BWW Blog: Leah Edwards - Practice. Perform. Repeat
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - May 20, 2013
In the beginning, there is an artist and a dream. Then there are lessons and years of practice and graduations and eventually the realization that you're succeeding at making a living doing what you love most. It turns out, though, that that is where the work really begins.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - May 20, 2013
In the beginning, there is an artist and a dream. Then there are lessons and years of practice and graduations and eventually the realization that you're succeeding at making a living doing what you love most. It turns out, though, that that is where the work really begins.
Duke Ellington, Ernest Bloch and Two German Operas Set for Chicago Opera Theater's 2014 Season
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2013
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) General Director Andreas Mitisek announces programming for COT's 2014 season, including two operas and a double-bill of one-acts. Mitisek comments, 'It's a season that is 100% 20th century and 150% COT. New, rare and with contemporary relevance for a curious audience that is hungry for new theatrical experiences.'
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2013
Chicago Opera Theater (COT) General Director Andreas Mitisek announces programming for COT's 2014 season, including two operas and a double-bill of one-acts. Mitisek comments, 'It's a season that is 100% 20th century and 150% COT. New, rare and with contemporary relevance for a curious audience that is hungry for new theatrical experiences.'
Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of FIGARO!, Coming This June to NSD Theater
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2013
After a sold-out premiere in November 2012 at Dixon Place, Figaro! (90210) returns for a limited run between June 11 and 16, 2013. Morningside Opera will present the show in concert performances at The NSD Theater (151 Bank Street, west of Hudson) in the West Village. Meet the cast in the photos below!
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2013
After a sold-out premiere in November 2012 at Dixon Place, Figaro! (90210) returns for a limited run between June 11 and 16, 2013. Morningside Opera will present the show in concert performances at The NSD Theater (151 Bank Street, west of Hudson) in the West Village. Meet the cast in the photos below!
Guerilla Opera to Live Stream GIVER OF LIGHT World Premiere in Boston, 5/23
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2013
Guerilla Opera will live stream the World Premiere performance of Giver of Light on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 8:00 p.m. EST from The Zack Box Theater at The Boston Conservatory, Boston, MA.
by BWW News Desk - May 19, 2013
Guerilla Opera will live stream the World Premiere performance of Giver of Light on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at 8:00 p.m. EST from The Zack Box Theater at The Boston Conservatory, Boston, MA.
13th Annual Mario Lanza and Elaine Malbin Vocal Competitions Set for 5/26
by BWW News Desk - May 18, 2013
Legendary opera star, Elaine Malbin, will be among a panel of experts judging the 13th Annual Mario Lanza and Elaine Malbin Vocal Competitions which will be held on the main stage at Broadway and 86th Street from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Other judges will include Bill Ronayne, President of the Mario Lanza Society; Lewis Ehlers, noted opera agent and an associate with Robert Lombardo and Associates; and Cristina Necula, an opera singer and author of My Life in Opera. A total of 29 singers -- nine tenors and 20 sopranos - have registered as of this date and will compete for prizes. The competitions are the largest outdoor competitions in the country.
by BWW News Desk - May 18, 2013
Legendary opera star, Elaine Malbin, will be among a panel of experts judging the 13th Annual Mario Lanza and Elaine Malbin Vocal Competitions which will be held on the main stage at Broadway and 86th Street from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. Other judges will include Bill Ronayne, President of the Mario Lanza Society; Lewis Ehlers, noted opera agent and an associate with Robert Lombardo and Associates; and Cristina Necula, an opera singer and author of My Life in Opera. A total of 29 singers -- nine tenors and 20 sopranos - have registered as of this date and will compete for prizes. The competitions are the largest outdoor competitions in the country.
