The Seattle Opera has selected Dennis Robinson, Jr., as its next director of programs and partnerships. He succeeds Alejandra Valarino Boyer, in the position since late 2018. Robinson has extensive experience as a theater administrator, most … » Read

The Montreal International Music Competition, Voice 2022, concluded on June 9 with Canadian mezzo-soprano Simone McIntosh and American soprano Meredith Wohlgemuth taking home the top prizes. Five of the six prizes in the two competition divisions … » Read

The Monterey (CA) Symphony has said Jayce Ogren [pictured], 43, is to be its next music director. Also a composer, he is particularly popular among new music circles, having led the world premieres of David Lang’s Symphony for a Broken … » Read

How important is eye contact among musicians? For conductor Leonard Slatkin, eyes work where words fail. “The most expressive tool we have is our eyes.” While most musicians agree, they also acknowledge that not all eye contact is … » Read

MILAN--While Amilcare Ponchielli’s La Gioconda was an instant hit when it premiered at La Scala in 1876, the opera is rarely performed today. Casting its six big leading roles is no easy task, and barely credible elements of the story, not … » Read

Klaus Mäkelä, 26, is to be the new chief conductor of the Concertgebouw Orchestra as of 2027. He will start as artistic partner in August for five years, leading five programs in 2022-23 alone. He is also chief conductor of the Paris … » Read

The recording industry has certainly bounced back with orchestras and choirs returning to the studio with a vengeance. There’s no lack of new music either with plenty of rediscoveries alongside the latest compositions. Feelgood music first. … » Read

Brown University has named its new performing arts center, scheduled to open in fall 2023, in honor of Frayda B. Lindemann, a trustee of the university and the president and CEO of the board of directors at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and … » Read

Beginning in July, violist Tatjana Masurenko will join the Colburn School faculty. She will teach viola and coach chamber music in the Conservatory as well as its Music Academy for gifted pre-college musicians. Apart from her performance … » Read

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) has received a cash gift of $56 million, the largest in its 55-year history. The donor wanted to remain anonymous, but specified that the funds support classical music initiatives through MPR's YourClassical and … » Read