(Photo: Hillary Scott) I imagine that every lover of opera can reference memorable “Toscas” in their life, whether recordings or live performances. My first–as a young buff, via a vinyl box set–was indeed a classic. All thanks to Gino, who–many years ago–managed the classical section of LPs at Sam Goody’s in Yonkers. He could always be relied upon for spot-on {…}
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2025-26 Season. Here is a look at the vocal highlights. Kazuki Yamada conducts Elgar’s “The Dream of Gerontius” with soloists Jess Dandy, Roderick Williams and David Butt Philip. Performance Date: Sept. 17, 2025 Osmo Vanka conducts a program of Sibelius and Shostakovich. Helena Juntunen is the soloist. Performance Date: Nov. 19, {…}
The Opéra National de Paris will showcase a concert of Rolex ambassadors on May 11, 2025. The event will feature Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in its Paris Opera debut. Soloists include Sonya Yoncheva, Juan Diego Flórez, Rolando Villazón, Sir Bryn Terfel, and pianist Yuja Wang. Yoncheva will perform the Habanera from “Carmen,” while Flórez takes on “Salut, {…}
The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has launched the £15,000 Sir Bryn Terfel Song Prize. The first edition of this prize is set for November 2025 with singers nominated by UK conservatories. Singers must present at least one song in Welsh and another in their native language. The artists will engage with the College for a fully-funded three-day {…}
(Photo credits: Jenkins & Eccles) Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute presents the seventh year of SongStudio from Jan. 13–19, 2025. The annual intensive workshop brings eight emerging vocalists and collaborative pianists from around the world together with leading artists and coaches for a week of instruction and performance at Carnegie Hall. The 2025 SongStudio participants will receive private lessons and coaching {…}
Sir Bryn Terfel has been revealed as one of the coaches for ‘The Voice Wales.’ The news was announced via social media and noted that Terfel will take one of the famed red chairs. The Voice Wales will be presented by Radio 1 DJ Sian Eleri and the Welsh-language version will become the 75th international adaptation of The Voice format. {…}
(Credit: Chris Christodoulou) The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a rundown of the vocal performances on offer. The season opens with a concert featuring soprano Sarah Wegener. The program includes Strauss’ “Four Last Songs” and works by Juan Bautista Plaza and Mahler. Domingo Hindoyan conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. 17 & 20, 2024 Next up is {…}
Andrea Bocelli is set to celebrate his 30th anniversary this summer in Tuscany. The superstar tenor will be joined by several personalities from the around the world including opera stars Plácido Domingo, Bryn Terfel, José Carreras, Aida Garifullina, and Nadine Sierra. The program will also include Sofia Vergara, Mateo Bocelli, Virginia Bocelli, Shania Twain, Lang Lang, Russell Crowe, Jon Baptiste, {…}
The Chorégies d’Orange has announced its 2024 season featuring pop, opera, and orchestra concerts. Here is a look at the operatic offerings this summer. Claire Antoine, Héloïse Poulet, and Léo Vermot-Desroches perform in recital alongside Kira Parfeevets. Performance Date: July 21, 2024 Aleksandra Kurzak leads Puccini’s “Tosca” in a concert performance alongside Roberto Alagna and Bryn Terfel. The Orchestre Philharmonique {…}
Welcome back to this week’s look at the newest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. Among the major options are three DVD releases, a world premiere, and a film album by the world’s most famous tenor. Here’s the rundown. Oklahoma Chandos Records releases a recording of Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s beloved musical, “Oklahoma” led by acclaimed conductor John Wilson. The {…}
The Fortas Chamber Music Concert has announced its 2023-24 season. For this article, we will highlight the one vocal concert that will be performed during the season. Sir Bryn Terfel will perform alongside Hannah Stone and Annabel Thwaite in a recital dedicated to Finzi, John Thomas, Schubert, Jesus Guridi, and traditional works. Performance Date: Nov. 19, 2023 The season will {…}