Utah Opera's 2012-13 Season to Conclude with Rossini's THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, 5/11-19
by BWW News Desk - April 17, 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' 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 - April 17, 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' 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).
BWW Reviews: New York Opera Returns to the City Center
by Scott Frost - April 15, 2013
Since moving out of the Lincoln Center two years ago, the New York City Opera has taken to playing its productions at a number of venues throughout the city, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, but Sunday marked a homecoming for the company. New York City Opera continued its season with a new production of Rossini's Moses in Egypt at its birthplace, the New York City Center. In addition to this exciting homecoming, this production is the operas first full production in NYC in well over a century. This combination mixed with newly appointed music director Jayce Ogren at the podium of this innovative production proves to be a thrill from the restoration of light through the separating of the Red Sea.
by Scott Frost - April 15, 2013
Since moving out of the Lincoln Center two years ago, the New York City Opera has taken to playing its productions at a number of venues throughout the city, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, but Sunday marked a homecoming for the company. New York City Opera continued its season with a new production of Rossini's Moses in Egypt at its birthplace, the New York City Center. In addition to this exciting homecoming, this production is the operas first full production in NYC in well over a century. This combination mixed with newly appointed music director Jayce Ogren at the podium of this innovative production proves to be a thrill from the restoration of light through the separating of the Red Sea.
Wexford Festival Opera Expands Friends of Wexford Program
by BWW News Desk - April 15, 2013
Wexford Festival Opera recently launched a new and exciting expansion of its renowned Friends of Wexford Opera membership. At a special reception in the European Parliament Building in Brussels, the European Friends of Wexford Opera was formally launched. The first official event ever held by Wexford Festival Opera in continental Europe, the event marked the start of the establishment of a foothold for Wexford Opera in Europe, with the aim of extending its Friends Membership, in addition to enhancing its audience base and profile, in continental Europe. Brussels, widely viewed as the capital of Europe, was the natural location for the launch of such a pan-European programme.
by BWW News Desk - April 15, 2013
Wexford Festival Opera recently launched a new and exciting expansion of its renowned Friends of Wexford Opera membership. At a special reception in the European Parliament Building in Brussels, the European Friends of Wexford Opera was formally launched. The first official event ever held by Wexford Festival Opera in continental Europe, the event marked the start of the establishment of a foothold for Wexford Opera in Europe, with the aim of extending its Friends Membership, in addition to enhancing its audience base and profile, in continental Europe. Brussels, widely viewed as the capital of Europe, was the natural location for the launch of such a pan-European programme.
BWW Blog: Leah Edwards of MASTER CLASS - Opening Night!
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 15, 2013
As someone who grew up constantly involved in the arts, it is astonishing to me when I hear people say that they've never seen a(n) [basically, insert art form-opera, ballet, symphony, puppet show, etc.-HERE]. Not only have I been performing since I can remember, but I've been attending performances since long before that. Call me an old soul, but I'm a sucker for the several-hundred-year-old art forms, those means of communication that draw on the visceral needs of the human being. The way babies cry is pretty close to perfect vocal technique, dance-emotion in motion-is what we had before words, and music is a means of expression when speech just won't suffice. These things existed long before we imposed prescribed techniques and defined structures on them.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 15, 2013
As someone who grew up constantly involved in the arts, it is astonishing to me when I hear people say that they've never seen a(n) [basically, insert art form-opera, ballet, symphony, puppet show, etc.-HERE]. Not only have I been performing since I can remember, but I've been attending performances since long before that. Call me an old soul, but I'm a sucker for the several-hundred-year-old art forms, those means of communication that draw on the visceral needs of the human being. The way babies cry is pretty close to perfect vocal technique, dance-emotion in motion-is what we had before words, and music is a means of expression when speech just won't suffice. These things existed long before we imposed prescribed techniques and defined structures on them.
STAGE TUBE: Behind the Scenes - NYC Opera's MOSES IN EGYPT Director and Designer Michael Counts
by Stage Tube - April 13, 2013
Be among the first to see New York City Opera's all-new production of Rossini's Moses in Egypt. Below, watch scenes from the production and listen to Director and Designer Michael Counts as he talks about bringing Rossini's glorious masterpiece to cinematic life!
by Stage Tube - April 13, 2013
Be among the first to see New York City Opera's all-new production of Rossini's Moses in Egypt. Below, watch scenes from the production and listen to Director and Designer Michael Counts as he talks about bringing Rossini's glorious masterpiece to cinematic life!
