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."

Opera 5: new faces, new show

Interview

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."

Talking with conductors: Damian Iorio

Interview

"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."

Talking with singers: Cristina Pasaroiu

Interview

"Everything is relative. You have just to be true with yourself, to know where your limits and qualities are and try to be always sincere."

Talking with singers: Samantha Hankey

Interview

"At the end of the day, it is our career and our life, and we need to make the artistic and personal choices that makes us who and what we are. It is important to accept all of the feedback, suggestions, and options with an open mind, but always sift through them to find your voice."

Merrily The Rake's Progress rolls along

Review

It is apparent that one doesn't question the avant-garde at Mannes, but welcomes it. Recent productions of Robert Ashley's conceptual Dust and Philip Glass' rarely performed The Fall of the House of Usher reinforce that point. And there is enough invention in Stravinsky's composition and the beautiful libretto by W.H. Auden with Chester Kallman, (a satisfying read in its own right) to keep these gifted singers and musicians on their toes.