Jonathan Estabrooks to Create Role of Alan Turing in American Lyric Theater's THE TURING PROJECT, 5/30
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2013
Jonathan Estabrooks was selected from over 20 baritones heard by composer Justine F. Chen, librettist David Simpatico, and producing artistic director Lawrence Edelson to create the role of Alan Turing in American Lyric Theater's upcoming workshop of The Turing Project - a historical fantasia based Turing's life, which imagines the man inside the legend, the unique perspective he had on the universe, the public and unashamed view he had of his own homosexuality, and the impact he had upon the future of civilization.
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2013
Jonathan Estabrooks was selected from over 20 baritones heard by composer Justine F. Chen, librettist David Simpatico, and producing artistic director Lawrence Edelson to create the role of Alan Turing in American Lyric Theater's upcoming workshop of The Turing Project - a historical fantasia based Turing's life, which imagines the man inside the legend, the unique perspective he had on the universe, the public and unashamed view he had of his own homosexuality, and the impact he had upon the future of civilization.
BWW Reviews: 'And the Winners Were...' A Report Card for the Metropolitan Opera's 2012-2013 Season
by Richard Sasanow - May 17, 2013
The regular season just ended for the Metropolitan Opera--all that's left is a series of HD rebroadcasts on Lincoln Center Plaza and a couple of low profile concerts in New York City parks--and it's time for a look back at what kind of season it was. With seven new productions and 21 other operas in rep during a season that ran from the end of September to mid-May, the Met was nothing if not far-reaching in its repertoire. And that's the way it should be. But how did its ambitions work out?
by Richard Sasanow - May 17, 2013
The regular season just ended for the Metropolitan Opera--all that's left is a series of HD rebroadcasts on Lincoln Center Plaza and a couple of low profile concerts in New York City parks--and it's time for a look back at what kind of season it was. With seven new productions and 21 other operas in rep during a season that ran from the end of September to mid-May, the Met was nothing if not far-reaching in its repertoire. And that's the way it should be. But how did its ambitions work out?
Christopher Maltman, Dorothea Roschmann and More Set for LA Phil's MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2013
The LA Phil's Mozart/Da Ponte trilogy continues with The Marriage of Figaro with sets designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and costumes by legendary couturier Azzedine Alaia. Joining Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in this fully staged production is a stellar cast of internationally renowned soloists:
by BWW News Desk - May 17, 2013
The LA Phil's Mozart/Da Ponte trilogy continues with The Marriage of Figaro with sets designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel and costumes by legendary couturier Azzedine Alaia. Joining Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in this fully staged production is a stellar cast of internationally renowned soloists:
Morningside Opera to Bring FIGARO! (90210) to The NSD Theater, 6/11 & 16
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2013
After a sold-out premiere in November 2012 at Dixon Place, Figaro! (90210) returns for a limited run between June 11 and 16, 2013. Morningside Opera will present the show in concert performances at The NSD Theater (151 Bank Street, west of Hudson) in the West Village.
by BWW News Desk - May 16, 2013
After a sold-out premiere in November 2012 at Dixon Place, Figaro! (90210) returns for a limited run between June 11 and 16, 2013. Morningside Opera will present the show in concert performances at The NSD Theater (151 Bank Street, west of Hudson) in the West Village.
Washington National Opera to Premiere APPROACHING ALI, 6/8-9
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2013
Washington National Opera (WNO) will present the world premiere of Approaching Ali on Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, 2013 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Approaching Ali features music by composer D.J. Sparr and a libretto by Mark Campbell and Davis Miller, based on Miller's own autobiographical novella. This new work is the first hourlong opera created under the auspices of the American Opera Initiative, WNO's new commissioning program for contemporary American opera, and will be directed by Nicole Watson in her WNO debut.
by BWW News Desk - May 15, 2013
Washington National Opera (WNO) will present the world premiere of Approaching Ali on Friday and Saturday, June 8-9, 2013 in the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. Approaching Ali features music by composer D.J. Sparr and a libretto by Mark Campbell and Davis Miller, based on Miller's own autobiographical novella. This new work is the first hourlong opera created under the auspices of the American Opera Initiative, WNO's new commissioning program for contemporary American opera, and will be directed by Nicole Watson in her WNO debut.
