Jessye Norman News

The San Francisco Symphony will celebrate its Centennial in 2011-12 and today announced highlights for the Orchestra's milestone year. Presenting an ambitious season of concerts, programs, and events, expanded education programs and Centennial media initiatives, the Orchestra's 100th season celebrates the American orchestra and its vibrant role within its community as an artistic leader and civic institution. Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas and the SF Symphony will break new ground with a two-week American Mavericks Festival both in San Francisco and touring the country; an unprecedented presentation of the most distinguished major American orchestras in one series, in one season; unique concerts and heritage events celebrating the period of the Symphony's founding; artist and composer residencies featuring world premiere commissions; expanded music education programs including instrument training for public schools and an amateur music program for adults; and a variety of media projects that explore the living heritage of the Orchestra and its role within its community.

Yesterday, December 5, the 33rd Annual Kennedy Center Honored celebrated the talents and contributions of singer and songwriter Merle Haggard; composer and lyricist Jerry Herman; dancer, choreographer and director Bill T. Jones; songwriter and musician Paul McCartney; and producer, television host and actress Oprah Winfrey.

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will present its forty-first world premiere, To Cross the Face of the Moon / Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, commissioned by HGO through its Song of Houston project. Music by José 'Pepe' Martinez, music director of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, with libretto by acclaimed Broadway director and author Leonard Foglia, the opera will be performed in concert by a cast that includes mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte, baritone and HGO studio alumnus Octavio Moreno, and Martinez, together with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas. This will be Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán's only Houston performance in 2010.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Academy Award-winner Meryl Streep presented the 2010 Mayor's Awards for Arts & Culture on Monday, November 8, to five individuals and organizations in celebration of their outstanding contributions to New York City's cultural life.

Houston Grand Opera (HGO) will present its forty-first world premiere, To Cross the Face of the Moon / Cruzar la Cara de la Luna, commissioned by HGO through its Song of Houston project. Music by José 'Pepe' Martinez, music director of Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, with libretto by acclaimed Broadway director and author Leonard Foglia, the opera will be performed in concert by a cast that includes mezzo-soprano Cecilia Duarte, baritone and HGO studio alumnus Octavio Moreno, and Martinez, together with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, on Saturday, November 13, 2010, at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston, Texas. This will be Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán's only Houston performance in 2010.

The Bethany Mass Choir, featuring George Shirley, Carmen Lundy, Dwight Andrews, Howard University's Afro-Blue Jazz Chorus, Eric Talley, Maurice Chestnut, Kenny Davis, Kassa Overall, and Geri Allen performing Mary Lou's Mass. Bethany Baptist Church, the first Baptist Church founded by African-Americans in Newark, will celebrate the annual church Homecoming and honor it's distinguished spiritual leader, Rev. Dr. M. William Howard, Jr., on his 10th pastoral anniversary.

The Philadelphia Orchestra today announced that Renée Fleming and Paul Simon will appear as its special guests for the Academy of Music 154th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, January 29, 2011.

Lead producer Michael Cohl announced today that SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will begin preview performances on Broadway on Sunday, November 14, 2010, at 3 p.m., with Opening Night set for Tuesday evening, December 21. Directed by Julie Taymor and featuring a book by Julie Taymor and Glen Berger, and new music and lyrics by Bono and The Edge, SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark will open at Broadway's Foxwoods Theatre (213 West 42nd Street).

Deutsche Grammophon continues its successful relationship with the acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra and its chief conductor Franz Welser-Möst with this thrilling all-Wagner album. Recorded live in Cleveland, this recording showcases one of America's premier orchestras in Wagner's romantic and virtuosic music, available July 27, 2010.

Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998 and has quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists.

Joe's Pub has announced its upcoming schedule for the week of July 22-27, which will include performances by 'The George Gerkie Cowboy Experience' and Lady Rizo.

Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998 and has quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists.

According to a report from the New York Times, this year's Montreux Jazz Festival will include performances from Phil Collins, Diana Krall, and Jessye Norman. The annual festival will take place from July 2 through July 17.

A recent special on 'Q2 with Terrance McKnight' featured an exclusive two-hour interview with MacArthur 'Genius' Award-winner Bill T. Jones and traced his life through music.

Deutsche Grammophon continues its successful relationship with the acclaimed Cleveland Orchestra and its chief conductor Franz Welser-Möst with this thrilling all-Wagner album. Recorded live in Cleveland, this recording showcases one of America's premier orchestras in Wagner's romantic and virtuosic music, available July 27, 2010.

According to a report from the New York Times, this year's Montreux Jazz Festival will include performances from Phil Collins, Diana Krall, and Jessye Norman. The annual festival will take place from July 2 through July 17.

Joe's Pub has announced its upcoming schedule for the week of July 22-27, which will include performances by 'The George Gerkie Cowboy Experience' and Lady Rizo.

Joe's Pub at The Public Theater debuted in October 1998 and has quickly became one of New York City's most celebrated and in-demand showcase venues for live music and performance. With its genre-blind booking and vast diversity of interests, the stage at Joe's Pub gives voice to a world of varied and stellar artists.

Contactmusic.com is reporting that FELA! director/choreographer Bill T. Jones, 2010 Tony Award-winner for Best Choreography, is developing four new musicals for the stage.

The American Theatre Wing's 64th Annual Antoinette Perry 'Tony' Awards were held at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 13, 2010 and broadcast on the CBS Television Network. For more information visit tonyawards.com.