The Spoleto Festival USA General Director Nigel Redden announced his retirement in a statement Thursday, September 24. Redden cited the cancellation of the 2020 season and “the enforced isolation of the past several months,” as his reasons for departure after 35 years at the Festival’s helm. Redden went on to say, “The Festival continues to mean an enormous amount to {…}
The Spoleto Festival USA has announced a free digital platform that begins streaming on May 22, 2020. For the purposes of this article, our sole focus will be on operatic and vocal performances being showcased. Arguably the most fascinating of offerings will be a preview for the upcoming opera “Omar” by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels. The work was one {…}
Opera America has announced the recipients for the grants given to female composers. The recipients include Du Yun, for her opera “Sweet Land;” this work is set to be presented by The Industry in Los Angeles, California. The work was written by Douglas Kearny and Aja Couchois and will also be co-composed by Raven Chacon. Next up is Caroline Shaw {…}
The Spoleto Festival USA has announced that it will be producing a new untitled opera that will be the first opera by Rhiannon Giddens. The work will center on the 1831 autobiography of Omar Ibn Said, an enslaved Muslim-African who came to Charleston’s Gadsden’s Wharf in 1807. Giddens, will be composer and librettist on the project. She is a Grammy {…}
You’ll likely notice that when you come to check out these top five picks from NORTH AMERICA, you’ll usually find just shows in the U.S. But this week, we have made a few selections truly do encapsulate North America. Pandora – FAWN Chamber Creative, Canada FAWN Chamber Creative will world premiere this opera-ballet by David James Brock and and such {…}
The Spoleto Festival USA has announced its 2019 season, which will feature one major opera production, among other performances. The festival will open with a production of Strauss’ “Salome.” The famed opera will be directed by Patrice Caurier and Mosh Leiser, with the intention of setting the work in a present-day city. It will be the duo’s ninth year with {…}
The Spoleto Festival USA has announced that its 2018 edition was the second-highest in ticket sales in its history. Per a press release, the ticket sales topped $3.3 million with over 65,000 ticket holders attending 158 performances and events. The Festival’s 2016 edition, its 40th in history, still ranks first in overall ticket sales. “Often at the end of each {…}