360° of Opera

Opera from a different angle. #360ofOpera by Eugenia Forteza (Founder) & Melanie Spector (Editor).

[360ofopera]

WE HAVE MOVED!

We are very proud to announce the launch of our new website www.360ofopera.com

Please join us there for more blogging and to access our new shop!

XOXO

Eugenia Forteza

360° of Opera Founder

[360ofopera]

10 LGBTQ+ OPERAS YOU SHOULD KNOW 🌈

#HappyPride from @360ofopera & our Guest contributor @thelibrettist (Fabrizio Funari) 💫

Fabrizio put together a fantastic list of 𝟭𝟬 𝗟𝗚𝗕𝗧𝗤+ 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 🏳️‍🌈 🎶

In no particular order, they are:

1. Stonewall

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall uprising and the 75th year of New York City Opera (NYCO), general director Michael Capasso debuted the world premiere of the LGBTQI+ focused new opera by Iain Bell and Mark Campbell, “Stonewall” on June 21, 2019.

Currently the only opera company that houses a series supporting Pride Month, NYCO establishes a unique opportunity for audiences abound to explore lesser-known stories on a grand scale.

Based in NYC, the librettist Mark Campbell tells the story of an array of individuals that seek more from life while on their journey of self-discovery. And it may be hard to imagine NYC in 1969, unless one experienced it themselves. Therefore, here are a few facts, shared by director Leonard Foglia in the NYCO program, that shed light on this time:

https://operawire.com/new-york-city-opera-2018-19-review-stonewall/

Photo: Sarah Shatz

2. As One

A compelling and thought-provoking story about Hannah, a transgender woman, as she endeavors to resolve the discord between herself and the outside world. As One is a celebration of the human character revealed through drama, music, and film.

https://www.operacolumbus.org/as-one/

Photo: Matthew Staver

3. Fellow Travelers

At the height of the McCarthy era in 1950s Washington, D.C., recent college grad Timothy Laughlin is eager to join the crusade against communism. A chance encounter with a handsome State Department official, Hawkins Fuller, leads to Tim’s first job—and his first love affair with a man. Drawn into a maelstrom of deceit, Tim struggles to reconcile his political convictions and his forbidden love for Fuller—an entanglement that will end in a stunning act of betrayal.

https://www.cincinnatiopera.org/fellow-travelers

Photo: Dan Norman

4. Champion

Champion tells the story of Emile Griffith, a closeted bisexual boxer who knocked out Benny “Kid” Paret in 1962 after his opponent mocked him as a “maricón” during a pre-fight press conference. This fateful third Welterweight title-match between the two rivals proved fatal for Paret, who died from the beating ten daysafter the fight. It was also traumatic for Griffith, who would be tormented throughout his life with guilt over killing a fellow athlete.

Blanchard’s opera introduces Griffith as an elderly man, confused with dementia from years of pugilistic abuse, reliving his inner and outer struggles in a series of flashbacks.

https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2016/3/Reviews/SAN_FRANCISCO__Champion.html

Photo: https://www.ft.com/content/b73e62b0-de48-11e2-9b47-00144feab7de

5. 27

27 (or Twenty-Seven) is an opera by composer Ricky Ian Gordon and librettist Royce Vavrek in a prologue and five acts, that explores the relationship of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, and the salons that they hosted at their residence at 27 rue de Fleurus in Paris. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/27_(opera)

Photo: Ken Howard/Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

6. Before Night Falls

Based on the book of the same name, Before Night Falls is the story of Rey (Reinaldo Arenas), a Cuban writer who faces a terrifying situation in his homeland: neither is he free to be and to express himself artistically, nor is he free to leave. He is persecuted and silenced, but he resolves to escape.

Through deceit and luck, he successfully flees the island. Once outside that “island prison” he realizes the irony that although he is now “free” he forever carries within him the sense of persecution, and in addition, hesuddenly faces his own premature death. Rey hastens to write his memoir (which is the substance of this opera) before he dies-- “before night falls” -- to give witness to his struggle for personal, political, and artistic freedom, a universal and perennial struggle. His character is both irrepressible and joyful; his story at once tragic and uplifting-- a perfect combination for opera.

https://www.operaamerica.org/applications/nawd/newworks/details.aspx?id=182

Photo: https://www.cubanheritage.com/before-night-falls-an-opera/

7. Patience and Sarah

Based on the novel of the same name by Isabel Miller, Patience and Sarah has been described as the first lesbian opera and as the first mainstream gay-themed opera. The plot of the opera follows that of the novel fairly closely, with the wealthy and well-educated Patience and the poor farmer’s daughter Sarah falling in love and sharing their dreams of leaving Connecticut to go pioneering.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patience_and_Sarah_(opera)

Photo: Maria Baranova

8. Death in Venice

The writer Gustav von Aschenbach is depressed and suffering from writer’s block. An encounter with a mysterious Traveller makes him decide to travel south to Venice to refresh his imagination. At his hotel in Venice, Aschenbach is struck by the beauty of Tadzio, a Polish boy who is holidaying with his family.

https://www.roh.org.uk/tickets-and-events/death-in-venice-by-david-mcvicar-details

Photo: ENO/ Hugo Glendinning

9. Angels in America

Prior Walter (Andrew Garland) is a 30-year-old New Yorker recently diagnosed with AIDS. Prior’s neurotic partner Louis Ironson (Aaron Blake) shacks up with the closeted Mormon lawyer Joe Pitt (Michael Weyandt), and Joe, in turn, leaves his Valium-addicted wife Harper (Sarah Beckham-Turner).

The opera is based on both parts of the Angels in America fantasia, however the script was re-worked and condensed to fit both parts into a two and half hour show. Composer Peter Eötvös explains: “In the opera version, I put less emphasis on the political line than Kushner...I rather focus on the passionate relationships, on the highly dramatic suspense of the wonderful text, on the permanently uncertain state of the visions.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angels_in_America

https://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city- theater/reviews/angels-in-america-the-opera_81450.html

Photo: Sarah Shatz

10. Young Ceasar

The work is a kind of prequel to Handel’s Giulio Cesare, focusing on Gaius Julius Caesar’s sad days—the death of his father, his marriage to Cornelia and his military service in Asia Minor.

