13th Annual Peking Opera Festival Set for NYU Skirball Center, 4/28
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2013
Qi Shu Fang Peking Opera Company, recipient of National Heritage Fellowship for the Arts, will present the 13th Annual Peking Opera Festival featuring Qi Shu Fang and the Company for one performances only on Sunday, April 28th at 3:00 PM at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square South). This performance is part of the World Stage Series presented by NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2013
Qi Shu Fang Peking Opera Company, recipient of National Heritage Fellowship for the Arts, will present the 13th Annual Peking Opera Festival featuring Qi Shu Fang and the Company for one performances only on Sunday, April 28th at 3:00 PM at NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts (566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square South). This performance is part of the World Stage Series presented by NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts.
Antoinette Halloran to Return to New Zealand Opera in MADAME BUTTERFLY, April 28-May 14
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2013
Australian soprano Antoinette Halloran won the praise of critics and audiences in 2008 when she performed the role of Mimi in New Zealand Opera's production of La boheme. Next month she's back on New Zealand stages to sing what she describes as 'the most demanding yet most beautiful soprano role ever created,' the role of Cio-Cio San (Butterfly) in NZ Opera's new production of Madame Butterfly.
by BWW News Desk - March 17, 2013
Australian soprano Antoinette Halloran won the praise of critics and audiences in 2008 when she performed the role of Mimi in New Zealand Opera's production of La boheme. Next month she's back on New Zealand stages to sing what she describes as 'the most demanding yet most beautiful soprano role ever created,' the role of Cio-Cio San (Butterfly) in NZ Opera's new production of Madame Butterfly.
Gerald Cohen & Deborah Brevoort's Opera STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME to Premiere in Scarsdale and NYC, April 2013
by BWW News Desk - March 15, 2013
Based on the book of the same title by Jaap Polak and Ina Soep Polak, STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME, a new opera with music by Gerald Cohen and libretto by Deborah Brevoort, will have its premiere in Scarsdale and New York City, NY in late April, 2013. STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME is a love story set in two concentration camps during World War II. It is based on the true story of Jaap and Ina Polak, whom the composer has known for the last 25 years, and who just celebrated their 100th and 90th birthdays.
by BWW News Desk - March 15, 2013
Based on the book of the same title by Jaap Polak and Ina Soep Polak, STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME, a new opera with music by Gerald Cohen and libretto by Deborah Brevoort, will have its premiere in Scarsdale and New York City, NY in late April, 2013. STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME is a love story set in two concentration camps during World War II. It is based on the true story of Jaap and Ina Polak, whom the composer has known for the last 25 years, and who just celebrated their 100th and 90th birthdays.
Sarasota Opera Announces 2013-14 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 15, 2013
Sarasota Opera Announces its 2013-14 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 15, 2013
Sarasota Opera Announces its 2013-14 Season
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Atlanta Opera
by Scott Frost - March 14, 2013
The Atlanta Opera has continued to be a leading regional opera company since it was founded in 1979. The company produces mainstage opera productions as well as several arts education programs for all ages. Each season the Atlanta Opera strives to expand the experience of its patrons with memorable and exciting performances while providing the best musical and theatrical quality while also supporting the community and educational programs. Thusly, the Opera annually employs the finest in international, national and regional singers, conductors, stage directors and designers.
by Scott Frost - March 14, 2013
The Atlanta Opera has continued to be a leading regional opera company since it was founded in 1979. The company produces mainstage opera productions as well as several arts education programs for all ages. Each season the Atlanta Opera strives to expand the experience of its patrons with memorable and exciting performances while providing the best musical and theatrical quality while also supporting the community and educational programs. Thusly, the Opera annually employs the finest in international, national and regional singers, conductors, stage directors and designers.
Baltimore Rock Opera Society Announces Major Fundraising Campaign to Establish a New Permanent Headquarters
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2013
The Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) is pleased to announce the launch of a major new fundraising effort to raise $20,000 dollars in 30 days to support the creation of their new headquarters located in Baltimore's Station North Arts and Entertainment District. This rock mecca and production studio will enable BROS to expand their number of performances of all-original rock operas every year and become a touring rock opera society, bringing the word of True Rock to the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard region. BROS is calling on all legions of would-be rockers to support them in their 7,000 year mission to melt faces by supporting the "BE A BRO: Let the Rock Rain Down 2013 CAMPAIGN FOR CASH!'