Soprano Angela Meade Named Washington National Opera's Artist of the Year
by BWW News Desk - May 14, 2013
Angela Meade has just been named Artist of the Year by the Washington National Opera (WNO). The May 13 announcement comes on the heels of the soprano's triumphant company debut, in which she "thrilled WNO devotees with her nearly mind-blowing mastery of Bellini's most challenging music" (Washington Times) in the title role of Norma. Previous recipients of the Artist of the Year award, which carries a $5,000 cash prize, include mezzo-sopranos Frederica von Stade and Denyce Graves, tenor Jerry Hadley, and conductor John Mauceri.
by BWW News Desk - May 14, 2013
Angela Meade has just been named Artist of the Year by the Washington National Opera (WNO). The May 13 announcement comes on the heels of the soprano's triumphant company debut, in which she "thrilled WNO devotees with her nearly mind-blowing mastery of Bellini's most challenging music" (Washington Times) in the title role of Norma. Previous recipients of the Artist of the Year award, which carries a $5,000 cash prize, include mezzo-sopranos Frederica von Stade and Denyce Graves, tenor Jerry Hadley, and conductor John Mauceri.
Met Opera to Stream 'NICO MUHLY, TWO BOYS, AND OTHER WORKS' Live from Le Poisson Rouge, 5/14
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2013
The Metropolitan Opera announced that 'An Evening with Nico Muhly, Two Boys, and other works' will be available for live video streaming on both NPR Music (www.npr.org/music) and WQXR's Q2 Music online contemporary classical station (www.wqxr.org/q2music) this Tuesday, May 14, beginning at 10 p.m. The concert, which takes place at Le Poisson Rouge, is curated by Muhly, who will appear as host and performer. Metropolitan Opera singers Jennifer Zetlan and Paul Appleby will be joined by the composer on piano. Muhly will also perform selections for piano and viola with featured artist Nadia Sirota, his frequent collaborator. Special guests will include violin duo Angela and Jennifer Chun.
by BWW News Desk - May 13, 2013
The Metropolitan Opera announced that 'An Evening with Nico Muhly, Two Boys, and other works' will be available for live video streaming on both NPR Music (www.npr.org/music) and WQXR's Q2 Music online contemporary classical station (www.wqxr.org/q2music) this Tuesday, May 14, beginning at 10 p.m. The concert, which takes place at Le Poisson Rouge, is curated by Muhly, who will appear as host and performer. Metropolitan Opera singers Jennifer Zetlan and Paul Appleby will be joined by the composer on piano. Muhly will also perform selections for piano and viola with featured artist Nadia Sirota, his frequent collaborator. Special guests will include violin duo Angela and Jennifer Chun.
BWW Blog: Leah Edwards - Evolving Art
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - May 13, 2013
On January 13, 1910, the first American public radio broadcast aired, featuring Enrico Caruso live from the stage of The Metropolitan Opera. On April 15, 1923 came the first commercial screening of a motion picture with sound-on-film. Although it was not the original intent of either, these events made the concept of "popular music" possible.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - May 13, 2013
On January 13, 1910, the first American public radio broadcast aired, featuring Enrico Caruso live from the stage of The Metropolitan Opera. On April 15, 1923 came the first commercial screening of a motion picture with sound-on-film. Although it was not the original intent of either, these events made the concept of "popular music" possible.
