Greg Waxberg

Opera Wire • September 18, 2021

'The Last Stand' – Dr. Kamala Sankaram Discusses her Opera for Trees

It has the elements of opera: singing; a story communicated through sound; and a hero that is born, faces obstacles, makes a sacrifice, and dies. The work in question is the public sound installation and experimental opera “The Last Stand” by Dr. Kamala Sankaram.

Opera Wire • May 27, 2021

To Present a Show for Children, Opera Idaho Adapted the Work of Another Opera Company

Opera Idaho gave new meaning to the phrase “from stage to screen” when sharing a children’s show with Idaho schools during the pandemic. During April and May, they offered “Who Wants To Be An Opera Star?” as a free 30-minute online video for children in K-6.

Opera Wire • February 17, 2021

The Meaning of Life & Death - How John Young & Alan Olejniczak Reconnected to Create 'Death of Ivan Ilych' for Opera Orlando

The canon of operas based on Russian literature is expanding with a new entrant that will receive its world premiere by Opera Orlando this week: the one-act chamber opera “Death of Ivan Ilych,” based on Leo Tolstoy’s novella.

Opera Wire • January 7, 2021

Happy Anniversary – James Morris Celebrates 50 Years at the Met

"My what?" James Morris, studying at the Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA) in Philadelphia, has received a phone call from his newly acquired agent at Sol Hurok management, an agent who had seen him perform elsewhere in the country and offered to represent him. Now, the agent has news: a date for Morris’ Met audition.

Opera Wire • August 12, 2020

The Story Behind Renée Fleming Donating Her Archives to Juilliard

At one time or another, artists face this question: what to do with the physical possessions accumulated during their careers, especially if they might be helpful to future generations? In soprano Renée Fleming’s case, she decided to call on The Juilliard School, where she received her postgraduate training.

Opera Wire • August 4, 2020

Q & A: TV Director Brian Large On Taping the Met’s Otto Schenk "Ring," 30 Years Later

Thirty years ago, in June 1990, opera lovers were glued to their television screens for four consecutive weekday evenings as they experienced what Richard Wagner always intended: a consecutive-evening presentation of “Der Ring des Nibelungen.”

Opera Wire • July 14, 2020

Jacqueline - Luna Pearl Woolf Turns Celebrated Cellist's Story Into an Opera

Composed for only two performers, the first opera written about the life of legendary cellist Jacqueline du Pré received its world premiere this past February in Toronto.

Opera Wire • October 19, 2019

New Life With Hearing - How Soprano Anne Walker Overcame Hearing Loss To Revive Her Singing Career

“This is the greatest miracle of science and technology,” said lyric soprano Dr. Anne Walker in a recent chat with OperaWire. “I’m not sure where it’s going, but I know it’s not for nothing.”

Opera Wire • July 7, 2019

Opera Tales - How John Davies Introduces Children to the Art Form

Father of six, retired bass-baritone John Davies first attempted to write a children’s opera for an unusual reason.

Opera Wire • April 30, 2019

Interview: "Leading Ladies Liberated" Puts Focus On Groundbreaking Women From Opera's Golden Age

“We want to make this music—these composers—part of the standard repertoire. Events like this shouldn’t be rare,” stated soprano Nicole Leone in a recent interview with OperaWire. Leone’s simple statement refers to the challenge of increasing the prominence of female composers in music programming, and she is doing her part.

Opera Wire • October 17, 2018

Q & A: Pittsburgh Opera's General Director Christopher Hahn On Company's 80th Anniversary

It all began with five ladies who belonged to Pittsburgh’s Tuesday Musical Club: pianist Virginia C. Byerly; contralto Carolyn Hunt Mahaffey; Priscilla W. Collins; Ruby N. Wickersham; and Marie M. Pease.

Opera Wire • October 3, 2018

What Happened to New York City Opera? Heidi Waleson Answers That Question in New Book

Heidi Waleson knows that, sometimes, the same idea that one person considers thought-provoking doesn’t resonate with anyone else. So, she was grateful for a book publisher’s green light to tackle a question that was eating at her: What caused New York City Opera’s demise in 2013?

Classical Singer • November 1, 2017

A Choral Calling

"It is a big, organic mass of beauty. Utterly thrilling. It's really an incomparable feeling." Lyric bass Jim Meyer is describing the feeling of contributing to the blended sound of an opera chorus--in his case, the San Francisco Opera Chorus.

Opera Wire • September 17, 2017

A Listener’s Tribute to Former Metropolitan Opera Broadcast Host Peter Allen

Peter Allen was not simply “another voice” on the radio, but, rather, an exemplar of how to be a voice on the radio.

Opera Wire • August 19, 2017

From Centerstage - Photographer David Leventi Takes Readers Center Stage in 'OPERA'

Have you ever wondered what it would look like to view some of the world’s most renowned opera houses from center stage?

Classical Singer • February 1, 2017

Two Sides to Anne-Carolyn Bird's Story

Timing worked well for soprano Anne-Carolyn Bird and for Virginia Opera. Their paths had crossed before, and each was seeking something that the other was able to provide.

Classical Singer • January 1, 2015

Lessons of a Lifetime: Sherrill Milnes

By his own pronouncement, Sherrill Milnes, who turns 80 this month, has always worn a teaching hat.

Classical Singer • April 1, 2013

The Well-Rounded Wotan: James Morris on Wagner, Variety, and the Beauty of Changing Your Mind

A farewell proved to be an unexpected greeting.

Classical Singer • March 1, 2011

Anthony Laciura: Small Roles, Big Impressions

"Supporting artists--the house singers--are the Metropolitan Opera. The lead singers are guests," says Anthony Laciura, who knows a thing or two about being a supporting singer.

Classical Singer • November 1, 2010

Angela M. Brown: Exposure, Exposure, Exposure

On more than one occasion during the past nine years, high school students have told internationally acclaimed soprano Angela M. Brown that they had never heard someone sing as beautifully as she does and that they never knew a person could sing so beautifully--and, equally significant, they were able to give her this feedback in person.