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2013
The Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) is pleased to announce the launch of a major new fundraising effort to raise $20,000 dollars in 30 days to support the creation of their new headquarters located in Baltimore's Station North Arts and Entertainment District. This rock mecca and production studio will enable BROS to expand their number of performances of all-original rock operas every year and become a touring rock opera society, bringing the word of True Rock to the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard region. BROS is calling on all legions of would-be rockers to support them in their 7,000 year mission to melt faces by supporting the "BE A BRO: Let the Rock Rain Down 2013 CAMPAIGN FOR CASH!'
CUA Opera Presents Gounod's ROMEO ET JULIETTE, Now thru 3/17
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2013
One of the most well-known operatic adaptations of a classic tale by William Shakespeare will be performed by the vocal division at The Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, tonight, March 14 to 17.
by BWW News Desk - March 14, 2013
One of the most well-known operatic adaptations of a classic tale by William Shakespeare will be performed by the vocal division at The Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, tonight, March 14 to 17.
From Butterfly to Little Sparrow, Soprano Patricia Racette Soars
by Richard Sasanow - March 13, 2013
Expect the unexpected from cabaret stylist Patricia Racette. Yes, I said 'cabaret.' If you've only heard her at the Met or San Francisco Opera as Tosca or Madama Butterfly, you'll probably find her performance in 'Diva on Detour' a revelation. It's 'a high-note-free zone'--which doesn't give a hint that its owner spends most of her time on some of the world's great opera stages.
by Richard Sasanow - March 13, 2013
Expect the unexpected from cabaret stylist Patricia Racette. Yes, I said 'cabaret.' If you've only heard her at the Met or San Francisco Opera as Tosca or Madama Butterfly, you'll probably find her performance in 'Diva on Detour' a revelation. It's 'a high-note-free zone'--which doesn't give a hint that its owner spends most of her time on some of the world's great opera stages.
BWW Reviews: Jealousy Is a Wild-Eyed Monster Named Jose Cura in the Met's OTELLO
by Richard Sasanow - March 13, 2013
With a popular opera by Rossini already co-opting the title OTELLO, Verdi momentarily thought about calling his work IAGO, after the story's villain. But then, he'd never seen Jose Cura's portrayal of the title role, which made its house debut at the Met on March 11. It's over the top, a freight train going full throttle over a cliff and totally exciting to watch.
by Richard Sasanow - March 13, 2013
With a popular opera by Rossini already co-opting the title OTELLO, Verdi momentarily thought about calling his work IAGO, after the story's villain. But then, he'd never seen Jose Cura's portrayal of the title role, which made its house debut at the Met on March 11. It's over the top, a freight train going full throttle over a cliff and totally exciting to watch.
Photo Flash: First Look at Audrey Luna, Simon Keenlyside and More in THE TEMPEST
by BWW News Desk - March 13, 2013
British composer Thomas Ades conducts the Met premiere of his contemporary Masterpiece The Tempest, an English-language opera based on Shakespeare's final play. The Met's fantastical new production by Robert Lepage airs on Great Performances at the Met Sunday, March 17 at 12 noon on PBS (check local listings). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.
by BWW News Desk - March 13, 2013
British composer Thomas Ades conducts the Met premiere of his contemporary Masterpiece The Tempest, an English-language opera based on Shakespeare's final play. The Met's fantastical new production by Robert Lepage airs on Great Performances at the Met Sunday, March 17 at 12 noon on PBS (check local listings). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.
Piotr Beczala to Sing First Met Performances in Title Role of Gounod's FAUST, 3/21
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2013
Piotr Beczala will sing the title role in Gounod's Faust for the first time at the Met beginning March 21, opposite Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, a role she sang in the 2011 premiere of Des McAnuff's production. Alain Altinoglu, who led Faust at the Met last season, returns to conduct the opera, which also stars John Relyea as the diabolical Mephistopheles, Alexey Markov as Valentin, and Julie Boulianne as Siebel.
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2013
Piotr Beczala will sing the title role in Gounod's Faust for the first time at the Met beginning March 21, opposite Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, a role she sang in the 2011 premiere of Des McAnuff's production. Alain Altinoglu, who led Faust at the Met last season, returns to conduct the opera, which also stars John Relyea as the diabolical Mephistopheles, Alexey Markov as Valentin, and Julie Boulianne as Siebel.
New York City Opera Returns to New York City Center with Two New Productions
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2013
This April, the company dubbed "the People's Opera" will return to the venue known as "the People's Theater" for the first time since 1965, when New York City Opera returns to New York City Center, its original home. The residency includes new productions of Gioachino Rossini's Moses in Egypt, conducted by Jayce Ogren and directed by Michael Counts (April 14-20); and Jacques Offenbach's La Perichole, conducted by Emmanuel Plasson and directed by Christopher Alden (April 21-27).
