Washington National Opera’s new production of “Aida” will not be a traditional approach. But that isn’t to say that it will be a completely radical approach. According to a press release WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, who will direct the new version of Verdi’s late masterpiece, is inspired by the street artist RETNA, whose work uses calligraphy, hieroglyphics, and striking {…}
Opera America has awarded $100,000 to six opera companies for their support for female composers. The six companies include the Houston Grand Opera, Minnesota Opera, Opera Parallèle, Sarasota Opera, Seattle Opera and Washington National Opera. The Houston Grand has commission Nkeiru Okoye’s “Home of My Ancestors” while Minnesota Opera’s grant is for Paola Prestini’s “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.” {…}
The Washington National Opera has announced the roster of emerging artists engaged for the 16th season of its Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, which begins in September. In sum, there are 11 singers and two pianists/coaches. The 2017–2018 Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists including baritone Michael Adams, tenor Frederick Ballentine, mezzo Eliza Bonet, bass Timothy J. Bruno, mezzo Allegra De Vita, tenor Arnold {…}
It was backstage at the Washington National Opera Gala after a star-studded evening. The stars standing outside their dressing rooms receiving backstage guests as they started to accumulate at the bottom of the stairs in their evening wear. That’s where we caught WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, who had, as she is known to do, watched the entire show from {…}
Philippe Auguin is the new Music Director Emeritus of the Washington National Opera Orchestra. Auguin will take the post during the 2018-19 season and his position as Music Director will not be extended beyond the 2017-18 season. By the end of that very season, Auguin will have completed eight seasons with the company as its Music Director and will have {…}
How do you put on a gala? That is a question that most houses sometimes ask. Some think it is about uniting the most stars and having them walk on stage and just sing arias one after the other. Other houses put on different scenes from operas. Most recently we witnessed singers in costumes, standing and singing for over four {…}
Aretha Franklin has canceled the Washington National Opera Gala. Franklin was unable to travel due to doctor’s orders and said, “I very much regret not being able to attend and perform at the Washington National Opera Gala. I send my very best wishes for a successful and beautiful evening.” As a result, Cynthia Erivo, the Tony-winning star of Broadway’s “The {…}
The Metropolitan Opera season may be over, but a lot of other opera companies remain open for business. Sadly this weekend represents a great number of goodbyes for the time being. If you want opera, here are the companies to look up during the weekend. The Canadian Opera Company is finishing up its run of Puccini’s “Tosca” on Friday and {…}
The Washington National Opera has announced that legendary Queen of Soul and Kennedy Center Honoree Aretha Franklin, Tony-winning Broadway luminary Brian Stokes Mitchell, and current Hamilton star Jordan Donica will perform at the 2017 WNO Opera Gala, Trading Voices. The stars will join mezzo-soprano and D.C. native, Denyce Graves, Hamilton Tony Award winner Leslie Odom Jr., and, soprano Renée Fleming {…}
It is yet another busy opera weekend across North America, with the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016-17 season, the longest running in the country, coming to a close. Here is a rundown of the companies and works they will be presenting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. As with last weekend’s edition, we will list the companies and corresponding productions. For more information {…}
Opera season remains in full swing across North America as summer fast approaches. With so many companies in business this weekend, we have opted for a slight shift in structure. Instead of a series of paragraphs, we will go list form for this week’s edition and any with this massive amount of productions. Behold the opera events of the weekend {…}