TELL-TALE HEART and VAN GOGH Set for Long Beach Opera Double Bill, Now thru 5/19
by BWW News Desk - May 11, 2013
Long Beach Opera's new double bill explores creative minds on the border between genius and madness. Former rocker Stewart Copeland delves into the twisted psyche of Edgar Allan Poe's manic murderer in the US premiere of Tell-Tale Heart and Bang on a Can composer, Michael Gordon, observes the anguished spirit of a brilliant artist in the West Coast stage premiere of Van Gogh. Featuring music at the edge of rock, jazz and classical modernism, this double bill of delusion and illusion, paranoia and inspiration begins tonight, May 11 and continues on May 18 and 19, 2013 at theEXPO Art Center, 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA.
by BWW News Desk - May 11, 2013
Long Beach Opera's new double bill explores creative minds on the border between genius and madness. Former rocker Stewart Copeland delves into the twisted psyche of Edgar Allan Poe's manic murderer in the US premiere of Tell-Tale Heart and Bang on a Can composer, Michael Gordon, observes the anguished spirit of a brilliant artist in the West Coast stage premiere of Van Gogh. Featuring music at the edge of rock, jazz and classical modernism, this double bill of delusion and illusion, paranoia and inspiration begins tonight, May 11 and continues on May 18 and 19, 2013 at theEXPO Art Center, 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA.
Utah Opera's 2012-13 Season Closes with Rossini's THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, Now thru 5/19
by BWW News Desk - May 11, 2013
'Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!' sung by the witty and mischievous town barber, Figaro himself, is one of the most recognizable musical tunes in operatic history. Audiences have the opportunity to hear this famous music live and in its original context when Utah Opera presents Giachino Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' Utah Opera performs Rossini's comic masterpiece 'The Barber of Seville' tonight, May 11, 13, 15 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City (50 West 200 South).
by BWW News Desk - May 11, 2013
'Figaro, Figaro, Figaro!' sung by the witty and mischievous town barber, Figaro himself, is one of the most recognizable musical tunes in operatic history. Audiences have the opportunity to hear this famous music live and in its original context when Utah Opera presents Giachino Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' Utah Opera performs Rossini's comic masterpiece 'The Barber of Seville' tonight, May 11, 13, 15 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and May 19 at 2:00 p.m. at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City (50 West 200 South).
TOSCA, NABUCCO and More Set for Lyric Opera Baltimore's 2013-14 Season
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2013
The Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric's Artistic Director James Harp has announced the third annual opera season at the new Modell Lyric. Two grand operas will be featured-Puccini's Tosca and Verdi's Nabucco-and Toujours L'Amour, the third in our gala concert series celebrating French grand opera.
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2013
The Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric's Artistic Director James Harp has announced the third annual opera season at the new Modell Lyric. Two grand operas will be featured-Puccini's Tosca and Verdi's Nabucco-and Toujours L'Amour, the third in our gala concert series celebrating French grand opera.
BWW Blog: Leah Edwards - Small Changes
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - May 10, 2013
I love to set out on walks when I'm in a new place. It helps me to familiarize myself with my surroundings and feel more at home when I'm uprooted. But as I approach my 10-year anniversary of living in New York, I realize how little I walk around my own city and take advantage of all it has to offer. I know this is a pretty common problem for most people-when you arrive in a new place you take time to explore and get to know it, but soon enough you settle in to your daily routine and rarely have the time or interest to head out and learn more. In my defense, though, I do travel a significant amount, so when I am in New York, I just want to feel settled and relaxed and comfortable at home. Generally, my last priority is to be a tourist in my own city.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - May 10, 2013
I love to set out on walks when I'm in a new place. It helps me to familiarize myself with my surroundings and feel more at home when I'm uprooted. But as I approach my 10-year anniversary of living in New York, I realize how little I walk around my own city and take advantage of all it has to offer. I know this is a pretty common problem for most people-when you arrive in a new place you take time to explore and get to know it, but soon enough you settle in to your daily routine and rarely have the time or interest to head out and learn more. In my defense, though, I do travel a significant amount, so when I am in New York, I just want to feel settled and relaxed and comfortable at home. Generally, my last priority is to be a tourist in my own city.
