5 people who would make great opera roles

Humour

Right up there with Donizetti's Tudor Queens, the hypothetical opera about Michelle Obama is packed with some serious history. The election of Barack Obama exposed the real racism that still exists in the United States; yet at the same time, the Obamas set a new bar for humanity and class among politicians.

When lost, find roots

Op-ed

For any of you involved in the freelance performing arts as a source of income, I don't have to tell you the struggles of making a living, having a life, or maintaining relationships. There are, of course, the 1% who have hit the jackpot of a permanent gig that provides steady income, God forbid benefits, and the luxury of being in one place year round as to actually have a family and a home.

In review: Dido and Aeneas

Review

Speaking of the Ballet, this is some of the most athletic dancing I've seen them do yet. An actor friend of mine once described period dancing as "just fancy walking". This is proof of the opposite. The lines, shapes and footwork were energetic, clean, and emotionally executed. For once I found the ladies large skirts accented and enhanced their choreography, rather than getting the way of me enjoying their fancy footwork.

Pocket Concerts loves classical music newbies!

News

"If you or someone you know has never heard live classical music before, we want to give you the most intense and personal experience we can, for FREE. All you have to do is post a photo or video of yourself on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #classicalnewbie and tell us why you want to come."

Jaw-dropping: The Nose at ROH

Review

The Nose - particularly in Kosky's production - is truly an ensemble opera, and every single detail felt part of a curious world, one hard to describe, yet perfectly recognizable. The dancers, the Royal Opera House chorus, even the curious balalaika player in exaggerated traditional costume - it was completely, delightfully, ridiculous.

In review: The Pearl Fishers at ENO

Review

The ENO Chorus had a busy night, and they delivered solid, precise crowd scenes, full of sparkling individuality. With the booming James Creswell as Nourabad, they created a world that drew us in. Under maestro Roland Böer, the ENO Orchestra had a lush, rich sound; at times it overpowered, yet perhaps it was only a problem for the orchestra-level seats.

Talking with singers: Marina Rebeka

Interview

Though the Metropolitan Opera is no small test of a singer's nerves, Rebeka found singing in her home town of Riga to be a daunting task. "The feeling with singing at home was always very complicated," she says. Rebeka's professional career began in Germany, and when she sang at home, the pressure to prove herself seemed great. "Singing for family and friends, on one hand, it's great; on the other hand, it's like, 'OK, let's see what she has learned abroad.'"

Thrilling nights: Boys of Paradise

Review

The contemporary story of highs and lows is smartly encased in the very old story of the Phoenix, where Twink embodies the bird who is reborn out of his own ashes. Boys of Paradise could have been an opportunity for camp, shock value, and lame attempts at drug and sex imagery; yet there was something ironically polished about this dirty, uncomfortable story that allows the audience to sympathise, judge, and experience catharsis all at once.

Gordon & Vavrek's 27: the New York premiere

Interview

"The idea was inspired by the idea of writing an opera for Stephanie, because of the personal relationship I have with her and knowing how her favorite thing to do is PRESIDE! It seemed a perfect fit and it has been a dream. She is an outsized voice and personality like Stein, it is a perfect fit. Stephanie has enormous love, artistry, courage, basically, BALLS!"

Don't miss: Comfort

Interview

"The Chinese opera and music of 'The Butterfly Lovers', is the cultural character in the play, from which the heroine and hero fall in love and through which they survive the atrocities of war. The opera's themes such as gender equality, love, and redemption echo those in the contemporary story of the young lovers' dreams and hopes in 1930s China and how their love stands up against war."