Robert Gordon provided a meticulously researched libretto overladen with historical detail; characters intone dry descriptions of ceremonial etiquette or Roman politics in Harrison’s lengthy pentatonic recitatives. Things get juicier in the second half, when Gaius is sent on a mission to the Black Sea kingdom of Bithynia to request naval reinforcements from Nicomedes IV. He and the king strike up an intense love affair until Caesar remembers his Aunt Julia’s admonition that “Only the dead can afford the luxury of limitless time” and returns to Rome to fulfill his heroic destiny.

https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2018/7/Recordings/HARRISON__Young_Caesar.html

Photo: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/la-et-cm-young-caesar-20170613-htmlstory.html

Which ones of these operas are you familiar with? We hope this list inspires you to make some new discoveries! 🏳️‍🌈

Happy Pride Month!

Xoxo 💋

#TheLibrettist x #360ofOpera

[360ofopera]

Online Lessons Resource

Stuck at home? Learn something new or keep working on your craft! Below you can find useful information and artists who are offering online lessons in a variety of disciplines. Many cancelations have affected freelancers severely, but the internet is a great tool and we want to help everybody make the most of this unusual situation. 

*This article will be updated daily with new resources. The artists are listed in order of submission to our Facebook call. Thank you for your patience as we continue to fill this post and for sharing this link.* 

Voice Lessons 

Alison Bolshoi: My usual Skype rate is $90 (in person is $130). Trying to be sensitive to what's going on, so I'm lowering it to $65. I'll also give a free lesson to anyone who just doesn't have money right now. [email protected] 973 980 6526

Heshima Moja: I’m offering voice, electric bass, songwriting/composition lessons online. Skype, FaceTime, zoom, google hangouts. My email is [email protected]. Phone is [phone]

A.D. Teebs: My studio (Alexa Teebo Voice Studio) is offering online Piano and Voice lessons! We have teachers who are mainly musical theatre professionals and who are mainly opera professionals. Please reach out! 908-858-3595. [email protected]

Francesca Mondanaro: Teaching voice lessons via zoom and skype for opera singers, musical theater and rock vocalists - [email protected] www.francescamondanaro.me

Maria Ostroukhova: Baroque&Rossini style/ornamentation, Russian repertoire coaching, general vocal lessons. [email protected]

Luz Del Alba Rubio: VOICE LESSONS, DICTION (Spanish,Italian) - Skype: luzsoprano

Kayla Faccilongo & Ian Cedric Joyal offer virtual voice, piano, guitar, and strings lessons [email protected]

Michelle Trovato Voice (classical and MT) and also Italian, French and Italian diction (and English for non-native speakers). [email protected]! www.facebook.com/michelletrovatosoprano

Eloise Sant Voice lessons via gchat or FaceTime or Zoom. MT and Classical. [email protected]

Max Potter Voice, piano, and violin lessons for all levels of artists. [email protected]

Shelley L. Mitchell Voice Lessons (Classical & Musical Theatre), Music Theory. Online lessons for 30,45 or 60 minutes. Via FaceTime and ZOOM. www.shelleylindamitchell.com

Catherine Regina Voice and piano lessons (Skype, FaceTime) [email protected]

Alize Rozsnyai  [email protected], voice lessons : classical, musical theatre, pop all based with classical foundation and any level singer, or beginning piano.

Linda Collazo Voice and piano lessons - [email protected] - www.lindacollazo.com 

Alison McConekey Widlake I currently teach online lessons via Skype and have had an active voice and piano studio for 17 years. Happy to keep students learning through any lockdown we might face. Bel Canto Vocal Arts - [email protected] | www.alisonmcconekey.com

Alyssa Weathersby Voice Lessons! Popular and classical styles, with experience in both building voices from the ground up and polishing voices for professional performance. [email protected]. Since it’s online, I’m slashing prices: 30 min/$40, 45 min/$50, 60 min/$60.

Ema Mitrović Www.emamitrovic.com | [email protected] - Voice and Beginner/Intermediate Piano. I’m also happy to teach theory!

Christina Swanson Voice lessons and acting coaching, beginner to advanced, ranging from Classical, MT, to pop/rock and jazz. http://christina-swanson.com/ $75/hr

Amanda Batista Voice + Piano Lessons via Skype/FaceTime ! [email protected]

Meryl Lily Cecilia I teach voice lessons over skype/zoom/gchat! [email protected]

Emily Hughes I offer voice lessons and beginner/intermediate piano lessons tailored to your goals! Via Skype or FaceTime. [email protected]

Jessica Ann Best - Voice lessons and coachings! Opera, Musical Theater and Jazz:) | www.jessicaannbest.com

Eduardo Belmonte Voice+piano+guitar Lessons! [email protected]

Molly Dunn - Singing with Molly will be offering group classes and private lessons for ages 4-18. Music and Theatre. We added online morning classes until schools start up again.

Diane Aragona - His & Hers Music - Offering Skype & FaceTime lessons in voice, guitar, bass, & drums. Also audition prep for singers & music theory/fundamentals! Specializing in teaching middle & high school students, but all ages welcome! www.hisandhersmusicllc.com

JoseLuis Maldonado Jr - Voice lessons Baritonejoe.com [email protected]

Selena Siri Voice and piano lessons for all ages: https://selenasiri.com/about 

Susan Eichhorn Young - Voice Lessons on Zoom available susaneichhornyoung.com

Joanie Brittingham - Voice Lessons through Facetime or Google Hangouts www.joaniebrittingham.com

Carla López-Speziale - Voice lessons and also Spanish tutoring and Diction.  I have a DMA in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and I also studied Hispanic Language and Literature at the National University of Mexico (UNAM). [email protected]

Antonina Chehovska - Voice Lessons, Russian Diction & Music Theory/Ear Training - [email protected]

Opera Coaches

Liora Maurer - Met Opera Coach / Canto Vocal Programs  - [email protected]

Lucy Arner - Canto Vocal Programs - Opera Coach & Conductor - [email protected]

Hemdi Kfir - Met Opera Coach - Language/Diction Specialist - [email protected]

Language/ Diction

Dmitry Glivinskiy: Russian diction coachings on Skype/facetime. [email protected]. Suggestion donation. No specific rate.