BWW Reviews: Hail Caesar! Metropolitan Opera's New GIULIO CESARE Is Victorious
by Richard Sasanow - April 13, 2013
The groans were audible--no, powerful--when the Metropolitan Opera's General Manager Peter Gelb stepped out in front of the curtain on the second night of the company's new David McVicar production of Handel's GIULIO CESARE. They grew louder as he announced that soprano Natalie Dessay was ill and would not be singing the pivotal role of Cleopatra. But I'd bet that these same operagoers were cheering along with the majority of the audience at the sensational portrayal of the replacement, soprano Danielle de Niese, whose brilliant coloratura took the runs, roulades and trills of this demanding score with ease.
by Richard Sasanow - April 13, 2013
The groans were audible--no, powerful--when the Metropolitan Opera's General Manager Peter Gelb stepped out in front of the curtain on the second night of the company's new David McVicar production of Handel's GIULIO CESARE. They grew louder as he announced that soprano Natalie Dessay was ill and would not be singing the pivotal role of Cleopatra. But I'd bet that these same operagoers were cheering along with the majority of the audience at the sensational portrayal of the replacement, soprano Danielle de Niese, whose brilliant coloratura took the runs, roulades and trills of this demanding score with ease.
The Opera Factory Founder Dame Blanche Artis Lewis Passes Away in Chicago
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
Dame Blanche Artis Lewis, whose company, The Opera Factory, produced Spanish Zarzuela in Chicago for 20 years, died early Friday morning at her home in Chicago. She was 86.
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
Dame Blanche Artis Lewis, whose company, The Opera Factory, produced Spanish Zarzuela in Chicago for 20 years, died early Friday morning at her home in Chicago. She was 86.
Lyric Opera Baltimore Presents BRAVISSIMO BEL CANTO Gala Concert Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric and Lyric Opera Baltimore present Bravissimo Bel Canto for one performance only, tonight, April 13, 2013 at 8:00 PM.
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric and Lyric Opera Baltimore present Bravissimo Bel Canto for one performance only, tonight, April 13, 2013 at 8:00 PM.
Deborah Voigt Plays 'Brunnhilde' in the Met's RING, Now thru 5/11
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
Soprano Deborah Voigt has embodied Puccini's 'Golden Girl' - the pistol-packing, poker-playing barmaid Minnie, one of her favorite roles - in productions of La fanciulla del West from San Francisco to Chicago to New York over the past few seasons, including the centennial revival of the work at the Metropolitan Opera in 2010. Voigt reprised her Minnie at Opera Royal de Liege in Belgium from February 22 to March 5. The soprano resumes another of her all-time favorite roles, Wagner's Brunnhilde, in Die Walkure, Siegfried and Gotterdammerung from tonight, April 13 to May 11 at the Metropolitan Opera, in Robert Lepage's production of the Ring cycle. Later in May, Voigt makes her performance debut in China with orchestral concerts in Beijing and Shanghai.
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
Soprano Deborah Voigt has embodied Puccini's 'Golden Girl' - the pistol-packing, poker-playing barmaid Minnie, one of her favorite roles - in productions of La fanciulla del West from San Francisco to Chicago to New York over the past few seasons, including the centennial revival of the work at the Metropolitan Opera in 2010. Voigt reprised her Minnie at Opera Royal de Liege in Belgium from February 22 to March 5. The soprano resumes another of her all-time favorite roles, Wagner's Brunnhilde, in Die Walkure, Siegfried and Gotterdammerung from tonight, April 13 to May 11 at the Metropolitan Opera, in Robert Lepage's production of the Ring cycle. Later in May, Voigt makes her performance debut in China with orchestral concerts in Beijing and Shanghai.
Puccini's SUOR ANGELIA and GIANNI SCHICCHI Play Opera San Jose, Now thru 4/28
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
Opera San Jose continues its 29th season with Giacomo Puccini's, double-bill Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi.
by BWW News Desk - April 13, 2013
Opera San Jose continues its 29th season with Giacomo Puccini's, double-bill Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi.
Tenor Anthony Kearns Receives Standing Ovation at the 2013 Friends of Ireland Lunch
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2013
On March 19, 2013, Tenor Anthony Kearns, founding member of the popular group, The Irish Tenors, performed at the 2013 Friends of Ireland Lunch at the U.S. Capitol as the guest of Speaker of the House John Boehner. Special guests included President Barack Obama, Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny, members of Congress, and dignitaries from Ireland and the United Kingdom.
