Ricky Ian Gordon News

Chicago Opera Theater's General Director Andreas Mitisek today announced plans for the company's 41st season, featuring classic and contemporary operas replete with intense drama and marvelous music. Tobias Picker's 'Therese Raquin,' Ricky Ian Gordon's 'A Coffin in Egypt' and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 'Lucio Silla' will all be staged at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street.

Legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade has performed many of opera's greatest roles in her storied career that began in 1970. In June, she makes her Opera Philadelphia debut in an incredible new role written just for her, in the East Coast Premiere of A Coffin in Egypt by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist/director Leonard Foglia.

Houston Grand Opera announced at its annual meeting today that its 2013-14 season surpassed previous records for attendance and fundraising. Marking the fourth consecutive year of expanding its season, HGO presented eight main-stage productions (up from seven last season), with a total of forty-nine performances-compared to forty-six the previous year. Attendance rose 3 percent over last season, or 28 percent over 2009-10, and the organization's comprehensive campaign has raised more than $157 million, on track to reach its $165 million goal by December 2014.

Houston Grand Opera drew the season to a close with hit new productions of Das Rheingold and Carmen that prompted CultureMap Houston to conclude: 'This is, without doubt, the epitome of early twenty-first century opera production. It's where we are going, and it's thrilling.'

Nancy Rhodes, artistic director of Encompass New Opera Theatre, announced today that Klea Blackburst, actress, singer and comedienne best known for her award-winning tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything The Traffic Will Allow, will be the featured performer at the Encompass Jazz Cabaret Gala in Manhattan on June 25th, 2014. The benefit will take place at 7:00 PM in a spacious penthouse with panoramic views at 66 Leonard Street.

General Director Plácido Domingo announced today that Grant Gershon has renewed his contract at LA Opera's Resident Conductor, effective through June of 2017.

General Director Plácido Domingo announced today that Grant Gershon has renewed his contract at LA Opera's Resident Conductor, effective through June of 2017.

Seven productions tempt opera-lovers in a bright summer season.

Seven productions tempt opera-lovers in a bright summer season.

Opera Philadelphia, in collaboration with Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group in New York, is proud to announce that composer David T. Little has been selected as its fourth Composer in Residence (CIR). Little was chosen from over 100 applicants for the position and now has the opportunity to follow a personalized development track focused on the advancement of his skills as an operatic composer.

North Carolina Opera, under the leadership of General Director Eric Mitchko and Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Timothy Myers, presents 'Opera in the Pines' at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary tonight, May 17 at 7 p.m. Maestro Timothy Myers conducts the North Carolina Opera Orchestra and vocal soloists Hailey Clark, Kate Farrar, Noah Stewart, and Ted Federle in a concert of Broadway and opera favorites.

Opera Philadelphia, in collaboration with Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group in New York, is proud to announce that composer David T. Little has been selected as its fourth Composer in Residence (CIR). Little was chosen from over 100 applicants for the position and now has the opportunity to follow a personalized development track focused on the advancement of his skills as an operatic composer.

The Collegiate Chorale announces the New York premiere of battle hymns tonight, May 15, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street in New York, NY.

Producing Artistic Director Mark Cortale, now entering his fourth season at the helm of Provincetown's Art House Theater, has made the picturesque Cape Cod town a must-do stop on the itinerary of Broadway's brightest stars. The Art House continues to somehow top itself with each successive summer's celebrity lineup.

Legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade has performed many of opera's greatest roles in her storied career that began in 1970. In June, she makes her Opera Philadelphia debut in an incredible new role written just for her, in the East Coast Premiere of A Coffin in Egypt by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist/director Leonard Foglia.

Orchestra Seattle and the Seattle Chamber Singers (OSSCS) closes their 2013-2014 season with Reflection and Wonder at the First Free Methodist Church in Queen Anne. Clinton Smith conducts the following pieces for the final concert of his inaugural season as music director.

Nancy Rhodes, artistic director of Encompass New Opera Theatre, announced today that Klea Blackburst, actress, singer and comedienne best known for her award-winning tribute to Ethel Merman, Everything The Traffic Will Allow, will be the featured performer at the Encompass Jazz Cabaret Gala in Manhattan on June 25th, 2014. The benefit will take place at 7:00 PM in a spacious penthouse with panoramic views at 66 Leonard Street.

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Opera Philadelphia will join together in a first-time co-production-a theatrically-inspired production of Richard Strauss's compelling and provocative masterpiece, Salome. Two sold-out performances are set to take place tonight, May 8, and Saturday, May 10, 2014, in the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall, and will be led by Philadelphia Orchestra Music Director Yannick Nezet-Seguin. Audiences will enjoy a groundbreaking blend of the distinctive sound of The Philadelphia Orchestra, one of the preeminent orchestras in the world, and Opera Philadelphia's dynamic theatrical presentation. These landmark performances are made possible in part by the generous support of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation, and the Presser Foundation.