Talking with singers: Lucas Meachem

Interview

"I didn't wait around for an interview that wasn't going to happen - I took it into my own hands through my blog. It's a lot of work and I'm proud to say I've posted consistently for over a year now. Phew! What motivates and inspires me most are real conversations I have with others in the opera world. That's what makes it so authentic."

Talking with singers: John Holiday

Interview

"I can remember dragging myself out of my third floor dorm room, in Mary Hay Hall (sidenote: Above my room, there was a plaque that read 'Future Leaders of Tomorrow'), and being late to those required acting classes for music majors. Ladies and gentlemen, if you're reading, take advantage of those classes. You'll be thankful you did."

Album review: O Gladsome Light

Review

The songs by Edmund Rubbra (1901-1986) are the real find in this album. His songs have a unique sound, a style that's difficult to place, but eventually emerges as English - yet with an edge.

A Warhorse For Opera's New World?

Review

Mr. Hourie directed with a terse and foreboding air that dispelled any memories of the films. The sleek and minimal set, comprised of skeletal architectural elements and lace curtains facilitated the action. As scenographer Hourie filled picture frames suggesting decaying ancestral portraits with video of flames, ghosts and all manner of frightening imagery.

Never black & white: Abduction at the COC

Review

It was a decidedly more positive portrayal of the "Mohameddans" as they're called in a new prologue by Mouawad. However, we are sort of expected to gloss over the fact that Bassa Selim is involved in the slave trade (he hands Blonde off to Osmin as property) and reward him for being "kind" to Konstanze and Blonde - meaning he didn't imprison them or send them to the kitchens, but to the bedrooms.

Cycles of My Being: "This is their story."

Interview

"I hope that people will show a great appreciation for the work of this young composer, the work of the lyricist, and the work of the other musicians on stage, but also our commitment to telling this story. I hope it gives a new perspective, and really allows people to see into the psyche and mindset of a young educated black man in America."

Heavenly voice visits the City of Angels

Review

The night ended with a nod to Leonard Bernstein's 100th Birthday - "Somewhere" from West Side Story. The lyrics "There's a place for us - somewhere a place for us…" she dedicated to the DACA Dreamers, and the evening ended with many in tears and everyone on their feet for several standing ovations.

Androgyny is sexy: Carmen at ROH

Review

In Barrie Kosky's new production for the Royal Opera that had its premiere in 2016 at Oper Frankfurt, there is no time period, nor geographical location. The sultry voice of Claude de Demo narrates the story and sets the scene in between musical numbers, in lieu of spoken dialogue or recitative. All this being said, the entire evening was thrilling and unforgettable for all the right reasons.

Help wanted: Els Comediants bring Barber to Houston

Review

At any rate, the production focuses on the perennial problem of "finding good help these days;" do the servants really care about their employers' tribulations? Is it any wonder that Bartolo's (Peixin Chen) house is falling apart? Indeed, the Houston Grand Opera Chorus were skilled at portraying a motley group of musicians who just need to keep their voices down once in a while, lest they attract the attention of the bayonet-armed, plume-graced Seville gendarmes.

Grime sees debut at Wigmore Hall

Interview

"It is wonderful to me that Helen Grime, such a phenomenal, fearless composer and also a mother, should take these poems from the book and give them a new embodiment in her song cycle," says Benson.