Opera Philadelphia will present Karen Slack in “To Sit and Dream” as part of its Sounds of America series. The concert will be held on March 17, 2024 at Philadelphia’s Tindley Temple United Methodist Church. Appearing in this program alongside the Philadelphia Opera Chorus in partnership with Wharton-Wesley Faith Ensemble, Slack is featured in a program of music by Black {…}
Opera Philadelphia is putting its O Festival on hold. The news comes as the company announced its 2024-25 season, which included three opera productions. In a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Opera Philadelphia general director and president David B. Devan said, “It worked for a time, and then COVID happened and it’s not working the way it once did. We need {…}
(Photo credit: Erik Berg) Opera Philadelphia has announced its 2024-25 season. First up is the American premiere of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s “The Listeners,” an opera based on an original story by Jordan Tannahill. The work explores how far Americans are willing to go to find a “sense of place and purpose, and the way in which confident, charming {…}
(Photo credit: Gene Smirnov) Opera Philadelphia is set to hold “Toi Toi Toi,” a fundraising event celebrating David B. Devan’s contributions to the company. Devan, the company’s General Director and President since 2011 has announced the end of his tenure. During his time leading Opera Philadelphia, the opera company has been described as “a hotbed of operatic innovation” by the {…}
(Photo credit: Kia Caldwell Photography) Soprano Karen Slack will present “To Sit and Dream,” a concert comprised of the poems of Langston Hughes on March 17 in Philadelphia. In partnership with the Wharton-Wesley Faith Ensemble and Philadelphia soprano Slack will give a program of music by Black composers centered on four choral settings of Hughes’ poetry. Composers included on the {…}
(Photo credit: Adrien Coquet) Dr. Caitlin Vincent (University of Melbourne) and Dr. Amanda Coles (Deakin University) have published their findings on the gender inequality and the impacts of non-standard work in the US opera industry. The team tracked women’s representation as conductors, directors, and designers at the 11 largest opera companies in the United States – the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced a new cast change for its production of “Simon Boccanegra” on Oct. 1, 2023. The company said, “Last night, Jennifer Rowley made her Opera Philadelphia debut, jumping into the role of Maria/Amelia last-minute and charming Friday night’s audience. You have another chance to see her at Sunday’s 2:00 p.m. matinee.” Rowley also added, “With a little {…}
(Credit: Chris Singer) Opera Philadelphia has announced a cast change for its production of “Simon Boccanegra.” The company noted that Jennifer Rowley will replace Ana María Martínez for the performance on Sept. 29, 2023. In a statement via social media Rowley added, “This doesn’t happen all that often in the USA, but when that call comes, you can be sure {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced it is cutting its budget and eliminating five positions. The company noted that due to a post-pandemic slump, it will cut its current annual budget by about 20 percent from its originally approved $13.3 million and will cut five positions or about 16 percent of staff. Additionally, it announced it would be postponing its production of {…}
Opera Philadelphia is set to present “Late Night Snacks” from the Bearded Ladies Cabaret in September. The night will be hotsed by Jarbeaux, Cookie Diorio, and Eric Jaffe at The Closet, a custom-built cabaret at 201 South St. There will also be special guests from Opera Philadelphia including Dicky Dutton and Samantha Rose Williams to legendary composer Jennifer Higdon. Performances {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced its lineup of upcoming free outdoor performances. First up, the company and the East Passyunk Opera Project (ePOP) will team together to present an operatic concert at the Center City District’s “Arts on Center Stage” in Dilworth Park. Aubry Ballarò, Kathryn Leemhuis, Taylor-Alexis Dupont, John Viscardi, Jorell Williams, and Aurelien Eulert are solists Performance Date: August 24, {…}