Review: LA BOHÈME at Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - May 17, 2023
The glorious music of Puccini remains the principal reason to see the Washington National Opera’s (WNO)current production of the beloved classic opera La bohème. This oft-referenced opera that has influenced everything from the famous film Moonstruck to the hit Broadway musical Rent, must be a fairly faithful revival of the original opera that the WNO presented at the Kennedy Center in 2014 –the original director Peter Kazaras is one again at the helm. Additionally, the original costumes by Jennifer Moeller (which are appropriate to the updated period), the original choreography by Ben Wright and the original set design by Lee Savage have all been retained. From referencing the program, however, it seems that lighting design by A. J. Guban has been brought in for this production.
OPERA America Announces Winners Of The Inaugural Awards For Digital Excellence In Opera
by Stephi Wild - Nov 8, 2022
OPERA America has announced the winners of the inaugural Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera. The Awards for Digital Excellence in Opera recognize the best work created for digital platforms by individual producers and organizations in the U.S. and Canada, in four categories: Artistic Creation, Education/Enrichment Material, University/Conservatory Projects, and Noteworthy Projects.
Music Academy Announces 75th Anniversary Season
by Stephi Wild - May 19, 2022
The Music Academy of the West celebrates its milestone 75th anniversary season with eight weeks of live events at its picturesque Miraflores campus and throughout scenic Santa Barbara, California this summer (June 15–Aug 6).
Music Academy Of The West Announces 75th Anniversary Summer Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 29, 2022
The Music Academy has revealed its ambitious plans for the 75th Anniversary Summer Festival. This milestone year has been propelled by three sold-out concerts by the London Symphony Orchestra in March and three Competition Winners recitals in April.
Washington National Opera Announces 2022"2023 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 5, 2022
As General Director Timothy 2 O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello announced today, the company’s 2022– 2023 season balances groundbreaking new work with audience favorites.
OPERA UCLA to Present Virtual Livestream World Premiere of CESARE, CHILD OF NIGHT
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 25, 2021
OPERA UCLA will present the virtual livestream World Premiere of Cesare, Child of Night from composer and film/TV orchestrator Jonathan Beard (Respect, King Richard, Zack Snyder's Justice League, and The Mandalorian) on Sunday, October 31 at 11:00 PM EDT (8:00 PM PDT), presented by UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music.
Seattle Opera Announces 2021/22 Season
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2021
After more than a year without live, in-person performances due to COVID-19, Seattle Opera will officially return to the theater this fall with its 2021/22 Season. Offerings include immortal favorites (La bohème, The Marriage of Figaro), historic works with a modern twist (Orpheus and Eurydice), plus an award-winning piece speaking to racial injustice in America (Blue).
Seattle Opera Presents Broadcast of Richard Wagner's RING Cycle
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 26, 2021
Seattle Opera will offer a broadcast of its most popular production of all time—Richard Wagner’s Ring cycle this February. Tune in to Classical KING FM 98.1 or king.org to enjoy a 2005 recording of the four-day opera. This “cycle” includes: Das Rheingold on Feb. 6, Die Walküre on Feb. 9, Siegfried on Feb. 11, and Götterdämmerung on Feb. 13.
Small Company, Piedmont Opera, Makes Big Waves
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 15, 2020
Although Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is called the City of the Arts, you may be surprised that it's small, regional opera house, Piedmont Opera, as become a hot opera ticket across the nation.
Merola Opera Program Announces Participants/Dates for 2020 Summer Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 26, 2020
After debuting its first-ever commissioned work in the program's history last season, San Francisco's acclaimed Merola Opera Program, one of the most prestigious and selective opera training programs in the world, returns with a new group of rising opera stars for its 63rd season.
BWW Review: Washington National Opera's SAMSON AND DELILAH at the Kennedy Center
by Roger Catlin - Mar 4, 2020
Bad haircuts can be tragic, but none more so than for Samson, the Biblical figure whose strength was sapped the moment his mullet was gone. The treacherous shearing by a revenge-seeking Delilah launched centuries of retelling, including Camille Saint-Saëns' opera 'Samson and Delilah' which the Washington National Opera is currently presenting at the Kennedy Center in repertoire with 'Don Giovanni.'
Washington National Opera Presents SAMSON AND DELILAH
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 1, 2020
Washington National Opera's (WNO) 2019a?"2020 season continues with Saint-Saëns's romantic tale of love and betrayal in a new WNO production of Samson and Delilah, March 1a?"March 21, 2020 in the Opera House. Dubbed by BET the a?oeBeyoncé of Opera,a?? J'Nai Bridges makes both her WNO and role debuts in the famously challenging role of the enchanting Delilah.
OPERA America Awards $100,000 In Discovery Grants For Female Composers
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 1, 2019
OPERA America, the national service organization for opera and the nation's leading champion for American opera, is pleased to announce the 2019 recipients of Discovery Grants from the Opera Grants for Female Composers program, which is made possible through the generosity of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.