Luz Del Alba Rubio: VOICE LESSONS, DICTION (Spanish,Italian) - Skype: luzsoprano

Michelle Trovato Voice (classical and MT) and also Italian, French and Italian diction (and English for non-native speakers). [email protected]! www.facebook.com/michelletrovatosoprano

Laetitia Ruccolo French and Italian diction and piano! [email protected] 

Gökçe Erem Violin ( all levels ) & Viola (for beginners) Fundamentals of Music & Turkish! | [email protected] | www.gokceerem.com

Cloe SanAntonio French & Italian diction coaching! [email protected]

Carla López-Speziale - Voice lessons and also Spanish tutoring and Diction.  I have a DMA in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and I also studied Hispanic Language and Literature at the National University of Mexico (UNAM). [email protected]

Missy Lees Group or one-on-one Italian language lessons through Skype or Zoom. I’m a classically trained vocalist and many of my students are musicians but it’s fantastico for anyone to learn this musical language! Find me through Immerse Italia on fb or instagram.

Antonina Chehovska - Voice Lessons, Russian Diction & Music Theory/Ear Training - [email protected]

Hemdi Kfir - Met Opera Coach - Language/Diction Specialist - [email protected]

Musical Instruments

Mei Stone: Flute/piccolo lessons!! [email protected]

Heena Patel: Tabla and North Indian Rhythm Lessons. [email protected]

Tori Boell: Beginner/intermediate winds and brass, and advanced trumpet and horn. I also tutor music theory. My rate in person is $75 an hour and $60/hour for Skype. I’d love to help some kids out! [email protected] | [phone]. 

Katya Barmotina: Violin and viola [email protected]. 40, 50, 60 for 30, 45, 60 minutes

Lindsey Wiehl: Bassoon lessons, email me for info at [email protected]. Hour or half hour lessons.

Melissa McCann Voice and piano melissamccannmusic.com

Kayla Faccilongo & Ian Cedric Joyal offer virtual voice, piano, guitar, and strings lessons [email protected]

Max Potter Voice, piano, and violin lessons for all levels of artists. [email protected]

Brian Ford: Violin Lessons - ViolinNYC.com

Jay Julio: violin, viola, and theory! jayjulio.com

Guilherme Andreas Flute guilhermeandreas.com

Catherine Regina Voice and piano lessons (Skype, FaceTime) [email protected]

Phillip H. Solomon Clarinet & bass clarinet lessons! [email protected]

Laetitia Ruccolo French and Italian diction and piano! [email protected] 

Missy Lees Group or one-on-one Italian language lessons through Skype or Zoom. I’m a classically trained vocalist and many of my students are musicians but it’s fantastico for anyone to learn this musical language! Find me through Immerse Italia on fb or instagram. 

Matthew Jermiason Trombone and Low brass lessons. Offering hour and half hour lessons. Contact: [email protected]: matthewjermiason.com

Mary Barton Violin and Viola [email protected]. Skype and FaceTime

Derek J. Weagle Piano, Theory & Ear Training, Composition! [email protected] | www.derekjweagle.com FaceTime/Zoom/Hangouts/Skype - Free first lesson/meeting 

Francesca Leo Flute/piccolo lessons and beginning guitar lessons! [email protected] | www.francescaleoflute.com

Linda Collazo Voice and piano lessons - [email protected] - www.lindacollazo.com 

 Christian Cepeda Guitar, Piano, Theory! [email protected] - https://square.site/book/Y0R55SF05D6DG/cepeda-music-brooklyn-ny

Angela Wee Violin lessons! [email protected]

Alison McConekey Widlake I currently teach online lessons via Skype and have had an active voice and piano studio for 17 years. Happy to keep students learning through any lockdown we might face. Bel Canto Vocal Arts - [email protected] | www.alisonmcconekey.com

Gökçe Erem Violin ( all levels ) & Viola (for beginners) Fundamentals of Music & Turkish! | [email protected] | www.gokceerem.com

Evgenia Truksha - piano lessons all levels, vocal [email protected] - 917-930-9917

Rofer Daniel Piano lessons [email protected] | Instagram @roferdaniel

Ema Mitrović Www.emamitrovic.com | [email protected] - Voice and Beginner/Intermediate Piano. I’m also happy to teach theory!

Tom Boulton Trumpet lessons, focusing on fundamentals and audition prep. www.tomboulton.com

Tim Horner, Jazz Drummer/Composer Available to teach drums, composition, theory.  www.timhornerdrums.com

Michelle Hromin clarinet, bass clarinet and saxophone lessons! [email protected], skype and facetime!!

John Abbott Guitar and ukulele, Princeton, NJ area. Berklee trained/educated. More at https://www.facebook.com/jabbottmusic/ or email [email protected].

Richard Philbin Saxophone - all levels | Flute, clarinet - beginner-intermediate | RichardPhilbinMusic.com/teaching

Eliza Waldman Guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, drums, songwriting https://www.ewmusicstudios.com/

Christine Mello - Cellist - [email protected] | Www.christinemello.com | Insta @cmellocello

Amanda Batista Voice + Piano Lessons via Skype/FaceTime ! [email protected]

Emily Hughes I offer voice lessons and beginner/intermediate piano lessons tailored to your goals! Via Skype or FaceTime. [email protected]

Dakota Karper Dakota Karper teaching Oldtime Fiddle Lessons via Skype. www.dakotakarper.com contact: [email protected]

Michael Campanile - Guitar www.delcoguitaracademy.com - Online and face to face

Ana Milosavljevic Violin - all ages and levels - [email protected]

Brad Siroky - Trumpet Lessons, all ages & abilities. Fundamentals -Repertoire coaching -Audition Prep | [email protected] | 917-945-9247

Joe Lambert I’m offering bad ass drum lessons!!! Skype, FaceTime, or otherwise! I got you! Get your shed on!!!! 

Emily Annesley Email - [email protected] | SUNY Fredonia and SUNY Purchase graduate offering flute lessons!

