Q & A: Opera Carolina’s Dr. Shanté Williams on Passionate Leadership & Her New Role at Opera Carolina

Entrepreneur extraordinaire Dr. Shanté Williams, is a notable businesswoman, intellectual property strategist, specialist in neuro-oncology and pharmacology, and the first woman and person of color to lead Opera Carolina in the role of General Director. Dr. Williams talked with OperaWire about her unique journey to the opera world, her leadership style, and plans for the company. OperaWire: You hold degrees {…}

Jul 16, 2024

Q & A: Santiago Ballerini on Bel Canto, French Opera & Celebrating 15 Years Singing

(Credit: Lucas Sanchez) Argentinian/Italian tenor Santiago Ballerini is one of the leading tenors in the Bel Canto repertoire. He has performed at many of the major opera houses throughout North and South America from Opera Nacional de Chile, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Canadian Opera Company, Bellas Artes in Mexico City, and Dallas Opera. He has also performed in Europe {…}

Jun 29, 2024

Q & A: Tenor Russell Thomas on His Career’s Journey in Opera, Advocacy for Opera Singers & Life That Happens in Between

(Credit: Fay Fox) Content Warning: Please note the following includes some explicit language. American tenor Russell Thomas is now one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation having established his reputation in key lyric roles such as Don Carlo, Manrico in “Il trovatore,” Don Alvaro in “La forza del destino,” and Pollione “Norma.” As an alumnus of the Metropolitan {…}

Jun 28, 2024

Q & A: Gregory Spears on Faith, Religion, ‘The Righteous’ & Santa Fe Opera

On July 13, the Santa Fe Opera is set to present the world premiere of “The Righteous” by Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith. The opera explores the tension between genuine faith and the fraught world of 1980s politics. Spears’ eighth opera represents the 19th world premiere for the company. Over the years, Spears’ acclaim as a contemporary composers has {…}

Jun 25, 2024

Q & A: Soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha on Verdi, Great Conductors & How Her Mother Inspired Her Artistic Journey

After years at the University of Cape Town followed by a stint as a Young Artist with the Cape Town Opera and a 2019 audience award at the International Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha shone in the spotlight of the 2021 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, becoming the first African to win the coveted {…}

Jun 24, 2024

Q & A: CEO Guy Verrall-Withers on the Waterperry Opera Festival’s Past, Present & Future

Most opera enthusiasts across the world know about the Glyndebourne Festival. They may also know about other high-profile festivals set in country houses across England, such as The Grange Opera and the Longborough festivals. Few, however, will have heard of the Waterperry Festival, situated close to the city of Oxford. Established in 2017, the festival opened its doors the following {…}

Jun 23, 2024

Q & A: Erika Grimaldi on Puccini, Verdi & Her Growing International Career

(Credit: Victor Santiago) Erika Grimaldi is quickly rising to the top as one of the most acclaimed Verdi and Puccini sopranos in the world. Her voice has been praised for its rich and round voice and has been heard at such theaters as the Teatro alla Scala, Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich, Deutsche Oper in Berlin, Teatro {…}

Jun 21, 2024

Q & A: James Robinson on His New Production of ‘Galileo Galilei’ & Philip Glass

Since 2008, James Robinson has served as the Artistic Director of the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL). He has emphasized a great deal on bringing modern works to the company and has directed such operas as Terence Blanchard’s “Champion” and “Fire Shut Up in My Bones,” John Adams’ “The Death of Klinghoffer,” Marc Blitzstein’s “Regina,” Jack Perla’s “Shalimar the {…}

Jun 17, 2024

Q & A: Soprano Julie Fuchs on Baroque Music & Expanding Her Operatic Career

(Photo: Olivier Metzger) French soprano Julie Fuchs has been busy thrilling opera audiences all over Europe with her wide-ranging repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary. She is currently making her American debut in the title role of Händel’s “Partenope” at San Francisco Opera. A lifelong singer, Fuchs began her musical training in Avignon before going on to study at the Conservatoire {…}

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