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2013
This April, the company dubbed "the People's Opera" will return to the venue known as "the People's Theater" for the first time since 1965, when New York City Opera returns to New York City Center, its original home. The residency includes new productions of Gioachino Rossini's Moses in Egypt, conducted by Jayce Ogren and directed by Michael Counts (April 14-20); and Jacques Offenbach's La Perichole, conducted by Emmanuel Plasson and directed by Christopher Alden (April 21-27).
BWW Interviews: Vanessa Cerda-Alonzo Talks HGO's CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA
by David Clarke - March 11, 2013
I recently got the chance to speak with Vanessa Cerda-Alonzo, who has been performing all over the world as Lupita in the world's first Mariachi Opera, CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA. We talked about her career, her training through Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (M.E.C.A), and CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA. Also, she freely told me, 'It's very moving, CRUZA LA CARA DE LA LUNA.' Vanessa Cerda-Alonzo also quoted Cecilia Duarte, who sings Renata, exclaiming, 'Bring your tissues because you're going to cry!'
by David Clarke - March 11, 2013
I recently got the chance to speak with Vanessa Cerda-Alonzo, who has been performing all over the world as Lupita in the world's first Mariachi Opera, CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA. We talked about her career, her training through Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (M.E.C.A), and CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA. Also, she freely told me, 'It's very moving, CRUZA LA CARA DE LA LUNA.' Vanessa Cerda-Alonzo also quoted Cecilia Duarte, who sings Renata, exclaiming, 'Bring your tissues because you're going to cry!'
BWW Reviews: Audience Is Real Winner at the Met's National Council Auditions Grand Finals
by Richard Sasanow - March 11, 2013
On Sunday afternoon March 10, the air was buzzing with anticipation at the Met, before the performances by the ten singers who had made it to the Grand Finals of the opera company's National Council auditions. No, this wasn't the opera equivalent of American Idol, where the emphasis is on the judges as much as the performers. It was a grown-up affair.
by Richard Sasanow - March 11, 2013
On Sunday afternoon March 10, the air was buzzing with anticipation at the Met, before the performances by the ten singers who had made it to the Grand Finals of the opera company's National Council auditions. No, this wasn't the opera equivalent of American Idol, where the emphasis is on the judges as much as the performers. It was a grown-up affair.
Guerilla Opera Opens GIVER OF LIFE, 5/23
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2013
Guerilla Opera presents the World Premiere of Giver of Light, a new opera based on the life of the 13th-century poet, Rumi. Music and Libretto by composer Adam Roberts with electronic music by Anil Çamci and stage direction by Andrew Eggert. Giver of Light runs Thursday-Saturday, May 23-25, 2013 and Thursday-Friday, May 30-31, 2013. All performances are at 8 p.m. at The Zack Box Theater at The Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston, MA. Tickets for all performances are $15 general admission, $10 seniors and free for students with valid IDs; tickets can be purchased from The Boston Conservatory box office at (617) 912-9222 or online at www.bostonconservatory.edu/tickets. Performances are one hour long and sung in English.
by BWW News Desk - March 11, 2013
Guerilla Opera presents the World Premiere of Giver of Light, a new opera based on the life of the 13th-century poet, Rumi. Music and Libretto by composer Adam Roberts with electronic music by Anil Çamci and stage direction by Andrew Eggert. Giver of Light runs Thursday-Saturday, May 23-25, 2013 and Thursday-Friday, May 30-31, 2013. All performances are at 8 p.m. at The Zack Box Theater at The Boston Conservatory, 8 The Fenway, Boston, MA. Tickets for all performances are $15 general admission, $10 seniors and free for students with valid IDs; tickets can be purchased from The Boston Conservatory box office at (617) 912-9222 or online at www.bostonconservatory.edu/tickets. Performances are one hour long and sung in English.