Eduardo Belmonte Voice+piano+guitar Lessons! [email protected]

Mark Serkin Cello lessons! serkincello.com | [email protected] 

Diane Aragona - His & Hers Music - Offering Skype & FaceTime lessons in voice, guitar, bass, & drums. Also audition prep for singers & music theory/fundamentals! Specializing in teaching middle & high school students, but all ages welcome! www.hisandhersmusicllc.com

Kathryn Vetter - Clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, music theory lessons online for any age or ability level. My email address is [email protected]. | www.kathrynvetter.com

Alethea Buchal Piano guitar vocals! Www.akbmusik.com and [email protected]

Alina Tamborini - Voice and oboe any age or ability level. Beginning Piano. Ear training and Sight Singing. [email protected]

Selena Siri Voice and piano lessons for all ages: https://selenasiri.com/about 

Marina Kifferstein Violin and music theory lessons for all ages!  http://www.marinakifferstein.com/contact.html

Jay Rodriguez - Saxophone, flute, clarinet, theory, improvisation in various styles ( jazz ,latin classical ), composition, children, adults, beginners and advanced. Skype- hernanjayrodriguez  Jay Rodriguez- Sierra https://www.jayrodriguez.com

Justin Brown - Woodwinds here!! Jkbrownmusic.com

Acting

Brittany Goodwin: Acting private lessons -- monologues / aria + character interp . [email protected]

Jennifer Williams - director and dramatic coach, Houston Grand Opera Studio Facutly and Aspen Music Festival faculty. Dramatic coaching for audition repertoire and role preparation. [email protected]

Molly Dunn - Singing with Molly will be offering group classes and private lessons for ages 4-18. Music and Theatre. We added online morning classes until schools start up again.

Linda Brovsky - Drama Coaching for Opera & Musical Theater - [email protected]

Fitness

Jessica Fishenfeld JecaFIT home workouts, programmed for your needs, with video clip demonstrations! Corona discount: $20/workout. [email protected] | www.jecafit.com

Kirsten Scott - VoxBod - Fitness Trainer & Health Coach - [email protected] or 5082548579 www.voxbod.com

Modo Yoga NYC - Daily Yoga Classes & Meditation via Instagram (donation based) www.instagram.com/modoyoganyc

Modo Yoga Montréal - Daily Yoga & Meditation via Instagram in English and French. (donation based) www.instagram.com/modoyogamontreal

Ballet Nova Center For Dance - Free Daily Dance Classes, livestream on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BalletNovaCenterForDance/

Useful Links

Musicians available for Online Lessons:

https://www.maestromatch.com

NYC Covid-19 Musicians Resources and Support Group (Facebook) https://www.facebook.com/groups/nycmusicianscovid19/?multi_permalinks=800227327140945¬if_id=1584203293684466¬if_t=feedback_reaction_generic

Bare Opera Artist Relief Fund:

http://www.bareopera.org

Artist Relief Tree

https://www.facebook.com/donate/1080011789032749/

Opera America Covid Resource Hub:

https://www.operaamerica.org/content/about/covid19.aspx

Free Primephonic Membership (3 months with code 360)

https://www.primephonic.com/360ofopera

AGMA Relief Fund

https://www.musicalartists.org/membership/agma-relief-fund/

10 Museums To Visit At Home

https://360ofopera.tumblr.com/post/612577155826712576/1-pinacoteca-di-brera-milano

Free Nightly Met Opera Streams 

https://www.metopera.org/about/press-releases/met-to-launch-nightly-met-opera-streams-a-free-series-of-encore-live-in-hd-presentations-streamed-on-the-company-website-during-the-coronavirus-closure/

Free Ivy-League Online Courses

https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/here-are-380-ivy-league-courses-you-can-take-online-right-now-for-free-9b3ffcbd7b8c/

Free Bayerische Staatsoper Streamings

https://www.staatsoper.de/en/news/online-schedule-until-19-april.html

Songs in Solidarity - Opera Space US Free Livestream Concerts

https://www.facebook.com/operaspaceUS/

Written by Eugenia Forteza

[360ofopera]

10 Museums To Visit At Home

#IoRestoACasa

#YoMeQuedoEnCasa

#QuedateEnCasa

#Covid19

In these moments of social distancing, #360ofOpera is committed to help the community by sharing positive, educational and helpful information. Here is a list of 10 museums you can visit online from the comfort of your home, which offer virtual tours and online collections. Let’s keep our art & spirits up! 🙌🏼🌸

1. Pinacoteca di Brera - Milano

Pinacoteca di Brera

Sito ufficiale della Pinacoteca di Brera di Milano. Scopri le collezioni, i capolavori, i restauri con immagini ad altissima

2. Galleria degli Uffizi - Firenze

IperVisioni | Le Gallerie degli Uffizi

Scopri da vicino i capolavori delle nostre collezioni e le loro vicende storiche e artistiche, lasciandoti guidare attraverso descrizioni su

3. Musei Vaticani - Roma

Catalogo online

Il Catalogo online dei Musei Vaticani presenta le informazioni essenziali relative alle opere d’arte mobili (non agli ambienti, edifici, o l

4. Archeological Museum - Athens

https://www.namuseum.gr/en/collections/

Collections | Eθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο n

The collections numbered more than 11,000 exhibits and offer the visitor a panorama of ancient Greek culture from the prehistory to the late

5. Museo del Prado - Madrid

https://www.museodelprado.es/en/the-collection/art-works

6. Musée du Louvre - Paris

Online Tours | Louvre Museum | Paris

7. British Museum - London

Collection

Explore the British Museum collection and journey through two million years of human history.

8. Metropolitan Museum - New York

9. Hermitage Museum - St. Petersburg

Virtual Visit

10. National Gallery of Art - Washington, DC

https://www.nga.gov/index.html

Enjoy and learn something new every day! This is the perfect time to study and feed your soul! 🎨 🖼 🎶

Photos sources from Google & Museum Websites.

[360ofopera]

Black History Month

As most of you may know, February is “Black History Month”. To celebrate and honor the Black Community in Opera, we asked our followers to share with us which artists inspire them and why. Here are the Top 10 Answers from this inspiring collaboration.