Bronx Opera Performs LA BOHEME in English in the Bronx and Long Island, Beg. Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2013
La boheme presented by The Bronx Opera, will come to the Bronx and Long Island this summer, sung entirely in English.
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2013
La boheme presented by The Bronx Opera, will come to the Bronx and Long Island this summer, sung entirely in English.
Indianapolis Opera Opens THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2013
Indianapolis Opera is set to present Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, tonight, May 10 & the 12th, 2013 at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. The Flying Dutchman, a three-act opera, captures legends of a ghostly ship and a cursed sea captain in search of true love. See director/designer Joachim Schamberger's stunning vision come to life through the use of cutting edge projection technology and world-class singing.
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2013
Indianapolis Opera is set to present Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, tonight, May 10 & the 12th, 2013 at Clowes Memorial Hall in Indianapolis. The Flying Dutchman, a three-act opera, captures legends of a ghostly ship and a cursed sea captain in search of true love. See director/designer Joachim Schamberger's stunning vision come to life through the use of cutting edge projection technology and world-class singing.
BWW Reviews: GOTTERDAMMERUNG Brings Another Twilight to the Met's RING
by Richard Sasanow - May 09, 2013
Katarina Dalayman is one of a handful of top Wagnerian sopranos in the world, but for the first act of the Met's GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG, the climax of the Met's second 'Ring' cycle of the season, she didn't seem very heroic. Neither, for that matter, did tenor Jay Hunter Morris, who caused quite a stir when he jumped into GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG's premiere season a year ago. Who knows what was wrong? In any case, they recovered vocally for Act 2 and excitingly sailed through the rest of the mammoth, exhausting work.
by Richard Sasanow - May 09, 2013
Katarina Dalayman is one of a handful of top Wagnerian sopranos in the world, but for the first act of the Met's GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG, the climax of the Met's second 'Ring' cycle of the season, she didn't seem very heroic. Neither, for that matter, did tenor Jay Hunter Morris, who caused quite a stir when he jumped into GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG's premiere season a year ago. Who knows what was wrong? In any case, they recovered vocally for Act 2 and excitingly sailed through the rest of the mammoth, exhausting work.
BWW Reviews: The Met's Stirring Production of Poulenc's DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES is 'the Anti-Machine'
by Richard Sasanow - May 07, 2013
What would the Metropolitan Opera (and its audiences) do without its production of Francis Poulenc's DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES, which opened for the season with Saturday's matinee, May 4? As created in 1977 for its Met premiere by director John Dexter, this CARMELITES is unlike anything else in the company's repertoire--simply designed and a showcase for a brilliant ensemble of female voices. It is a reminder that opera productions can be moving, effective and, yes, thrilling in the most understated ways.
by Richard Sasanow - May 07, 2013
What would the Metropolitan Opera (and its audiences) do without its production of Francis Poulenc's DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES, which opened for the season with Saturday's matinee, May 4? As created in 1977 for its Met premiere by director John Dexter, this CARMELITES is unlike anything else in the company's repertoire--simply designed and a showcase for a brilliant ensemble of female voices. It is a reminder that opera productions can be moving, effective and, yes, thrilling in the most understated ways.
NYC Opera Accepting Submissions for 2013-14 VOX
by BWW News Desk - May 07, 2013
Today New York City Opera announced that it is accepting submissions for the 2013-14 VOX, the company's workshop for new American operas, presented in conjunction with OPERA America's New Works Forum. Composers can submit an excerpt of either a completed work or a work-in-progress. The selections cannot run longer than fifteen minutes. VOX is the only program in the country that provides full-instrumental and vocal performance to unpublished works. The submission deadline is June 30, 2013 and the selected pieces will be performed at the NYU Skirball Center on January 14, 2014.
by BWW News Desk - May 07, 2013
Today New York City Opera announced that it is accepting submissions for the 2013-14 VOX, the company's workshop for new American operas, presented in conjunction with OPERA America's New Works Forum. Composers can submit an excerpt of either a completed work or a work-in-progress. The selections cannot run longer than fifteen minutes. VOX is the only program in the country that provides full-instrumental and vocal performance to unpublished works. The submission deadline is June 30, 2013 and the selected pieces will be performed at the NYU Skirball Center on January 14, 2014.
