The Classical test Source For All The Performing, Visual And Literary Arts & Entertainment News
Orchestral

Lincoln Center, New York Phil Staging George Benjamin's 'Written on Skin' in August

An exciting new collaboration is on the horizon for New York. Now Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic announced that they would combine forces to bring concertgoers several fully assembled opera productions, the first coming from George Benjamin.Beginning this August, the companies will put on the first American stagings of Benjamin's "Written on Skin," which, according to "The New York Times," is "one of the most highly praised new operas of recent years."The production will premiere at the David H. Koch Theater as part of the Mostly Mozart Festival and will be followed in 2016 with Gerald Barry's "The Importance of Being Earnest" at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Rose Theater.A third opera is being planned for 2017 but, unfortunately, has not been announced.
By Ian Holubiak

  • Violinist Lindsey Stirling Named in Forbes's Top 30 Under 30: Others Include Sam Smith, Florida Georgia Line, Iggy Azalea and Ed Sheeran

    It seems like there is no stopping the dancing violinist Lindsey Stirling. The viral artist has been named in "Forbes's" music 2015 Top 30 Under 30.The 28-year-old Stirling has been on a roll ever since appearing on "America’s Got Talent" in 2010. "Forbes’s" 30 Under 30 showcases artists from a variety of different musical backgrounds, including country, rock, electronic, hip-hop and pop. Not only does the list focus on musical talent, but also the entrepreneurialism of each performer. Forbes cited Sterling’s 5.8 million YouTube subscribers and her album "Shatter Me," which reached No. 2 on the "Billboard" 200.This is a pretty big deal for the Gilbert, Arizona, native, with internationally known artists like Sam Smith, Florida Georgia Line, Iggy Azalea and Ed Sheeran all being named on the list as well.
    By Jaime Prisco

  • The Collegiate Chorale Presents George F. Handel's 'Susanna,' Stars Isabel Leonard and Daniela Mack

    The Collegiate Chorale will present George F. Handel’s 1749 oratorio "Susanna" Feb. 3 in New York.Handel’s beautiful work "Susanna" bridges the genres of oratorio and ballad opera. "Susanna" is based on an apocryphal chapter, the 13th chapter of the biblical "Book of Daniel." It tells the story of a virtuous young women who is falsely accused of sexual promiscuity by two elders who were lusting after her. The prophet Daniel exposes the two elders as liars and vindicates Susanna.The concert will feature Isabel Leonard as Susanna, Daniela Mack as Susanna's husband Joachim, Javier Abreu and Zachary James as the Elders and Benjamin P. Wenzelberg as the boy-prophet Daniel, with conductor James Bagwell, director Ted Sperling, the Orchestra of St. Luke's and lighting design by Frances Aronson.The Collegiate Chorale is a group of 150 to 175 singers who comes from all parts of the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut region. Members are from all walks of life and include teenagers, college graduates, lawyers and musicians.
    By Jaime Prisco