Long Beach Opera Presents THE BORDER OF HOPE AND DESPAIR Multimedia Program Today
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2013
Today, March 9, 2013 at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Ruben Ortiz Torres, librettist and video-designer of Long Beach Opera's (LBO) U.S. Premiere production of Camelia la Tejana - Only the Truth, and Gregorio Luke, noted Mexican and Latin American art expert, will take audience members south to the border between Mexico and the United States, scene of bloody drug wars, immigration controversy, and the continuous clash between rich and poor, in a multimedia program titled 'The Border of Hope and Despair.' Exploring the opera's themes, this special event will examine the dynamic history of the tragic and explosive world along the border and its influence on contemporary culture and music. A sneak peek into the opera with LBO cast members will be one of the highlights of the afternoon.
by BWW News Desk - March 09, 2013
Today, March 9, 2013 at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), Ruben Ortiz Torres, librettist and video-designer of Long Beach Opera's (LBO) U.S. Premiere production of Camelia la Tejana - Only the Truth, and Gregorio Luke, noted Mexican and Latin American art expert, will take audience members south to the border between Mexico and the United States, scene of bloody drug wars, immigration controversy, and the continuous clash between rich and poor, in a multimedia program titled 'The Border of Hope and Despair.' Exploring the opera's themes, this special event will examine the dynamic history of the tragic and explosive world along the border and its influence on contemporary culture and music. A sneak peek into the opera with LBO cast members will be one of the highlights of the afternoon.
New York City Opera Celebrates LA PERICHOLE With 4/25 Gala
by Kelsey Denette - March 08, 2013
New York City Opera announced today that its annual Spring Gala will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2013. The evening will feature cocktails at 6:00pm and a spectacular performance of La Perichole at New York City Center at 7:00pm, followed by dinner and dancing at The Plaza at 9:30pm.
by Kelsey Denette - March 08, 2013
New York City Opera announced today that its annual Spring Gala will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2013. The evening will feature cocktails at 6:00pm and a spectacular performance of La Perichole at New York City Center at 7:00pm, followed by dinner and dancing at The Plaza at 9:30pm.
BWW Reviews: FRANCESCA DA RIMINI at the Met
by Scott Frost - March 08, 2013
We all sat waiting anxiously for the curtain to rise on Riccardo Zandonai's 'Francesca da Rimini' after almost a 27 year hiatus on the Met stage; but with each passing act, one could sense the audience waiting for the closing curtain just as intently. Not to say that the performances or design weren't a wonder to behold. The opera and production as a whole just seemed a bit trivial in comparison. Despite the story however, the musical prowess of Zandonai's score, the meticulously detailed sets, and exquisite costuming gave Monday nights opening of 'Francesca da Rimini' redeeming beauty amid a insipid story.
by Scott Frost - March 08, 2013
We all sat waiting anxiously for the curtain to rise on Riccardo Zandonai's 'Francesca da Rimini' after almost a 27 year hiatus on the Met stage; but with each passing act, one could sense the audience waiting for the closing curtain just as intently. Not to say that the performances or design weren't a wonder to behold. The opera and production as a whole just seemed a bit trivial in comparison. Despite the story however, the musical prowess of Zandonai's score, the meticulously detailed sets, and exquisite costuming gave Monday nights opening of 'Francesca da Rimini' redeeming beauty amid a insipid story.
The Church of the Transfiguration Celebrates Benjamin Britten's 100th Birthday with CURLEW RIVER, 3/8-9
by BWW News Desk - March 08, 2013
The Church of the Transfiguration ('The Little Church Around the Corner') presents Curlew River in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten. This will be a fully staged and costumed production of Britten's chamber opera about a Madwoman searching for her son, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered, as performed by Medieval monks.
by BWW News Desk - March 08, 2013
The Church of the Transfiguration ('The Little Church Around the Corner') presents Curlew River in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Britten. This will be a fully staged and costumed production of Britten's chamber opera about a Madwoman searching for her son, who was kidnapped and brutally murdered, as performed by Medieval monks.
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Arizona Opera
by Scott Frost - March 07, 2013
Arizona Opera was originally known as Tucson Opera Company and founded in 1971 by a group of opera enthusiasts. The inaugural season was two performances of The Barber of Seville by Rossini in Tucson but by the 1976-77 season the company was performing their complete seasons in both Tucson and Phoenix. Now in the 42nd season, the company produces five grand operas throughout the state each season and is one of the only companies in the US that performs in two cities.
by Scott Frost - March 07, 2013
Arizona Opera was originally known as Tucson Opera Company and founded in 1971 by a group of opera enthusiasts. The inaugural season was two performances of The Barber of Seville by Rossini in Tucson but by the 1976-77 season the company was performing their complete seasons in both Tucson and Phoenix. Now in the 42nd season, the company produces five grand operas throughout the state each season and is one of the only companies in the US that performs in two cities.
