Lee Hall, the Tony Award-winning writer/lyricist of the musical “Billy Elliott,” says his new opera “Beached” was canceled because of homophobia. The producers say its all due to the cast of 300 children no longer being able to participate. The kids’ teacher says it’s the language and frankness of the piece, not the subject that’s the problem. Bloggers go crazy.  Opera destined for...

Most pianists who perform with singers don’t like to be thought of as playing second fiddle, so to speak.  That’s why there’s a growing trend to do away with the term “accompanist,” with its tag-along connotations, and instead call the folks at the keyboard “collaborators.” “That just drives me crazy,” says Craig Rutenberg. “It sounds like something you did when you were French and you worked with the...

Nico Muhly and Craig Lucas’ “Two Boys,” supposedly the first cyber age grand opera, debuted at the English National Opera on June 24. The reviews are mixed, but 29 year-old Nico continues to cast his spell, as the normally curmudgeonly Norman Lebrecth (“Who Killed Classical Music?”) raves that it’s the future of the art form. Below are some excepts and links to reviews plus trailers on...

Looking for that rare sign of economic health in the arts?  Consider the growth trajectory of the Boston Early Music Festival. Founded in 1980 by a band of stalwart devotees of music from the Medieval and Renaissance, the organization has expanded over the last 30 years into an international powerhouse that’s a unique combination of opera company, concert series, touring company, trade show and record producer. The most...

Think countertenors aren’t manly? Then meet Jacques Snyman. He’s played rugby and in 2009 was finalist in the Mr. Gay South Africa contest. Most of his time lately, it seems, has been pumping iron and practicing high notes. He’s apparently looking for American gigs to promote and raise funds for the “It Gets Better” campaign against bullying. Could there possibly be anyone in the States willing...

Singers never have it easy.  The volatile human body is their instrument and the change of seasons, allergies and drafty concert halls are not their friends. But some special pity — and praise — must go to the sopranos who slave over the demanding works of living composers. Over the last 10 years, soprano Hila Plitmann has become the go-to diva for composers with their grand visions.  She’ll be performing a...

Albany Symphony Orchestra David Alan Miller, conductor Nathan De’Shon Myers, baritone Carnegie Hall, May 10, 2011 How appropriate that a festival called Spring for Music resulted in a new blossoming sound of an orchestra. It was the Carnegie Hall debut of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, a reprise of an all-American program titled “Spirituals Re-Imagined.”  A great accomplishment long in the planning, the concert should...

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Thursday April 28, 2011 Troy Savings Bank Music Hall There was magic to be heard, but little slight of hand to watch on Thursday night at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.  The occasion was a concert of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, in a return presentation by the Troy Chromatics. With up to 33 players onstage but no official leader, one expected to see more demonstrative gestures — nods of the...

“If you’re doing a program about sex, you can hardly avoid a piece by me,” says David Del Tredici.  The American Modern Ensemble certainly didn’t take a pass in putting together their “XXX” concert on Sunday (5/1) at the Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn.  Along with Del Tredici, the program also features music of Jacob Druckman, Robert Paterson, John Cage and Glenn Crytzer. Del Tredici will be represented...

American soprano Patricia Racette was honored at the sixth annual Opera News Awards, sponsored by the magazine, which is affiliated with the Metropolitan Opera. The event took place on April 17 at the Plaza Hotel.  Other honorees were tenor Jonas Kaufmann, conductor Riccardo Muti, soprano Kiri Te Kanawa and bass-baritone Bryn Terfel. In an essay giving lauds to Racette, writer Oussama Zahr touches on Racette being out in...