“Modern convention is the oddity” “Modern convention is the oddity”

Michael Spyres talks to Kevin Ng about his winding path as a baritenor, which composer he wants to conquer next, and how he makes Wagner work in his voice — and in his native Ozarks.

Celebrate good times Celebrate good times

Austin Opera’s 40th anniversary gala celebrated the present while gesturing boldly towards the future.

Pulling some strings Pulling some strings

When my press invite came for the Book of Mountains and Seas, the collaboration between Chinese born contemporary composer Huang Ruo, the vocal ensemble Ars Nova Copenhagen, and master puppeteer and production designer Basil Twist, I was in.

Singin’ through the sunshine Singin’ through the sunshine

Julia Bullock seems to fission herself multiple times over during the course of her newest, widely ranging recital program.

Devil in disguise Devil in disguise

On this day in 1953 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with a new production of Gounod’s Faust.

‘Big D’ energy ‘Big D’ energy

Only three years separate the creation of The Most Happy Fella (1956) and The Sound of Music (1959), but there’s a proverbial ocean between these two Golden Age musicals are being performed at prestigious festivals this summer.

Very warm for mayonnaise Very warm for mayonnaise

The career of our beloved Renée Fleming deserves to continue… by whatever means necessary.

Questo Weimar rosso Questo Weimar rosso

The case for this DVD production of Puccini’s La Boheme from Opera Australia is all about the “inspired concept” of director Gale Edwards to move this oft-told tale from 1840’s Paris all the way to the Berlin at the end of Weimar-era Germany. Hmmm.

The return of the comeback

It’s safe to say that there has been a lot of talk about Rufus Wainwright’s opera Prima Donna, which received its London premiere this week.