Of course, this article does not by any means manage to include all the fantastic artists of this community! We hope you enjoy this sample into what extraordinary talent artists from African and African-American descent have shared and continue to offer to the world of opera.

If you are not familiar with some of the singers listed, we urge you to research them, listen to their recordings and whenever possible... hear them live!

Jessye Norman

“Jessye Norman! Hands down. She was the first opera singer I saw sing live when I attended the Tanglewood Young Artist Program at age 16 in 1996. That was where I fell in love with opera and classical music. I saw Jessye Norman sing and was like “I wanna sing like her!” I also got to meet her that summer and she was larger than life an talked a bit like Julia Child. That was my summer of love with opera. The bug bit me and never let go, lawd! And a really cool thing is later in 2007, when I went BACK to school to get a second Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance (after finishing law school and passing the bar exam, long story!)... it was my first semester, and Jessye Norman happened to be the headliner at the first concert of the season at my school! So things came full circle for me!” • @operaisforyou

Jessye Norman is pictured singing Brahms during a tribute performance for Marian Anderson 100th birthday at Carnegie Hall in 1997. Photo Credit: Osamu Honda/Associated Press.

Opera is For You (OiFY) (@operaisforyou) • Instagram photos and videos

64 Followers, 57 Following, 17 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Opera is For You (OiFY) (@operaisforyou)

Harolyn Blackwell

“She’s still singing all over the world today and is an incredible mentor.” • @julietsingsalot

Photo: harolynblackwell.com

Juliet Morris (@julietsingsalot) • Instagram photos and videos

See 936 photos and videos by Juliet Morris (@julietsingsalot).

Shirley Verrett

“Such a beautiful voice and person, she’s my vocal idol” • @flotiste

Photo: shirleyverrett.com

@flotiste • Instagram photos and videos

See 224 posts by @flotiste. To see photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours, sign up.

Simon Estes

“Simon Estes broke barriers in repertoire to which I aspire. Extraordinary artist and man.” • @deandresvoice

Simon Estes pictured as Hagen in Wagner's Gotterdammerung, Seattle, 1977. Photo Credit: Seattle Opera, Simon Estes Foundation.

DeAndre (@deandresvoice) • Instagram photos and videos

4,013 Followers, 568 Posts. Singer: Opera,Concert,Recital, Musical | Traveler ✈️ | Meditator 🙏🏾| Sports 🎾🎣🏌🏾🏹| ΑΦΑ 🤙🏾| Equity,AGMA,SAG/Aftra

“One of the best ‘Holländer’ I’ve ever heard and seen!” • @sebastian.iben_pianist

Sebastian Iben (@sebastian.iben_pianist) • Instagram photos and videos

3,650 Followers, 175 Following, 668 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Sebastian Iben (@sebastian.iben_pianist)

Angel Joy Blue & Janai Brugger

“Gorgeous voices and people with so much joy for their art.” • @theglamfitdiva

Angel Joy Blue as Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata at Royal Opera House. Photo Credit: ROH

Janai Brugger photographed by Dario Acosta.

ANNIE- Singer + Health Coach (@theglamfitdiva) • Instagram photos and videos

1,231 Followers, 967 Following, 974 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from ANNIE- Singer + Health Coach (@theglamfitdiva)

Denyce Graves

“Fantastic Mezzo from Washington DC!” • @jencastano

Photo: denycegraves.com

Jenny Castano (@jencastano) • Instagram photos and videos

75 Followers, 416 Following, 335 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Jenny Castano (@jencastano)

Golda Schultz

“Golda Schultz and her pristine, precise technique and vocal color.” • @solanosoprano

Photo: goldaschultz.com

María Alejandra Solano (@solanosoprano) • Instagram photos and videos

293 Followers, 598 Following, 7 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from María Alejandra Solano (@solanosoprano)

Morris Robinson & Ryan Speedo Green

“Morris Robinson and Ryan Speedo Green. Why? They’re simply the best!” • @grandmakravets

Photos: Artist Websites

David Kravets (@grandmakravets) • Instagram photos and videos

473 Followers, 517 Following, 53 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from David Kravets (@grandmakravets)

Porgy & Bess at The Metropolitan Opera

“The entire cast of The Met Opera’s ‘Porgy & Bess’ - #InspiredByThePresent.” - Theresa • @theoperagamer

Pictured are bass Eric Owens, tenor Errin Brooks, soprano Angel Joy Blue and members of the ensemble. Photo Credit: Met Opera.

http://instagram.com/theoperagamer

XoXo

#360ofOpera

[360ofopera]

Portrait of A Lady On Fire 🔥

Award Winning French Movie “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” by Céline Sciamma, features very moving scenes centered on Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”, as well as improvised choral music for female voices.

« La musique, c’est difficile à expliquer... »

“Music is difficult to explain”

The idea behind this quote is that it is hard to put music into words, and that music should be felt and experienced live. The unlimited emotions that music can generate in us are beautifully portrayed in this visual masterpiece.

Have you seen this film? We leave you with this food for thought and hope you run to see it if you haven’t yet. In the USA, you can find it at @landmarktheatres. We can’t say much more about it, to avoid #spoilers 🎥 🍿 🎶 Enjoy!!

• • •

#360ofOpera #360ofoperarecommends #Vivaldi #portraitofaladyonfire #portraidelajeunefilleenfeu

[360ofopera]

Don’t lose the GREASE!

Don’t lose the GREASE 😉 🎶 & don’t miss Joyce DiDonato’s epic NPR Music #TinyDeskConcert 👌🏼An exciting merging of styles that will inspire you to PLAY!

In this video, she sings centuries-old Italian love songs at the famous Tiny Desk, with a jazz band to back her up. That’s why we love Joyce, she is always taking risks, that inspire all generations!

Joyce DiDonato: Tiny Desk Concert

Watch the celebrated opera star deconstruct old Italian love songs with her signature flair, backed by a crack jazz ensemble.

Thank you Joyce for this #MondayMotivation 🙏🏼

#360ofOpera #JoyceDiDonato #NPRMusic

[360ofopera]

Aigul Khismatullina

Backstage Q & A with ‘The Queen of the Night’ of Royal Opera House Muscat’s new production of Die Zauberflöte.