Amphibian Presents NY Premiere of SUN SONGS: THREE MICRO-OPERAS Tonight
by BWW News Desk - March 07, 2013
Amphibian presents the New York premiere of Augusta Read Thomas' Sun Songs: Three Micro-Operas based on texts of Emily Dickinson featuring soprano Cyndie Berthezene and the Temple University Percussion Ensemble with video by John Gurrin. Gurrin's video tapestry for John Cage's String Quartet No. 1 was recently praised by The New Yorker's Alex Ross for its 'deliquescing landscapes.' This concert also features the world premiere of Matthew Greenbaum's surreal, ecstatic Headshot for video animation and electronic sound along with the New York premiere of Andrew Taylor's On Coming Out and a piece by James Tenney. Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid's short film, Meshes of the Afternoon, will be screened.
by BWW News Desk - March 07, 2013
Amphibian presents the New York premiere of Augusta Read Thomas' Sun Songs: Three Micro-Operas based on texts of Emily Dickinson featuring soprano Cyndie Berthezene and the Temple University Percussion Ensemble with video by John Gurrin. Gurrin's video tapestry for John Cage's String Quartet No. 1 was recently praised by The New Yorker's Alex Ross for its 'deliquescing landscapes.' This concert also features the world premiere of Matthew Greenbaum's surreal, ecstatic Headshot for video animation and electronic sound along with the New York premiere of Andrew Taylor's On Coming Out and a piece by James Tenney. Maya Deren and Alexander Hammid's short film, Meshes of the Afternoon, will be screened.
Canadian Opera Company to Present Richard Strauss' SALOME, April 21-May 22
by BWW News Desk - March 06, 2013
The Canadian Opera Company's 2013 spring season marks the return of celebrated Canadian director Atom Egoyan with his searing, critically acclaimed COC production of Richard Strauss's Salome.
by BWW News Desk - March 06, 2013
The Canadian Opera Company's 2013 spring season marks the return of celebrated Canadian director Atom Egoyan with his searing, critically acclaimed COC production of Richard Strauss's Salome.
THE MAGIC FLUTE Begins 3/16 at Utah Opera
by Kelsey Denette - March 06, 2013
Utah Opera will present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's German opera "The Magic Flute," March 16, 18, 20 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.
by Kelsey Denette - March 06, 2013
Utah Opera will present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's German opera "The Magic Flute," March 16, 18, 20 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 2 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.
TRISTAN AND ISOLDE, MOBY-DICK, THE MAGIC FLUTE and More Set for Washington National Opera's 2013-14 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 05, 2013
The 2013-2014 season of Washington National Opera (WNO) has just been announced by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. The season includes Tristan and Isolde, a new production of The Force of Destiny, the East Coast premiere of Moby-Dick, The Elixir of Love, and a new production of The Magic Flute. WNO will also present the world premiere of The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me, a holiday-themed family opera commissioned by WNO and written by acclaimed American composer Jeanine Tesori. A second season of the American Opera Initiative will continue WNO's efforts to commission new American works.
by BWW News Desk - March 05, 2013
The 2013-2014 season of Washington National Opera (WNO) has just been announced by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. The season includes Tristan and Isolde, a new production of The Force of Destiny, the East Coast premiere of Moby-Dick, The Elixir of Love, and a new production of The Magic Flute. WNO will also present the world premiere of The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me, a holiday-themed family opera commissioned by WNO and written by acclaimed American composer Jeanine Tesori. A second season of the American Opera Initiative will continue WNO's efforts to commission new American works.
Diana Damrau Sings Her First-Ever Performances of Violetta in The Met's LA TRAVIATA
by Kelsey Denette - March 05, 2013
Diana Damrau will make her role debut as the courtesan Violetta in La Traviata, conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin in his first Met performances of the Verdi tragedy. Saimir Pirgu sings Violetta's lover Alfredo, and Placido Domingo sings the role of Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, in this revival of Willy Decker's 2010 production. This season's performances will be Damrau's first time singing the role of Violetta anywhere, while Domingo will move from the tenor role of Alfredo, which he has sung at the Met numerous times since 1970, to the baritone role of Giorgio.
by Kelsey Denette - March 05, 2013
Diana Damrau will make her role debut as the courtesan Violetta in La Traviata, conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin in his first Met performances of the Verdi tragedy. Saimir Pirgu sings Violetta's lover Alfredo, and Placido Domingo sings the role of Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, in this revival of Willy Decker's 2010 production. This season's performances will be Damrau's first time singing the role of Violetta anywhere, while Domingo will move from the tenor role of Alfredo, which he has sung at the Met numerous times since 1970, to the baritone role of Giorgio.
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