(Credit: Kristen Loken/San Francisco Opera) Legendary bass-baritone, educator, and humanitarian activist Simon Estes has received the San Francisco Opera Medal at the Company’s Medallion Society luncheon in the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton. Estes received the medal on March 8 from San Francisco Opera Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock. The award is the Company’s highest honor. In a {…}
Famed bass-baritone Simon Estes has announced his retirement from the opera stage. The opera legend has stated that he will give his last performance as part of the Des Moines Metro Opera’s production of “Porgy and Bess” where he will appear as Lawyer Frazier. This will mark the 103rd role of his nearly 60-year career. The opera holds particular importance {…}
OPERA America has announced “OPERA America Salutes,” a celebration of opera’s outstanding leaders and the organization’s next 50 years. The March 4, 2022 event honoring artists, producers, and champions of the art form, will take place at The University Club of New York, and be hosted by mezzo-soprano, Denyce Graves. OPERA America will funnel the proceeds for the event into {…}
Opera America has announced the inaugural group of inductees to its Opera Hall of Fame, meant to recognize outstanding achievements of American artists, administrators, and advocates. The establishment of the Opera America Hall of Fame comes on the organization’s 50th anniversary, and celebrates the progress of the art form. The inductees are Patricia K Beggs, General Director Emerita of Cincinnati Opera; {…}
With opera companies returning in full force digitally, this week’s selections will highlight a mix of repertory staples with some unique and experimental new works. Before we kick off our list, don’t forget to check out important discussions taking place regarding issues of race and equality in opera with such programs as Karen Slack’s “KikiKonversations,” Kenneth Overton’s “Black Opera Live,” and Mark {…}
Black Opera Productions has announced a virtual gala aimed at celebrating the career of Jessye Norman. Entitled “Jessye Norman at 75: A Celebration,” will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 at 6 p.m. ET. The program will feature virtual dedication from around the country with performances filmed at the Winter Garden at Brookfield Place. The program will be hosted {…}
Back in 2018, baritone Jonathan Estabrooks received a call from Lynne Block, the daughter of pre-eminent bass-baritone Simon Estes. She wanted to see if Estabrooks would work with her on a short documentary about her father’s life. Estabrooks, an internationally renowned performer, was also actively involved in the recording industry, creating music-related documentaries, hybrid music videos, and directing a TV {…}
Another week in quarantine, but yet another week of exciting opera options. For those who have followed this series, you know that the 10 we usually recommend are a mixed bunch, with the intention of filling all diverse opera appetites with a wide-ranging menu. This week is no different and perhaps, because of the unique options on offer, it might {…}
As Black History Month 2020 draws to a close, we take a look at some of the great black artists of the past and present for our latest word search. Instructions: You are free to solve the word search directly on your mobile or desktop device; just click the first and last letter of each word for it to appear {…}
(Photo by Paola Kudacki/Metropolitan Opera) The Metropolitan Opera will open its 2019-20 season with a new production of “Porgy and Bess.” The showcase on Sept. 23, 2019 will be the 55th in the company’s history and by the end of the run, the company will be inching toward 70 total performances of the opera. As we prepare to go forward {…}
Simon Estes, born on March 2, 1938, is a legendary bass-baritone. Born in Iowa, his father was a coal miner and his grandfather was a former slave. His early musical experiences were at the local Baptist church that his family attended. He entered the University of Iowa and was destined to study psychology and religion but ultimately switched to voice. {…}