The backstage area of an opera house, an hour before downbeat, is where the visual magic you see on stage is prepared. Make-up, wigs, costumes, warm-ups, props, sets, stage notes... one of my favorite places on Earth! Somehow, amidst all the craziness of closing night, I managed to fit in a quick chat with one of the stars of the evening!

Aigul Khismatullina is a 30 year old soprano on the rise, from Naberezhny Chelny in the Republic of Tatarstan. After graduating in 2014 from the Kazan State Zhiganov Conservatory, she trained under world-renowned coloratura soprano Albina Shagimuratova (2014–2016). Since 2016, she has been a soloist at the Primorsky Stage of the Mariinsky Theatre. In 2017 she became a grant-recipient of the Atkins Young Artists Program Fellowship at the Mariinsky Theatre. She made her Mariinsky Theatre debut as The Nightingale in Stravinsky's opera Le Rossignol. In 2019, she won First Prize in the Francisco Viñas Competition in Barcelona and Second Prize at the Tchaikovsky International Competition, which gave her international attention.

It was a great surprise to meet Aigul halfway through her makeup call and right before her stellar performance as The Queen of the Night in Royal Opera House Muscat’s new production of Die Zauberflöte, directed by Davide Livermore. Her big glittery eyes and enthusiasm were a breath of fresh air. This pre-performance meeting made me even more excited to see her do her thing on stage later!

360 of Opera: Usually, when a soprano is able to sing this challenging role at a high level, she performs it a lot. Is this your first run as The Queen of the Night or have you sung it before?

AK: I have sung it several times at my home company, The Mariinsky Theatre in Russia. But this is my first time singing it abroad, which is very exciting!

360 of Opera: How has this particular experience been for you?

AK: It’s been fantastic and very rewarding. I think this production is perfect and very interesting. I loved working with our director Davide Livermore in this new production, which was especially made to highlight the local culture and tradition of Oman. Many members of the chorus and all the supernumeraries in the show are Omani, which made it special for everyone, especially the local audience. Also, our costumes designed by Mariana Fracasso, are inspired in traditional Omani garments and they are beautiful.

360 of Opera: Have you worked with anyone in the cast or production team before?

AK: No! I met everyone here and it’s been such a good environment. All my colleagues are very kind and we have great chemistry. I’m very happy! It has been a great atmosphere.

360 of Opera: How long was the rehearsal process? Did you get a chance to explore Muscat?

AK: I have been here for almost a month, I arrived on December 8th. It’s a very interesting country, with a special culture. I am Muslin myself, so it all felt very close to me and I felt at home. Everyone here is very welcoming. The beginning of the process was very busy with rehearsals but the last week slowed down and I was able to explore the city and relax a little more. The weather here is amazing so I really enjoyed that.

360 of Opera: This production has a very unique staging for your second aria “Der Hölle Rache” - a diva moment for sure! I love it as an audience member, do you enjoy it as a performer?

AK: Oooh yes, very much!! Our stage director is so great, I loved working with him and he really challenged us. In this scene, I sit on a big armchair and the Three Ladies do my nails and roll my chair around, while I sing the high notes. We have a lot of fun with it and the audience really likes it!

360 of Opera: What is coming next for you?

AK: I have more international debuts coming up, for example at The Israeli Opera. As far as roles, I will soon be singing Gilda, Zerlina, Mélisande, Adina, Lauretta & Nannetta. I’m really looking forward to it!

360 of Opera: How is it going from The Queen of the Night to Zerlina, which is a role that sits much lower in your voice?

AK: I mean... it’a all MOZART! So for me, it is the same!

360 of Opera: Is Mozart your favorite composer?

AK: Maybe! Mozart is really good for me, for my technique, for my voice, for the “gola”.

A big thank you to Aigul for chatting with #360ofOpera! The Queen of the Night is definitely a role she owns vocally and dramatically. She gave many of us in the audience goosebumps, especially during her second aria. I hope many of you get to see her perform in the future, somewhere around the world. All my best wishes for your upcoming house and role debuts, Aigul! 🌹 👑

#360ofOpera x #ROHM

📝 Eugenia Forteza

Production Photos by Khalid Albusaidi, ROHM

[360ofopera]

360 of Opera Awards 🏅

WELCOME to the First Annual #360ofOperaAwards 🏅✨

We attend A LOT of shows during the year! We are lucky to see so many incredible artists & performances and experience the most exciting events. However, some of these really stood out in 2019 and we would like to honor them with well earned awards! 👏🏼 🌹

1. Best Performance: Ermonela Jaho in her Carnegie Hall debut at Richard Tucker Music Foundation Gala, singing excerpts from Adriana Lecouvreur & Madama Butterfly ~ Photo: Fadil Berisha

2. Best Concert: Richard Tucker Gala with performances by Michael Fabiano, Ermonela Jaho, Angel Blue, Stephen Costello, Artur Rucinski, Lisette Oropesa, AILYN PÉREZ, Christian Van Horn, Jamie Barton, Lucas Meachem, Brian Michael Moore and Corrie Stallings. Conducted by James Gaffigan with MET Orchestra Musicians ~ Photo: @darioshoots

3. Best Ensemble: The entire cast, Met Opera Chorus, Met Opera Supers & Skills Artists of #Akhnaten at The Metropolitan Opera ~ Photo: @metopera

4. Best New Music: Dynamic Duo Felix Jarrar (composer) & Bea Goodwin (librettist) ~ Photo by @landomend

5. Best Duo: Thomas Hampson & Luca Pisaroni for #NoTenorsAllowed ~ Photo: @jiyangc

6. Best #360ofOperaLive: Jennifer Rowley & E. Loren Meeker live from Opera San Antonio for a conversation on #WomeninOpera

7. Best ‘Jump-In’: Lisette Oropesa for #LesHuguenots at Opéra national de Paris ~ Photo: Agathe Poupeney

8. Best New Artist: Soprano Elena Stikhina, notably for her performance in #LaForzadelDestino at @operadeparis ~ Photo: Daniil Rabovsky

9. Best Celebration: 14 Juillet 🇫🇷 | Le concert de Paris with #360ofOpera partner in crime Sandra Hamaoui

Thank you to all artists, on stage & backstage, who were involved in these performances, for their inspiring work! We wish you a great Holiday Season and a wonderful 2020! ❤️🥂

[360ofopera]

Teen Spirit

We enjoyed Max Minghella’s “Teen Spirit” starring Elle Fanning: A shy teenager dreams of escaping her small town and pursuing her passion to sing. With the help of an unlikely mentor (a retired Opera Singer from Ukraine), she enters a local singing competition that will test her integrity, talent and ambition.

