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Keith A. Wolfe of Fort Worth Opera Appointed New General Director of Opera Birmingham, Succeeding John D. Jones

Opera Birmingham, the only professional opera company in northern and central Alabama, has appointed Keith A. Wolfe, executive director of Fort Worth Opera, as the new general director of the company.Wolfe, 43, starts his new position with the 60-year-old company Jan. 5 and hopes to usher in a new era of community engagement, greater visibility and adventurous programming.“Contemporary opera can address political and social issues, and that can be used as a launching point for greater community conversations,” he says.But he will still maintain traditional productions such as the grand operas of Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti.
By Jaime Prisco

  • Renée Fleming Hosts 'American Voices' for Thirteen's 'Great Performances' Series, Feat. Sara Bareilles, Josh Groban, Ben Folds, Alison Krauss, National Symphony Orchestra and More

    Soprano sweetheart Renée Fleming will be hosting "American Voices," a performance documentary that celebrates the best in American signing, on Thirteen’s "Great Performances" series.The 90-minute performance documentary offers an overview of the Kennedy Center's weekend-long American Voices festival, created and hosted by Renée Fleming in November 2013. This year's festival features stars and musicians from an array of different backgrounds, including Sara Bareilles, Kim Burrell, Kurt Elling, Ben Folds, Sutton Foster, Josh Groban, Alison Krauss, Norm Lewis, Eric Owens and Dianne Reeves.This event comes on the heels of Fleming’s performance of "Silver Bells" with Kelli O’Hara, which some felt fell flat of Fleming's normal performances, a mixed review of her rendition of the national anthem at Super Bowl XLVIII and an interesting interaction with Kiss at this year’s Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.Despite the criticism, Fleming moves along with "American Voices," which allows camera crews to follow vocal masters, industry titans and emerging artist as they gather at the Kennedy Center to celebrate, explore and debate the legacy, landscape and future of American singing.The documentary will feature highlights from the festival's unique performances and educational events. Also featured are performances from the festival’s concert finale with Josh Groban, Sara Bareilles, Kurt Elling and Norm Lewis backed by the National Symphony Orchestra led by NSO Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke.
    By Jaime Prisco

  • EXCLUSIVE: Watch The Boys of St. Paul's Choir School Cambridge Sing "O Come All Ye Faithful," from Decca Debut Album 'Christmas in Harvard Square' [VIDEO PREMIERE]

    Just in time for the holidays, Classicalite is excited to present the video premiere of The Boys of St. Paul’s Choir School singing “O Come All Ye Faithful,” from their critically acclaimed debut Christmas album Christmas in Harvard Square.
    By Jaime Prisco