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2013
On March 19, 2013, Tenor Anthony Kearns, founding member of the popular group, The Irish Tenors, performed at the 2013 Friends of Ireland Lunch at the U.S. Capitol as the guest of Speaker of the House John Boehner. Special guests included President Barack Obama, Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Enda Kenny, members of Congress, and dignitaries from Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Dallas Opera Celebrates 25th Anniversary of THE ASPERN PAPERS World Premiere Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2013
The Dallas Opera presents Dominick Argento's riveting 1988 opera, THE ASPERN PAPERS, in a brand-new production to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of its TDO world premiere. THE ASPERN PAPERS will open tonight, April 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2013
The Dallas Opera presents Dominick Argento's riveting 1988 opera, THE ASPERN PAPERS, in a brand-new production to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of its TDO world premiere. THE ASPERN PAPERS will open tonight, April 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
Mezzo-Soprano Tara Erraught Launches North American Recital Tour Today
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2013
Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught makes her premiere recital tour to North America this spring.
by BWW News Desk - April 12, 2013
Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught makes her premiere recital tour to North America this spring.
Indianapolis Opera to Present THE FLYING DUTCHMAN, 5/10 & 12
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2013
Indianapolis Opera is set to present Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, on May 10 & 12, 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. Tickets are reduced in price this season, starting at just $25 for The Flying Dutchman.
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2013
Indianapolis Opera is set to present Richard Wagner's The Flying Dutchman, on May 10 & 12, 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. Tickets are reduced in price this season, starting at just $25 for The Flying Dutchman.
BWW Blog: Leah Edwards of MASTER CLASS - Music Moves My Soul
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 11, 2013
When I mention that I studied opera and classical piano in school, but am currently pursuing a career in theatre, people often ask which genre I prefer. I respond, and truly believe, that whatever project I am working on is my favorite. This answer has seemed unsatisfactory to some, as though I must have a deep-seated passion for one thing only. In the last few sentences of Master Class, Maria Callas presents this argument: "You must know what you want to do in life, you must decide, for we cannot do everything." Ok, Maria Callas and everyone else, I have chosen music. Music is my absolute favorite thing. I love to listen to it, dance to it, cry to it, sing to it and perform it. Music moves my soul.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 11, 2013
When I mention that I studied opera and classical piano in school, but am currently pursuing a career in theatre, people often ask which genre I prefer. I respond, and truly believe, that whatever project I am working on is my favorite. This answer has seemed unsatisfactory to some, as though I must have a deep-seated passion for one thing only. In the last few sentences of Master Class, Maria Callas presents this argument: "You must know what you want to do in life, you must decide, for we cannot do everything." Ok, Maria Callas and everyone else, I have chosen music. Music is my absolute favorite thing. I love to listen to it, dance to it, cry to it, sing to it and perform it. Music moves my soul.
Ailyn Pérez Will Release Album in May
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2013
She releases Poeme d'un jour, her debut solo album presenting French and Spanish songs, on the Opus Arte label (May 28 in the U.S., see full track list below).
by BWW News Desk - April 11, 2013
She releases Poeme d'un jour, her debut solo album presenting French and Spanish songs, on the Opus Arte label (May 28 in the U.S., see full track list below).
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Mississippi Opera
by Scott Frost - April 11, 2013
Mississippi Opera, once known as the Jackson Opera Guild was started in 1945 mainly by the efforts for Mignonne Caldwell, the wife of John Caldwell. Her hard work with the support of an ever growing number of vocal and instrumental performers in the Jackson area created what was at the time one of only twelve organization in the entire United States. The group was officially incorporated in 1947 in hopes to promote and encourage the study and appreciation of Opera as an art form while developing operatic talent and performance.
by Scott Frost - April 11, 2013
Mississippi Opera, once known as the Jackson Opera Guild was started in 1945 mainly by the efforts for Mignonne Caldwell, the wife of John Caldwell. Her hard work with the support of an ever growing number of vocal and instrumental performers in the Jackson area created what was at the time one of only twelve organization in the entire United States. The group was officially incorporated in 1947 in hopes to promote and encourage the study and appreciation of Opera as an art form while developing operatic talent and performance.
Lyric Opera Baltimore to Present BRAVISSIMO BEL CANTO Gala Concert, 4/13
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2013
The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric and Lyric Opera Baltimore present Bravissimo Bel Canto for one performance only, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 8:00 PM.
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2013
The Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric and Lyric Opera Baltimore present Bravissimo Bel Canto for one performance only, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 8:00 PM.
