Twenty-nine vocalists make up the 2019 class of the 62 nd annual Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. Chosen from among 800 applicants from around the world, participants receive training in repertory, languages, diction, acting, and stage … » Read

Even the classical world’s leading lights occasionally stub their toe. In 1966 the Houston Symphony signed 37-year-old André Previn as its new chief conductor, replacing Sir John Barbirolli, 30 years his senior. Previn, who had … » Read

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Benjamin Zander, who turns 80 on March 9, is a serial optimist. He’s the founder and music director of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and its youth orchestra; he’s a noted Mahler conductor; he’s a … » Read

A new deal struck between the English National Opera (ENO) and the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theater Union (BECTU) has closed the gap in pay between men and women working in the company’s costume, wardrobe, and wigs … » Read

The Annapolis (MD) Opera, nearing 50 years of operation, is in for major change. Both its artistic director and primary stage director have announced their intention to step down as of June 30, 2020. In the former position, Ronald J. Gretz, with … » Read

The Adelaide Festival has entered an exclusive partnership to co-produce and co-commission major opera productions with the Aix-en-Provence Festival. The two events will also launch initiatives supporting emerging artists in South Australia, who … » Read

As of next season, American-Taiwanese conductor Mei-Ann Chen [pictured] is to be the new principal guest conductor of Austria’s Recreation-Grosses Orchester Graz, a 17-year-old ensemble; she has signed a three-year contract, requiring her … » Read

A proposal to use €15 million in Saudi Arabian government funds for Milan's La Scala opera house came under fire on Tuesday because of anger over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The October killing of the Washington Post … » Read

Now and then an artist comes along who charts unfathomable (not to mention unattainable) territory. One of these is flutist Claire Chase, MacArthur “genius” grant recipient, a founder of the International Contemporary Ensemble, … » Read

The Philadelphia Orchestra will spotlight female talent in its 2019-20 season — including 12 women composers and six guest conductors — becoming the latest major orchestra to identify a need for a more gender diversity. The season, … » Read