Giuseppe Verdi News

San Francisco Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi's Aida in a new production directed by Francesca Zambello and featuring designs by Los Angeles-based, contemporary visual artist RETNA (Marquis Duriel Lewis). A co-production with Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera and Minnesota Opera, this striking and bold vision for Verdi's enduring classic will feature soprano Leah Crocetto and tenor Brian Jagde in their role debuts as the lovers at the heart of the opera, the enslaved princess Aida and the Egyptian war hero Radames. Mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Semenchuk is Amneris, the daughter of the king who desires Radames' love, baritone George Gagnidze portrays Aida's vengeful father, Amonasro, and bass Raymond Aceto is Ramfis. The international cast and San Francisco Opera Orchestra will be conducted by Company Music DirectorNicola Luisotti. Resident Conductor Jordi Bernàcer will conduct the final performance on December 6.Ian Robertson is Chorus Director.

When it comes to the theatrical art of farce, Ken Ludwig's hilarious 1986 stage play LEND ME A TENOR certainly qualifies as a perfect example of the genre. Amusingly cheeky throughout, the 9-time Tony Award nominated comedy has been revived locally with a posh new production under the direction of Art Manke that is now playing at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts through November 13. Utilizing a laundry list of classic madcap set-ups, LEND ME A TENOR feels very much like a well-paced, meticulously crafted, old fashioned sitcom episode that has been super-sized into two gloriously funny acts.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra presents Russian poetry readings following October 29-30 performances of the all-Tchaikovsky concert program that marks Xian Zhang's debut as NJSO Music Director. Victoria Juharyan-who earned audience raves for post-concert Russian poetry readings in 2015-returns to read poems by Tchaikovsky's favorite poet, Alexander Pushkin, and more, in the original Russian. Attendees will also hear the poems in English translation at these NJSO Accent events, which are free to concert ticketholders.

Conducted by CSO Music Director Rossen Milanov, this passionate and spectacular piece touches every emotion from stark terror to soothing beauty to an uplifting sense of spirituality. Although composed as a sacred work, its deep theatricality has led to it being frequently described as "Verdi's greatest opera." To adequately convey the breadth of his vision, Verdi called for the combined forces of a full orchestra, chorus, and four solo vocalists. As such, the Columbus Symphony will be joined by the Columbus Symphony Chorus, soprano Michelle Johnson, mezzo-soprano Margaret Mezzacappa, tenor Evan Johnson, and bass Burak Bilgili.

Internationally renowned conductor Xian Zhang makes her debut as the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra's 14th Music Director at venues throughout the state across two weekends, October 27-November 6 in Newark, Princeton, New Brunswick, Morristown and Englewood.

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) is pleased to announce the promotion and addition of new members to its music staff. Katherine Kozak, continuing in the position of Chorus Master at Florida Grand Opera and celebrating 20 years in the opera industry, will be promoted to also serve as Head Coach of the company's Young Artist Program. Howard Lubin will serve as Senior Coach, and Paul Schwartz and Paul Kovacovic will fill the roles of staff accompanists.

Sarasota Opera and the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, FL will collaborate once again on a series of talks to be held at the Sarasota Opera House.

Presentato oggi alla 'Casa Argentina' di Roma (Sede Culturale Ambasciata Argentina in Italia) il Musical  'Evita' con Malika Ayane, regia di Massimo Romeo Piparo.

Bank of America will sponsor seven New Jersey Symphony Orchestra concerts in the 2016-17 season, including Xian Zhang's October 29 debut as NJSO Music Director in New Brunswick, as well as the Orchestra's final two performances of the season, June 10-11. The seven performances, all under Zhang's baton, span concerts at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick and Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.

Friday was a big day at Florida Grand Opera (FGO). The company held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to commemorate the largest gift in its 75 year history - its 35,000 square foot office and rehearsal space. FGO's General Director and CEO, Susan T. Danis, opened the event with a short introduction welcoming press and donors to the momentous occasion and expressing the sincere gratitude of all those affiliated with the Opera.

'The tale of an eighteenth century Scandinavian king may sound dull, but this bit of history feels more like something out of 'GAME OF THRONES.'

General Director Plácido Domingo announced today that the company's third season of annual live simulcasts will expand to two locations this year.

Sarasota Opera and the Hermitage Artist Retreat in Englewood, FL will collaborate once again on a series of talks to be held at the Sarasota Opera House.

San Francisco Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi's Aida in a new production directed by Francesca Zambello and featuring designs by Los Angeles-based, contemporary visual artist RETNA(Marquis Duriel Lewis). A co-production with Washington National Opera, Seattle Opera and Minnesota Opera, this striking and bold vision for Verdi's enduring classic will feature soprano Leah Crocetto and tenor Brian Jagde in their role debuts as the lovers at the heart of the opera, the enslaved princess Aida and the Egyptian war hero Radames. Mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Semenchuk is Amneris, the daughter of the king who desires Radames' love, baritoneGeorge Gagnidze portrays Aida's vengeful father, Amonasro, and bass Raymond Aceto is Ramfis. The international cast and San Francisco Opera Orchestra will be conducted by Company Music Director Nicola Luisotti. Resident Conductor Jordi Bernacer will conduct the final performance on December 6. Ian Robertson is Chorus Director.

Pittsburgh Opera opens its 78th season with the Giuseppe Verdi favorite La traviata, at the Benedum Center October 8th -16th.

Pittsburgh Opera opens its 78th season with the Giuseppe Verdi favorite La traviata, at the Benedum Center October 8th-16th. La traviata - the fallen woman - is a compelling tale of love, intrigue, money, and power in 19th century France. It tells the heart-wrenching story of courtesan Violetta Valery, played by Pittsburgh favorite Danielle Pastin.

Acclaimed Italian choreographer Caterina Rago will return to New York this fall with her company of eight female dancers in her new full-evening work, "Labir Into," October 6 though October 8 at New York Live Arts. Caterina Rago is the only female choreographer from Italy running a modern dance company in NYC.

Florida Grand Opera (FGO) announced today that it will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Media Tour to commemorate the largest gift received in the history of the company. General Director and CEO Susan Danis said, "We are speechless. This generosity exceeds anything we could have imagined."

Award-winning singer and PBS/WNET and NY affiliates Host for Andrea Bocelli 'Live From Central Park' and 'Il Volo Takes Flight' CRISTINA FONTANELLI brings her program of Italy's best-loved songs, arias, Neapolitan and Christmas classics during her 13th-Annual 'Christmas In Italy' at the Washington Irving Campus Landmark Theater, 40 Irving Place in Gramercy Park, NYC 10003 (between 16th and 17th Streets) on Sunday, December 18 at 3:00 p. m.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has welcomed new musicians and artistic staff to the Orchestra. In the 2016-17 season, David Southorn joins the Orchestra as Assistant Concertmaster; NJSO first violinist Adriana Rosin has also been named Assistant Concertmaster.