Joshua Benevento, Melanie Goerlitz and Liora Michelle Perform at Enrico Caruso Room Tonight
by BWW News Desk - May 07, 2013
Tenor Joshua Benevento, who joined the Metropolitan Opera Chorus this season, will perform operatic arias with sopranos Melanie Goerlitz and Liora Michelle at the Enrico Caruso Room in Little Italy's famed Grotta Azzurra, 177 Mulberry Street, tonight, May 7, 2013 at 7:30 PM. They will be supported on keyboard by David Maiullo.
by BWW News Desk - May 07, 2013
Tenor Joshua Benevento, who joined the Metropolitan Opera Chorus this season, will perform operatic arias with sopranos Melanie Goerlitz and Liora Michelle at the Enrico Caruso Room in Little Italy's famed Grotta Azzurra, 177 Mulberry Street, tonight, May 7, 2013 at 7:30 PM. They will be supported on keyboard by David Maiullo.
Verdi's JERUSALEM and More Set for Sarasota Opera's 55th Season
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2013
Sarasota Opera has announced its 2013 - 2014 Fall and Winter programming which will mark the company's 55th consecutive season of performing grand opera on the Florida gulf coast. Highlights will include the return of some of Sarasota Opera's most acclaimed productions, the Sarasota Opera premiere of Verdi's Jerusalem as part of the ongoing Verdi Cycle, and the debut of new concerts to the Sarasota Opera Concert Series.
by BWW News Desk - May 06, 2013
Sarasota Opera has announced its 2013 - 2014 Fall and Winter programming which will mark the company's 55th consecutive season of performing grand opera on the Florida gulf coast. Highlights will include the return of some of Sarasota Opera's most acclaimed productions, the Sarasota Opera premiere of Verdi's Jerusalem as part of the ongoing Verdi Cycle, and the debut of new concerts to the Sarasota Opera Concert Series.
LA VOIX HUMAINE and SUOR ANGELICA Conclude Seattle Opera's 2012-13 Season, Now thru 5/18
by BWW News Desk - May 04, 2013
Seattle Opera's 2012/13 season concludes in May with a double bill of compelling twentieth-century operas, both new to the company: La Voix Humaine, by Francis Poulenc, and Giacomo Puccini's Suor Angelica. Both these one-act operas follow fascinating women who must grapple with despair as they meet their fate; but the two works, like the composers who created them, are extremely different. In Poulenc's sensual monodrama, a woman stumbles through a minefield of emotions as she attempts to stay connected to her ex-lover over the telephone. Puccini's mystical tragedy tells the story of a young nun who learns of the death of the son she was forced to abandon. She kills herself yet miraculously passes into a state of grace. Performances begin tonight, May 4 and run through May 18.
by BWW News Desk - May 04, 2013
Seattle Opera's 2012/13 season concludes in May with a double bill of compelling twentieth-century operas, both new to the company: La Voix Humaine, by Francis Poulenc, and Giacomo Puccini's Suor Angelica. Both these one-act operas follow fascinating women who must grapple with despair as they meet their fate; but the two works, like the composers who created them, are extremely different. In Poulenc's sensual monodrama, a woman stumbles through a minefield of emotions as she attempts to stay connected to her ex-lover over the telephone. Puccini's mystical tragedy tells the story of a young nun who learns of the death of the son she was forced to abandon. She kills herself yet miraculously passes into a state of grace. Performances begin tonight, May 4 and run through May 18.
Videos
Get Opera's #1 Theatre Newsletter
All the show news & discounts for Opera & beyond.
