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 {…}
(Credit: Steven Kemp) Opera San José is set to present Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s classic “West Side Story.” The American tale of two star-crossed lovers and the prejudices that keep them apart will be conducted by Christopher James Ray, staged by director Crystal Manich, and choreographed by Michael Pappalardo. The production will be performed by soprano Teresa Castillo as {…}
(Credits: © McQueen / Deutsche Oper am Rhein official website / © Jean-Baptiste Millot / Jiyang Chen) Opéra National du Rhin in Strasbourg, France has announced its 2021-22 season. Here is the full slate. Operas Hans Abrahamsen’s “The Snow Queen” will spotlight Lauren Snouffer, Rachael Wilson, Helena Rasker, David Leigh, Michael Smallwood, Owen Willetts, Floriane Derthe, and Moritz Kallenberg. Robert {…}
Opera San José has announced plans to create the Fred Heiman Digital Media Studio, a state-of-the-art performance space housed within Opera San José headquarters in Northern California. The project demonstrates OSJ’s commitment to presenting the first half of its 2020 – 21 season while safeguarding audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded by Opera San José trustee Peggy Heiman in honor {…}