The fully staged production of “West Side Story” by the Washington National Opera (WNO) at Lyric Baltimore is an example of turning a disaster into a great success. Making a calculated and difficult decision, WNO decided to take the company out of the former Kennedy Center. Unlike City Opera in New York, WNO’s decision was a moral choice, not a {…}
There are evenings when a thematic program feels like an academic conceit, and others when it becomes a kinetic organism. The Norwegian National Opera’s “Wonderful Bernstein!” concert belonged emphatically to the latter category: a selection of Leonard Bernstein’s works reflecting the American spirit not as monument, but as motion — restless, jazzy, and theatrically alive. The architecture of the {…}
The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra will present a fully staged production of “West Side Story” on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The production is led by Music Director Julian Kuerti, with stage direction by Chía Patiño and choreography by Erin Moore. The 31-person cast will be headlined by tenor Andrew Bidlack as Tony and soprano Cecilia Violetta López as Maria. Other cast {…}
The Washington National Opera has announced venues and dates for its production of Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” The company revealed that it will perform the work at the Lyric Baltimore on May 8, 9, 10 and at the Music Center at Strathmore, May 14 and 15, 2026. In a statement, WNO General Director Timothy O’Leary said, “We are grateful that {…}
On Sept. 27, 2025, LA Opera is set to present “West Side Story” live in high-definition video from nine cameras at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to large LED screens at Altadena’s Loma Alta Park and at the Santa Monica Pier. Music Director James Conlon will conduct a production staged by director Francesca Zambello. The cast will include soprano Gabriella Reyes {…}
(Credit: Todd Rosenberg / Lyric Opera of Chicago) LA Opera will launch its 40th Anniversary Season with the company premiere of “West Side Story.” The work will be performed between Sept. 20 and Oct. 12, 2025. In a statement Christopher Koelsch said, “We have wanted to present ‘West Side Story’ for well over a decade, and all of the elements—including {…}
On July 13, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma canceled the July 13 performance of “West Side Story” at the Terme di Caracalla due to bad weather. The company said, “Unfortunately, due to the ongoing thunderstorm, tonight’s performance of West Side Story (July 13) is CANCELLED.” It added several methods of reimbursement and ticket replacement for the performance. The company said {…}
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, now in its thirteenth year, is a cultural entity in Australia, made possible with the ongoing financial assistance of the Japanese businessman, philanthropist and spiritual leader, the mysterious Dr Haruhisa Handa. This time in every year (except for 2020, due to COVID cancellations), an enormous stage is erected on the water of Sydney Harbour, while {…}
The Gran Theatre del Liceu has announced that it will present Bernstein’s “West Side Story” in concert during the 2024-25 season. The company said, that the performances on July 29 and 31, will feature Gustavo Dudamel, Nadine Sierra, and Juan Diego Flórez. Dudamel famously conducted the 2021 film adaptation of the work, which was directed by Steven Spielberg. Meanwhile, both {…}
Opera Australia has announced that the cast of “West Side Story.” opening on March 22, hail from all over Australia. The performers come from Mount Gambier, Wagga Wagga, Alice Springs, Gold Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Melbourne and Adelaide. There is also one international cast member from the U.S. The cast includes First Nations soprano Nina Korbe as Maria and Canberran Billy {…}
(Photo Credit: Chris Lee) On September 12, 2023, the New York Philharmonic opened its “The Art of the Score” series with Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film adaptation of Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” The series features the orchestra playing the score to a selection of films projected onto the screen above the stage, creating a truly immersive musical experience. The choice {…}