Zlatco Buric plays the sweet, retired opera singer, who takes the young singer under his wing, teaches her how to use her breath & her common sense and acts as her manager. It’s a cute film and there are a couple scenes where he talks about Madama Butterfly, Pinkerton and more 😉

📸 @thewrap

#360ofOpera #TeenSpirit #MovieTime

[360ofopera]

Women in Opera

#360ofopera congratulates Cecilia Bartoli, Eun Sun Kim & E. Loren Meeker for their recent appointments as Director of Opéra de Monte-Carlo , Music Director of San Francisco Opera and General & Artistic Director of Opera San Antonio, respectively.

📸 CB (MO Magazine)

We are overjoyed to see these fierce women of opera in leading positions at some of the top opera companies in the world. We look forward to supporting their work and we are excited for the future of opera worldwide!! 🎶✨♥️

ESK (Marc Olivier Leblanc)

ELM (@eleanora_magazine)

#womeninopera #operalife #operasingersofinstagram #instaopera #womeninthearts #thefutureofopera

[360ofopera]

Opera News Awards 2020

✨ Thomas Allen, Javier Camarena, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Diana Damrau and Ana María Martínez Named as Recipients of the 15th Annual OPERA NEWS Awards ✨

• • •

Five Singers will be celebrated for their achievements in Opera at the April 5, 2020 Awards Gala

Opera News announced the recipients of the fifteenth annual OPERA NEWS Awards. This year’s honorees — baritone and stage director Thomas Allen, tenor Javier Camarena , countertenor and producer Anthony Roth Costanzo , soprano Diana Damrau and soprano Ana María Martínez —will be honored at a black-tie gala on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at the The Plaza Hotel in New York City. A musical tribute will also be performed in honor of the recipients.

• • •

Congratulations to the honorees! 👏🏼🎶 🥂 #360ofopera

📸 @jiyangc, @matthewplacek, @metopera

[360ofopera]

S O N G E S

NOW LISTENING 🎧 🎶

Sébastien Guèze - Tenor - S O N G E S ✨

You probably remember le Frenchy Tenor from his epic #360ofOperaTakeover at Opera Omaha ’s Faust earlier this year.

Well... now his debut album is out and it is a beautiful collaboration with Quatuor Zaïde @qiaochulipiano & friends. Part of his album is dedicated to Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo, for the 20th Anniversary of his death. Sebastien’s interpretation of “En Aranjuez con tu amor” & “Adela” are our favorite tracks in the CD, his singing travels easily from passionate to delicate and is uniquely beautiful. There is something for everyone in this album: Rodrigo, Massenet, Puccini, Tosti, Strauss, Rachmaninov, Dvorak & more! We invite you to listen for yourself:

https://wiseband.lnk.to/Sebastien-Gueze-SONGeS

SONGeS

Go to SONGeS.

😌🌹 Thank you to Sebastien and his team for sending us a copy of the CD and for the beautiful media kit and packaging! Bravo le Frenchy! 💪🏼🇫🇷

#360ofOpera

[360ofopera]

360 of Opera x Primephonic

It’s my birthday week and to celebrate I would like to share some BIG NEWS!! 🎁😎

~

@360ofOpera has partnered with @primephonic to offer our followers 3 MONTHS of FREE classical music streaming! 🎧 🎶 I love this app and I can’t wait for you guys to try it! I have found everything I was looking for and more. There are some awesome playlists & podcasts to discover and the sound quality is incredible. This is a company with a great mission, working to promote innovation within the classical music community, as well as fair pay for all musicians. #360ofOpera is now a proud partner and supporter of #Primephonic!

• • •

Start your free 3 month trial by clicking on the link and entering the Promo Code: 360ofopera

https://www.primephonic.com/360ofopera

Exclusive subscription offer for friends of 360ofOpera on the world's best streaming service purely designed for classical. Easy search with

Happy Listening! Let me know your thoughts in comments 👇🏼

~

🎥 @dvaldescastro

[360ofopera]

Fire Shup Up In My Bones

The The Metropolitan Opera will be presenting Terence Blanchard’s #FireShutUpInMyBones ~ a new opera, premiered this summer at Opera Theater St. Louis. This will be the first opera by a black composer ever presented at The Met. The production could come to New York as soon as the 2021-22 season, with support from the Ford Foundation. It would be conducted by The Met’s music director, Yannick Nezet-Seguin.

Synopsis by @operatheatrestl: One moment can change everything. When Charles discovers that his cousin has returned to his Louisiana hometown, he races home from college to confront his past. Memories and shadows surround Charles as he strives to move beyond a cycle of violence and forge a brave new path. Terence Blanchard, composer of OTSL’s sold-out hit Champion, teams up with screenwriter Kasi Lemmons (Eve's Bayou) for a haunting, powerful, and tender coming-of age story inspired by a memoir celebrated as "stunning" (Essence), "riveting" (Chicago Tribune), and "exquisite" (The New York Times).

This is a big step in the right direction and we are thrilled to hear the news! #360ofOpera

📸 Eric Woolsey | Pierre Michel Jean

[360ofopera]

An Opera Diva on Broadway

A #360ofOpera interview with Raquel Suarez Groen.

I first met Raquel when she was playing Roxanne Conti in Figaro 90210, an Off-Broadway production at The Duke. She was gorgeous and hilarious in the role and I really enjoyed this new take on Mozart’s ‘Le Nozze di Figaro’. Since then, we’ve sung together with Shoperatic and Sing for Hope and I have seen her stellar performance of Carlotta on Broadway’s iconic The Phantom of the Opera. Raquel is not only a stunning soprano and human being, but also a successful entrepreneur. I invite you to discover more about this inspiring opera diva in this interview.

