Pushing the Boundaries between Opera and Musical Theater
By Anne Choe, Artistic Services Manager, OPERA America

The edge between opera and musical theater is definitely becoming more permeable as artists explore difference ways to tell stories through music. OPERA America recently hosted a panel discussion on this subject as part of the Making Connections series — "Pushing the Boundaries between Opera and Musical Theater" — with composer Richard Danielpour; Sarah Schlesinger, director of the graduate musical theater writing program at New York University (NYU); and Kris Stewart, executive director of New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMTF). The discussion was moderated by the producing director of Music-Theatre Group, Diane Wondisford.

Click here to read more.

OPERA America brings you closer to the people you need to know, including managers, arts administrators and fellow artists at Making Connections — professional development and networking events in New York City. The evenings are structured with informative panel discussions featuring influential professionals in the field followed by receptions where you can enjoy refreshments and conversations with your peers. Visit operaamerica.org in the coming months to view the exciting 2008-2009 Making Connections calendar of events!

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Opera Source is the comprehensive online career resource for administrators, singers, technical/production professionals, teachers and all other creative and performing opera artists. An expanded, searchable version of the popular Career Guide for Singers, Opera Source allows members and subscribers to browse listings for producing organizations, training programs, educational institutions, competitions, grants and management organizations in the field. OPERA America members can search Opera Source by logging in.

Upcoming Deadlines in Opera Source:
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National Performing Arts Convention and Opera Conference 2008
The second National Performing Arts Convention (NPAC), to be held in Denver from June 10 to 14, will convene over 5,000 artists, arts administrators, trustees and volunteers. NPAC offers an opportunity to address issues facing the entire performing arts community.

Within NPAC, OPERA America will hold its annual Opera Conference, including a variety of opera specific events, performances, speakers and workshops. Highlights will include performances of The Rape of Lucretia at Central City Opera and Nixon in China at Opera Colorado. The New Works Showcase will acquaint listeners with the latest works composed for the opera stage; a separate session will feature two new bilingual operas for youth. Our compelling Keynote Speaker will be Gerard Mortier, general manager designate at New York City Opera.

Click here to register before the June 1 deadline!

Special Offer to all Students!
OPERA America's newest publication in the Perspectives series, Making Choices: A Singer's Guide from Classrooms to Contracts makes a great gift for a young artist embarking on an opera career. Take advantage of our special offer of a one-year Opera Source subscription plus Making Choices for just $35 (a $60 value) just in time for graduation. Click here to learn more.

Classical Singer Convention
OPERA America will be part of the 2008 Classical Singer Convention, held from May 24 to 26 in New York City. Be sure to stop by the OPERA America booth for discounted Perspectives books or to renew your OPERA America membership!

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OPERA America's "Aria Talk" column often emphasizes repertoire for large-voiced singers; one aria is covered in each column. The column focuses not on the tried-and-true pieces you undoubtedly already know, but on somewhat off-the-beaten-track arias. The hope is that this music will prove a refreshing musical and interpretive change not only for you, the performer, but also for those hearing you in auditions.

"Aria Talk" is written by Roger Pines, dramaturg at Lyric Opera of Chicago, who judges annually for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and regularly advises singers on choosing repertoire.

Bass
Verdi, Giuseppe: I Lombardi alla prima crociata (1842)
Act 1: Cavatina and cabaletta, "Sciagurata, hai tu creduto… O speranza di vendetta" (Pagano)

Click here to read more.

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Bayreuth Festival Chief Wolfgang Wagner Steps Down (Bloomberg)

Living More Than the Glamorous Life (Classical Singer)

Wainwright to Switch from Rock to Opera (The Guardian)

Vivaldi's Long-Lost Opera Returns to Prague after 278 Years (The Independent)

Making an Asset out of your eSelf (NewMusicBox)

International Export Jonas Kaufmann (Opera News)

New York City Opera: Women's Work (Playbill Arts)

Planning an Opera? A word of Advice: ‘Singers are Critical to the Repertoire'
(San Diego Union-Tribune)

Blog of the Month: The Quotidian

Video of the Month: Cincinnati Opera's Nixon in China

Please note: Publications move online articles to their archives after a certain period. Therefore, articles listed here may only be available online for a short time. Some online publications may also require registration before you can read an article.

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