The Kennedy Center has unveiled the first installment of its “Come, Hope” series, an initiative by the Washington National Opera inspired by Beethoven’s “Fidelio.” The video, entitled “Monuments of Hope” features mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges and bass-baritone Ryan McKinny performing in front of D.C.’s most iconic monuments including the World War II Memorial, the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Sith {…}
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 {…}
In collaboration with Dejan Vukosavljevic On the heels of its 2020-21 season cancelation, the Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2021-22 season. The company will present six new productions including three company premieres. Here is a look at the new season. New Productions The season opens with “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” by Terence Blanchard. The opera will be conducted by {…}
On Sept. 18, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg died at the age of 87. Ginsburg was known as a fearless leader who fought for gender equality and women’s rights and served on the Sumpreme Court for 27 years. She was also a lover of opera and frequently attended performances. She even made her operatic debut in 2016 in a {…}
Columbia Artists Management Inc. has announced it will shut down due to the prolonged pandemic. In a statement that was emailed Saturday to CAMI artists the agency said it would be closing its doors on Monday, August 31. “Columbia Artists has engaged with a fiduciary to enter into an assignment for the benefit of creditors, a form of insolvency proceeding {…}
(Credits: LA Philharmonic official website / Opus 3 Artists official website) The Wolf Trap Opera Summer 2020 residency program, which includes 40 artists, has entered its final stages. Members have initially quarantined for a period of two weeks in order to ensure the COVID-19-free environment. During that period, artists engaged in virtual coaching and group sessions with the guest alumni, {…}
(Credit: Bree Anne Clowd/Cassandra Kay) Houston Grand Opera has announced HGO Digital, its all-new program of digital works for the 2020–21 season. The program, which is set to open in September and extending through April 2021, will see HGO release original video content bimonthly for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes, free of charge. Programming includes one {…}
The Atlanta Opera has announced the formation of the Atlanta Opera Company Players, featuring 12 world-class singers. The 12 artists will collaborate with the company’s leadership team to reimagine its 2020–21 season. Among the singers are sopranos Jasmine Habersham and Talise Trevigne; mezzos Jamie Barton, Daniela Mack, and Megan Marino; tenors Alek Shrader and Richard Trey Smagur; baritones Michael Mayes {…}
The Kennedy Center has announced a revised 2020-21 season for the Washington National Opera. In a press release the WNO, led by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello and General Director Timothy O’Leary, announced plans for its season beginning fall 2020. The new 2020-21 will include an innovative mix of virtual performances and small-scale live performances, culminating in May and July with {…}
Santa Fe Opera has announced a new digital performance series that will take place throughout July. The series, entitled “Songs from the Santa Fe Opera,” will celebrate the opening nights of the operas that the company was originally set to perform throughout the 2020 season. “We feel strongly about bringing the joy of opera to our communities during this difficult {…}