BWW Reviews: HGO's THE MEMORY STONE is Haunting, Gorgeous, and Spellbinding
by David Clarke - April 10, 2013
Houston Grand Opera (HGO)'s 50th World Premiere Opera had its first public performance last night at Asia Society Texas Center. This enchanting chamber opera is a gorgeous and stirring piece that examines the power and necessity of memory for the advancement of the human species. It opens with rollicking thunder and a stunning, breathtaking image that is representative of the destruction of Japan in wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. As a woman sings about various terrible and destructive moments from Japan's rich history, the scene shifts to the tea room in Houston's Japanese garden. Here the non-linear opera explores how such tragedies affect Japanese-Americans and immigrants from Japan, deftly playing on the emotions, sympathy, and empathy of the assembled audience. The compelling opera elicited several gasps of sorrow, pain, and understanding from the opening night audience as the beauty of the piece spoke to our hearts, minds, and souls.
by David Clarke - April 10, 2013
Houston Grand Opera (HGO)'s 50th World Premiere Opera had its first public performance last night at Asia Society Texas Center. This enchanting chamber opera is a gorgeous and stirring piece that examines the power and necessity of memory for the advancement of the human species. It opens with rollicking thunder and a stunning, breathtaking image that is representative of the destruction of Japan in wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. As a woman sings about various terrible and destructive moments from Japan's rich history, the scene shifts to the tea room in Houston's Japanese garden. Here the non-linear opera explores how such tragedies affect Japanese-Americans and immigrants from Japan, deftly playing on the emotions, sympathy, and empathy of the assembled audience. The compelling opera elicited several gasps of sorrow, pain, and understanding from the opening night audience as the beauty of the piece spoke to our hearts, minds, and souls.
Glimmerglass Festival Celebrates Young Artists with GL!MMERATA Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2013
The Glimmerglass Festival, the Central New York summer opera company, will celebrate its Young Artists and Summer Internship programs at GL!MMERATA, its 2013 Spring Gala, tonight, April 10 at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. The 2013 season marks the 25th anniversary of the company's Young Artists Program, the acclaimed apprenticeship for emerging singers.
by BWW News Desk - April 10, 2013
The Glimmerglass Festival, the Central New York summer opera company, will celebrate its Young Artists and Summer Internship programs at GL!MMERATA, its 2013 Spring Gala, tonight, April 10 at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. The 2013 season marks the 25th anniversary of the company's Young Artists Program, the acclaimed apprenticeship for emerging singers.
2013 Sarasota Youth Opera Camp Set for Sarasota Opera House, 6/10-28
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Enrollment is now open for young people ages 8 -18 for Sarasota Youth Opera's 2013 Summer Camp to be held June 10 - June 28, 2013. The annual three-week program will run Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota.
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Enrollment is now open for young people ages 8 -18 for Sarasota Youth Opera's 2013 Summer Camp to be held June 10 - June 28, 2013. The annual three-week program will run Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. each day at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota.
LA VOIX HUMAINE and SUOR ANGELICA to Conclude Seattle Opera's 2012-13 Season, 5/4-18
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 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 on May 4 and run through May 18.
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 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 on May 4 and run through May 18.
Photo Flash: Jahn Sood's New Folk Opera DISAPPEARING MAN at Joe's Pub
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Jahn Sood's new folk opera The Disappearing Man received a concert reading at Joe's Pub on Monday, April 8th. A well-attended developmental reading of the musical that took place March 3rd at Shetler Studios marked the New York premiere of the show's latest incarnation, which featured significant revisions, including a new book and several new songs by Sood, as well as new orchestrations by music director Brian Cavanagh-Strong. Scroll down for photos from this month's concert!
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Jahn Sood's new folk opera The Disappearing Man received a concert reading at Joe's Pub on Monday, April 8th. A well-attended developmental reading of the musical that took place March 3rd at Shetler Studios marked the New York premiere of the show's latest incarnation, which featured significant revisions, including a new book and several new songs by Sood, as well as new orchestrations by music director Brian Cavanagh-Strong. Scroll down for photos from this month's concert!
Jacaranda Music to Present Concert Staging of CURLEW RIVER, 4/27
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Jacaranda's three-concert celebration of Benjamin Britten's centenary continues on Sat., April 27th with a concert staging of 'Curlew River,' a chamber opera (1963) intended for performance in a church.
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Jacaranda's three-concert celebration of Benjamin Britten's centenary continues on Sat., April 27th with a concert staging of 'Curlew River,' a chamber opera (1963) intended for performance in a church.
Metropolitan Opera Announces Cast Change Advisory
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Danielle de Niese will sing the role of Cleopatra in this evening's performance of Handel's Giulio Cesare, replacing Natalie Dessay, who is ill.
by BWW News Desk - April 09, 2013
Danielle de Niese will sing the role of Cleopatra in this evening's performance of Handel's Giulio Cesare, replacing Natalie Dessay, who is ill.
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