New Amsterdam Opera Announces Artistic Advisory Board

New Amsterdam Opera is thrilled to announce its Artistic Advisory Board. These masters in their respective fields have graciously agreed to share their artistic counsel, wisdom, and expertise with New Amsterdam Opera in pursuing its mission of Opera with a Purpose - To Enchant, Enlighten, & Engage!

John Beeson has had an extensive career in opera. During his tenure with New York City Opera (1977 - 2010) he spent 20 years as Chief of Music Staff. He joined The Metropolitan Opera music staff in 1996. As a coach and Assistant Conductor he has also worked for Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Boston Opera, and the Spoleto Festival. The preparation of Ring Cycles for San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, and The Met are among his many notable contributions.

Robert Brubaker has established himself as a leading tenor in opera companies throughout the United States and Europe, including at The Metropolitan Opera, the Salzburg Festival, and La Scala. He is praised for the clarity and power of his voice and for the impact of his acting. Mr. Brubaker has been hailed as a "dynamic tenor" (New York Times), with a "big heroic sound" (London Times)."

Katherine Ciesinski is an accomplished American mezzo-soprano that the New York Times has called "a singer of rare communicative presence, and a musician of discrimination and intelligence." She pursues a fully integrated career with performances in venues that include Covent Garden, The Metropolitan Opera, and the Paris Opera. Ms. Ciesinski is also a noted voice professor and a director.

Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor, began performing professionally at the age of 11 and has since appeared in opera, concert, recital, film, and on Broadway. Mr. Costanzo's performances with opera companies throughout the world, such as The Metropolitan Opera, the English National Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago, have garnered him well-deserved praise. The New Yorker has described him as "a brilliant young countertenor" who "acted with a stage veteran's skill."

Carole Farley is a GRAMMY-nominated American soprano who has enjoyed a thriving international career singing roles from the standard repertory as well as non-traditional role - for example, she debuted at The Metropolitan Opera as Mimi in La bohème and shortly thereafter sang the title role in The Met's premiere of Lulu under the baton of James Levine. Other companies with which Ms. Farley has performed include New York City Opera, Zurich Opera, and Turin's Teatro Regio.

Peter Kazaras is a stage director whose credits include productions for Seattle Opera, Washington National Opera, and The Glimmerglass Festival. Previously, he was the Seattle Opera's Artistic Advisor and Artistic Director of the Young Artist Program. Earlier in his career, he received worldwide acclaim as an operatic tenor, performing at, among many others, the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, and Deutsche Oper Berlin.

Jack O'Brien is a director, producer, writer, and lyricist. For his work, Mr. O'Brien has earned three Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards, and he has been inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. His opera directing credits include Puccini's Il trittico for The Metropolitan Opera, Mozart's The Magic Flute for San Francisco Opera, Verdi's Aida for Houston Grand Opera.

Jonathan Pell served as Artistic Director of The Dallas Opera for 30 years. He has chaired the Richard Tucker Music Foundation's National Auditions Committee and served on the Board of the ARIA Awards. He has also served as a distinguished adjudicator for many prestigious international vocal competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Luciano Pavarotti Competition, and the George London Foundation.

Ira Siff is well known for his work in opera, including as Commentator on the Metropolitan Opera Radio Broadcast; reviewer and feature article journalist for Opera News; founder and star of La Gran Scena Opera Company; vocal / repertoire coach and internationally acclaimed master teacher; and director.

Frederica von Stade has been described by the New York Times as "one of America's finest artists and singers," and she continues to be extolled as one of the music world's most beloved figures. In addition to her appearances in operas, Ms. von Stade is also known throughout the world for her performances in concerts, recitals, and on television. She has made over sixty recordings with every major label including CBS Records, Deutsche Gramophone, Decca, and EMI. Known to family, friends, and fans by her nickname "Flicka," the mezzo-soprano has enriched the world of classical music since her debut at The Met in 1970.