360 of Opera: What do you enjoy most about playing an opera diva on Broadway, in one of the most celebrated musicals of all time?

Carlotta was and continues to be my dream role! She's strong, feisty and she knows exactly who she is. I love being able to play this fearless woman (in all of her GORGEOUS costumes), who stands up for herself in a generation where that was not necessarily acceptable. It's also an incredible thrill to work with such talented colleagues - and to perform with our live orchestra every night (we have the largest orchestra on Broadway!). In an opera, you may only do a role few times in your career, but I have now sung Carlotta 635 times (!!), and counting - so I keep being able to find new things about her, which is so much fun!

360 of Opera: Booking a dream role is not always a linear achievement... how did this opportunity become a reality for you?

It took me a long time to get to Broadway. I worked MANY jobs, and truly started to feel like a professional auditioner at one point. I used to say that if I would get paid for auditioning, I would be rich! Ha! Having graduated from a conservatory (Manhattan School of Music) with a Masters and Professional Studies Diploma in Classical Voice - I didn't think about musical theatre initially, to be honest. But, I auditioned for an opera company and my (now) manager was in the room and approached me afterwards saying "I think you would also be perfect for musical theatre, are you interested in that?". I was so excited because I always loved musicals, so I jumped at the opportunity. It was a total learning curve. I started working with Joan Lader - who taught me how to use my voice in many different ways (not just classically) - and my world completely opened up. I do believe that every rejection gets you closer to where you need to be – and sometimes your biggest rejection can be you biggest blessing - because it can help you get where you actually need to be.

360 of Opera: As a trained opera singer, how was it having to adapt to singing into a microphone every night? Vocally, would you call Carlotta a crossover role, even if the character itself is an opera singer?

I actually don't really adapt to my microphone too much, because I have to sing out fully for Carlotta. Her range is very extreme – so I can’t mark any part of the role. But our sound people are incredible and always make sure we are all mixed extremely well (Piangi, the operatic tenor, does not mark or sing quieter either).  Carlotta is a purely operatic role (with a high E every night) - so I never pull back on anything. There are times during my acting or talking bits where I can whisper and still be heard - but for the most part I sing the role as I would in any opera. I would say Carlotta is a very legit opera singer in the show - and not so much a crossover role.

360 of Opera: What are some vocal health tips you had to incorporate once you started with the crazy ‘8 shows a week’ schedule? 

I steam A LOT! My Mabis steamer is my best friend - since that is the only way to immediately hydrate the vocal cords. As for my diet – I stay away from dairy, gluten, coffee, chocolate, and spicy food - since those don't affect me well. I also try and work out 4-5 days a week to stay in shape physically - and I find that really helps me to stay healthy and strong. 

360 of Opera: You are a performer but also an entrepreneur. Can you share with us how the success of ‘My Infinite Agenda’ developed? How has it informed the rest of your creative endeavors?

My Infinite Agenda started because I had always been a huge believer in the law of attraction and writing down my goals and dreams. So during some downtime between jobs, my best friend Katie Copland (co-owner) and I decided to create a physical tool that everyone could use to help turn their dreams into a reality. We also decided that we wanted our product to have an even greater impact, so we chose to give back 5% of our sales to four powerful charities (Sing for Hope; charity: water; Days for Girls; and The Empowerment Plan).

As singers, we have so many talents because we are constantly promoting ourselves, so we used the same tactics when it came to our business. We wrote EVERYBODY – and it was shocking to see what the responses were. We were chosen as one of Ellen DeGeneres’ Favorite Things for January, and we are now sold in several major retailers across the USA ( The Paper Store, Paper Source, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Barnes & Noble Collegiate, and formally Anthropologie). My Infinite Agenda’s success keeps exceeding our expectations and we can’t wait to see where we will be next!

360 of Opera: From your career experiences so far, what advice could you share with young artists who are still in school, or just entering the professional world?

Study with a teacher that is going to give you a solid technique – and who can show you how to use your voice in different ways. That is most important. A lot of opera companies are now also doing musicals – so make sure you can sing in different styles. And then go and audition for EVERYTHING. Even if you don’t think you are ready – just do it. A big part of this career is learning how to sing nervous – and to just get up in front of people. Oh, and find your “team” – who will support and believe in you no matter what. This can be a teacher, therapist, friend, coach, doctor, parent, sibling. It really takes a village – so make sure you choose your tribe wisely.

360 of Opera: As much as you can reveal... what is coming next for you as a performer and entrepreneur?  

I am super grateful to have been renewed at Phantom of the Opera – so I am greatly looking forward to that and to work with some new cast members (Meghan Picerno, John Riddle and Dean Bradley). We also have huge expansion plans for My Infinite Agenda – however, we can’t share those quite yet – but please stay tuned!

To learn more about Raquel and stay updated on her endeavors, you can follow her on Instagram at @quelly2000 and visit her website:

https://www.raquelsuarez.com

Follow @360ofOpera on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/360ofopera

Photography by Matthew Murphy

Inteview by Eugenia Forteza

[360ofopera]

My So Called Opera Life

My So-Called Opera Life is a new opera podcast run by two wonderful fellow sopranos, Elise Mark & Marcelle McGuirk- Soprano 🎙

Together, they explore different aspects of what it means to lead an #operalife, to be a young artist in today’s #operaworld and where opera is headed. They also provide all sorts of useful tips and hacks for singers, to make the #hustle more fun 😉

I had a blast visiting them in the studio in Philly and chatting about 360 of Opera, my background and the way I live my own #operalife 😊🎶♥️ I invite you all to discover this awesome podcast and to listen to this interview. I hope you enjoy it and hit subscribe! ✨

Episode 3: Eugenia Forteza of 360 of Opera - My So-Called Opera Life

On today’s episode we chat with the amazing Eugenia Forteza! In addition to being a fabulous soprano, Eugenia runs 360 of Opera, a blog wher

📷 Irene Palma

#360ofOpera #MySoCalledOperaLife #OperaPodcast