Lyric’s Next Show, Mazzoli’s ‘Proving Up,’ Postponed

The opera had been scheduled for performances in late January, and according to Lyric, rehearsals were set to begin this week.

Kennedy Center Honors back once more, Biden attends

Honorees include Motown Records creator Berry Gordy, opera singer Justino Diaz, and folk music legend Joni Mitchell.

Opera’s Newest Voice: Meet Debra Lew Harder, the New Host of the Met Broadcasts

After nearly two years, Metropolitan Opera live broadcasts are back. With their revival comes the arrival of a new host: Debra Lew Harder.

Emilie Kouatchou Makes ‘Phantom’ History On Broadway

The actor and soprano made her Broadway debut as Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera,” becoming the first Black woman in the role in the show’s 33-year history in New York.

Fleming, Nézet-Séguin Release Recording on Climate Change

Renée Fleming and conductor and pianist Yannick Nézet-Séguin brainstormed on songs they could perform together at a piano.

12 pianists in final stage of prestigious Chopin competition

Twelve pianists from around the world have been admitted to the final stage of the 18th edition of the prestigious Frederic Chopin piano competition, reputed for launching world careers for its winners and finalists.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg tribute required innovative donations

Financing new music is never an easy feat. A pandemic has only made it more difficult.

COVID-19-delayed Chopin piano competition opens in Poland

The competition was scheduled for the fall of 2020, but authorities put the popular event off due to social distancing rules.

Enrique Mazzola on Returning to the Stage, Taking the Reins at Lyric

Mazzola speaks with WFMT general manager George Preston about returning to live performance, Giuseppe Verdi’s Macbeth, Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love, and what he loves most about being a Chicagoan.

Met returns with 1st work by a Black composer in its history

Fire Shut Up in My Bones became the first work by a Black composer in the 138-year history of the Metropolitan Opera as the company presented its first staged performance since March 2020 following a gap caused by the coronavirus.

Muti Extends With CSO, Will Stay as Music Director Through 2023

The 2021-22 season was initially meant to be Muti’s final as music director, but because of the many Muti-led concerts that were canceled as a consequence of the pandemic, that date has been pushed back.

Jamie Barton: Opera Must “embrace the move towards feminine power”

WFMT talks with the outspoken mezzo-soprano about what it means to take on the role of Carmen, why she’s excited to open the COT season, and how modern-day audiences and artists can best confront the more outdated aspects of Carmen and other beloved operas.

Van Zweden to leave New York Philharmonic after 2023-24

After six years as music director, van Zweden’s will be the shortest tenure of anyone in a half-century.

Met’s 9/11 Anniversary: Music Can Help Mend Wounds of 20 Years Ago and Today

Matthew Polenzani, one of the artists performing at the Met’s Verdi Requiem commemorative concerts on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001, reflects on why music can help us heal.

Audiences to Return, Venue to Move for Weekly Hess Concerts

After a nearly-18-month absence, the concert series will welcome in-person audiences at a new venue: the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago.

Met Opera and orchestra reach deal, allowing season to start

The Metropolitan Opera reached a four-year agreement with the union for its orchestra, the last major deal needed for the company to resume performances following a 1 1/2-year layoff caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Carnegie Adjusts Program for Return, Adds Beethoven Cycle

Carnegie Hall has changed the program for its return from the coronavirus shutdown and added a Beethoven cycle to the season with the Philadelphia Orchestra and music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

COVID Vaccine or Negative Test Required for Concert Attendees, CSO Announces

When its season kicks off this autumn, the CSO will require audiences to share proof of full COVID vaccination or a recent negative test.

As Season Premiere Approaches, Lyric Requires Vaccine for All Audiences

A month ahead of opening night, Lyric Opera of Chicago announces that all audience members will have to show proof of their full vaccination against COVID-19.

UChicago Presents Announces Fall 2021 Return to Stage

The autumn’s ten concerts will be held on the University of Chicago campus in the South Side’s Hyde Park neighborhood.

Carnegie Hall to reopen Oct 6 with Philadelphia Orchestra

Carnegie Hall has not had a performance since March 13, 2020.

Mayor Lightfoot Designates ‘Riccardo Muti Day’ To Honor Maestro’s 80th Birthday

July 28, 2021, the 80th birthday of the CSO music director, is Riccardo Muti Day in Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proclaimed.

First Planned for 2020, Opera Festival of Chicago Finally Opens Inaugural Season

The new company launches with fully staged works by Puccini and Wolf-Ferrari, plus a concert inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy.

Opera returns to open-air desert theater with diverse cast

The Santa Fe Opera’s first performance over the weekend included an unmasked cast and a masked audience.

Prokofiev, Hahn, Lang Lang Headline CSO’s 2021-22 Return To Stage

The CSO announces an array of concerts from September to January.