(Photo credit: Julien Benhamou) Let’s talk about chemistry. Cher and Sonny had it; so did Joey and Chandler. And, nowadays, the duo with the most chemistry in classical music is French-Italian mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre and French lutenist Thomas Dunford (D+D for the fans). The concert was extremely solar, gleeful, and gay, reflecting their bright partnership. Their youthful joyfulness even brightened the more melancholic songs, but how often does a recital bring so much happiness?

Festival d’Aix-en-Provence 2024 Review: Lea Desandre + Thomas Dunford

(Photo credit: © Ruth Walz) Puccini in Aix-en-Provence is not an obvious combination, and it was not until 2019 with Christophe Honoré’s “Tosca” production that Lucca’s maestro made his debut in the festival. It was an ultra-revisionist “Tosca”: two primissime donne on the stage, several videoclips, and many other bold choices. It was glorious and thought-provoking. Therefore, expectations for a “Madama Butterfly” were sky-high. If “Tosca”—an arguably less controversial opera—got such a dramatic reading, what would happen to the doomed tale of a Geisha and American Imperialism? Surprisingly enough, the production was underwhelming, unexciting and often derivative.

Festival d’Aix-en-Provence 2024 Review: Madama Butterfly

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 at such venues as the Teatro Regio Torino, Opéra National du Bordeaux, Teatro Real, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and more.

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

The soprano Ermonela Jaho at Singer Ermonela Jaho, at the Theatre Jeu de Paume in Aix-en-Provence, France, on July 3, 2024. Jaho’s combination of consummate technique and utter commitment has earned her ovations, critical praise and the adoration of her colleagues. (Violette Franchi/The New York Times) AIX-EN-PROVENCE.- “Un bel...

This soprano sings 'the sound of the soul'

Lancaster County, PA

Community Voices represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program but not yet verified their accounts. Community Voices are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

community_voice

NewsByJoshua

Fans of Frisco's Chicken were left reeling as the beloved Peruvian-style eatery announced the closure of all its locations in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The chain, known for its delicious food and strong community values, posted a heartfelt note on its doors, informing customers of the devastating news.

Favorite Chicken Chain Suddenly Closes All Stores, Heartfelt Message Found on Doors

New York City, NY

Three-time Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown will perform a special concert event at Carnegie Hall on October 25, 2024, at 8:00 PM. On the heels of a sold-out concert at the London Palladium, this one-night-only concert will feature unforgettable music from across Jason Robert Brown's prolific, expansive career. From...

Jason Robert Brown Will Perform in Concert at Carnegie Hall In October

Chicago, IL

Writers represent independent, third-party users who have joined our contributor program and self-verified their accounts. Writers are expected, like all users, to adhere to our Community Standards.

writer

Foodie in Chicago

Shortly before 3 AM, people in the Chicago area may have felt their houses shake as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake occurred about 60 miles west of the city. (CHICAGO) The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported a 3.4-magnitude earthquake around Somonauk, IL. Somonauk is in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties, 64 miles west of Chicago.

Did You Feel the Earthquake?

On July 13, 2024, German mezzo-soprano Ruth Hesse died at the age of 87,. Born on Sept. 18, 1936, in Wuppertal, Hesse studied with Peter Offermanns in Wuppertal and later in Hamburg. She also studied in Milan and debuted in 1958 at the Theater Lübeck as Orpheus in Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice.” She would continue with the company for two years until 1960 and afterward went to the Staatsoper Hannover where she performed for two seasons. In 1960, she made her debut at the Hamburg State Opera and the Bayreuth Festival and would go on to have a major career with the theaters until 1979.

