere stars soprano Symone Harcum in her Opera Philadelphia debut as Léontine, tenor Travon D. Walker {…}
(Photo courtesy of Opera Philadelphia) Opera Philadelphia has announced that every seat at every show will be $11 or “Pick Your Price.” The new price is officially available now for all productions throughout the 2024-25 season. In explaining his reason for the strategy, newly minted General Director and President of Opera Philadelphia Anthony Roth Costanzo noted that “price can be a {…}
The Music Critics Association of North America has announced that “10 Days in a Madhouse” was named the Best New Opera for 2024. The opera was composed by Rene Orth and features a libretto by Hannah Moscovitch. The work was commissioned by Opera Philadelphia and Tapestry Opera and was world premiered in 2023 as part of Opera Philadelphia’s Festival O23. {…}
The fall 2024 Works & Process season has been announced. The events will take place at the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Here is a look at the operatic events. The Metropolitan Opera will present “Grounded” by Jeanine Tesori and George Brant. The event will highlight parts of the opera which {…}
Spring was in the air in Philadelphia when I met with David B. Devan in Opera Philadelphia’s Center City offices. Warm temperatures and flowers heralded a new season, as clearly as the empty offices signaled change for the opera company. Devan is stepping down as Opera Philadelphia’s general director at the end of May. It was a decision prompted in {…}
Opera Philadelphia will preview its upcoming season with a free concert on June 20 at Dilworth Park. The showcase will feature music from “Don Giovanni,” “The Anonymous Lover,” and “Songs from the Uproar.” Performers include Tanisha Anderson, Sophia Santiago, Lauren Cook, Matthew Coules, Steven Humes, Brenton Mattox-Scott, Michael Miller, Julie Snyder, Chorus Master Elizabeth Braden, and pianist Grant Loehnig. “Opera {…}