Talking with singers: Kiandra Howarth

Interview

"The nomadic lifestyle, whilst extremely exciting can often become tiring especially if you aren't able to spend time at home with family. I have been quite fortunate over the past few years to have at least one or two jobs which take me back to Australia to spend time with my family. I also like to keep busy with yoga!"

Musicians of the MET Orchestra: Days of Their Lives

Levine filed his suit a couple of months ago, on the day that the Met's new production of Così fan tutte, a specialty of his, opened without him. The timing of both suits was sadly ironic. The Met's move on May 18 must have affected at least some of the musicians in this band, that is still so much Levine's creation, as they prepared to open their Carnegie Hall series with Debussy's "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Fawn."

CMIM Finals: one out of three ain't bad?

Editorial

Even for me, I was quite errant in my guesses for the winners of this year's Concours musical international de Montréal.

Considering Matthew Shepard: 20 years later

Interview

I love the word "consideration" - and its meaning to think about something carefully and thoughtfully, to bring one's attention to something. With this piece, I am inviting people, through music, to consider the story of Matthew Shepard's life, and in particular, how he died.

Jeremy Dutcher: "deep in dialogue" with his roots

News

"It's crucial for us to make sure that we're using our language and passing it on to the next generation. If you lose the language, you're not just losing words; you're losing an entire way of seeing and experiencing the world from a distinctly indigenous perspective."

Onto the finals: why can't they all just win?

Editorial

I suppose that's what happened as the CMIM Aria finalists were announced. I made a few private predictions of my own, and I was largely on the same page as the jury. But I was dismayed to see two singers left out of the final round, perhaps for swinging too far one way or the other.

Anticipation: CMIM Aria Semifinals, part I

Editorial

With the anticipation of a good cliffhanger, I'll head back to Maison symphonique tomorrow night for the remaining six semifinalists. Make sure you watch live via CMIM's webcast, starting at 7:30pm ET. And if you missed Monday's Semifinal I, catch up below:

Distant, Emotional Brokeback Mountain A Paradoxical Success

Review

I would say that Wuorinen has done Proulx's story justice, and breathed new, interesting life into what is already considered an important narrative in LGBTQ storytelling.

Nevill Holt Opera inaugurates new theatre with Mozart & Adès

Interview

"Above all, it's a beautiful and intimate space. The natural colours and textures of the historic materials are brought out, and through a stunning skylight, daylight is brought into the space that was formerly a courtyard. It's a gem of a theatre!"

Talking with directors: Jennifer Williams

Interview

"My philosophy as a director is this: that opera at its best is a place where the possible can encounter the impossible, challenging our notions of what our reality could be like. Imagination and empathy are what shift perspectives and start conversations about what our world could be like. It's a mistake to underestimate its value."