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

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

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

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 8, 2018
Considering Matthew Shepard: 20 years later

Considering Matthew Shepard: 20 years later

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.

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 6, 2018
Jeremy Dutcher: "deep in dialogue" with his roots

Jeremy Dutcher: "deep in dialogue" with his roots

"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."

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 6, 2018
Onto the finals: why can't they all just win?

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

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.

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 5, 2018
Anticipation: CMIM Aria Semifinals, part I

Anticipation: CMIM Aria Semifinals, part I

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:

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 4, 2018
Distant, Emotional Brokeback Mountain A Paradoxical Success

Distant, Emotional Brokeback Mountain A Paradoxical Success

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.

Arturo Fernandez - Jun 1, 2018
Nevill Holt Opera inaugurates new theatre with Mozart & Adès

Nevill Holt Opera inaugurates new theatre with Mozart & Adès

"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!"

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 1, 2018
Talking with directors: Jennifer Williams

Talking with directors: Jennifer Williams

"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."

Jenna Simeonov - May 31, 2018
Opera 5: new faces, new show

Opera 5: new faces, new show

Derventzis loves that Beaumarchais' Figaro plays - the 18th century source material of Rossini's Barber - tell stories of rich people being outwitted by society's underdogs: "a woman and a servant."

Jenna Simeonov - May 31, 2018
Talking with conductors: Damian Iorio

Talking with conductors: Damian Iorio

"Regardless of whether I am with a new orchestra or not, I wish everyone a 'good morning' and then start playing immediately. It is important not to waste any time and both sides need to learn about each other."

Jenna Simeonov - May 30, 2018

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