The Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) has announced the selection of Scott Guzielek as its incoming president and artistic director, effective July 1. Guzielek, who is currently serving as the Academy’s Vice President and General Manager since 2019, will take over for K. James McDowell, who is retiring after nearly four decades of distinguished service in the top role. As {…}
Award-winning chamber choir The Crossing, led by Donald Nally, will start off its domestic season with the world premiere of Gavin Bryars’ “A Native Hill.” Bryars’ new a capella work, which will have its first performance at Philadelphia’s Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, set to texts from Wendell Berry’s 1968 essay of the same title. The follow up to his {…}
The Philadelphia Orchestra has found a replacement for Plácido Domingo to launch its 120th season. The organization announced that award-winning singer and actor Audra McDonald will perform on opening night with Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. McDonald will perform selections by Gershwin, Sondheim, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more. McDonald will be joined by Adela Zaharia, who will {…}
The Bearded Ladies Cabaret will join together with FringeArts and Opera Philadelphia during Fringe Fest to present “Late Night Snacks,” a series of nightly performances held at a pop-up cabaret bar. The industrial space at 1316 S. Percy St. will be converted into “a speakeasy like none other,” according to the press release. Bartenders from Sassafras and The Tin Angel will {…}
(Credit: Dominic M. Mercier) Opera Philadelphia will kick off its O19 Festival with the world premiere of Venables and Huffman’s opera “Denis & Katya.” The opera, co-commissioned and co-produced with Music Theatre Wales and Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier, was inspired by the “true story of two 15-year-old runaways who became social media sensations when they live streamed an armed stand-off {…}