Obituary: Mezzo-Soprano Ruth Hesse Dies at 87

The Moody Blues, a British rock band formed in 1964, have left an indelible mark on the music world with their innovative fusion of rock, classical music, and poetic lyrics. Over the decades, they have crafted a rich tapestry of songs that transcend time and genre, earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Their pioneering use of the Mellotron, lush orchestration, and profound lyrical themes have set them apart in the annals of music history. In this article, we explore the top 10 best songs by The Moody Blues, delving into the timeless classics that have defined their illustrious career. From the hauntingly beautiful “Nights in White Satin” to the uplifting and ethereal “Your Wildest Dreams,” these tracks exemplify the band’s unparalleled artistry and emotional depth. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to their music, this list offers a journey through the most iconic and beloved songs of The Moody Blues, highlighting the enduring legacy of a band that has continually pushed the boundaries of what rock music can be. Join us as we celebrate the masterpieces that have made The Moody Blues a cornerstone of progressive rock and a beacon of musical brilliance.

10 Best The Moody Blues Songs of All Time

On July 17, 1967, the world lost legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane passed away at the age of 40 due to liver cancer. Known for his profound impact on jazz, Coltrane’s work transcended musical boundaries, blending bebop, hard bop, and modal jazz into a unique and transformative sound. His...

This Day in History: Jazz Legend John Coltrane Dies in 1967

The XXIV Pergolesi Spontini Festival will honor the work and memory of composer Gaspare Spontini in “Spontini Days.”. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the composer’s birth, “Spontini Days” will take place in his hometown of Maiolati Spontini, between July and Sept. Events will feature original and contemporary reinterpretations of the composer’s operas and arias performed by soprano Khatia Jikidze and tenors Wooseok Choi and Alessandro Fiocchetti, a dance showcase, a music-themed treasure hunt for children, a spiritual concert, and more.

‘Spontini Days’ Takes Place as Part of the XXIV Pergolesi Spontini Festival

Folk music songs are the soulful storytellers of our collective history, weaving tales of love, loss, triumph, and tragedy. Rooted in tradition and often passed down through generations, these songs capture the essence of cultural identity and serve as a mirror to the human experience. With simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics, folk music songs resonate deeply, offering a glimpse into the lives and struggles of ordinary people. Whether celebrating the beauty of nature, protesting social injustices, or expressing universal emotions, folk songs have a timeless quality that continues to enchant and inspire listeners around the world.

15 Best Folk Music Songs of All Time

The Pergolesi Spontini Festival is set to open its event on July 21 with a production of the concerto “Rethinking Fernand Cortez.”. The work features music by G. Spontini and a reworking of his works by Michael Fioretti, Davide Moretti, Elia Palazzi e Emanuele Vitale. The performance will feature...

Pergolesi Spontini Festival to Present ‘Rethinking Fernand Cortez’

Jethro Tull, formed in 1968, defied typical rock band conventions with their unique lineup, prominently featuring Ian Anderson as founder, lyricist, vocalist, and notably, flutist. Their pivotal album, Aqualung, released in April 1971, showed Anderson’s multifaceted talents and the band’s innovative approach to the rock music scene. The...

The Story Behind ‘Aqualung’ By Jethro Tull

Virginia State

Cheryl E Preston

Virginia Wendy Williams fans, this is your July 2024 update on the former talk show host. Her best friend of 44 years, Regina Schell, has shared recent concerns with TV Show Aces and says she has not seen or talked to Wendy in more than a year.

Wendy Williams fans are worried after her best friend claims not to have heard from her in a year

Pilar Almalé (Zaragoza, 1993) is a Spanish viola da gamba player, singer, composer, and artistic director specializing in early music, which she enriches with jazz, Latin American, and traditional music influences. As an interdisciplinary artist, she has training in fine arts, dance, and aesthetic theory. She has performed on prominent national and international stages and collaborated with renowned artists such as Jordi Savall, Dulce Pontes, Carlos Núñez, actor Juan Kruz Díaz de Garaio Esnaola, and flamenco dancer Eva Yerbabuena.

Spanish Early Music Innovator Pilar Almalé

The ultimate keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman CBE will embark on a tour of the U.S. with a series of solo piano concerts for the last time in 2024. Rick, who has become almost as well known for his intimate piano shows as his prog rock extravaganzas, has decided that after a career spanning over 50 years, he is calling a halt to lengthy American one-man show tours, in order to concentrate on composing, recording and collaborating with other musicians.

YES Keyboard Legend RICK WAKEMAN Announces 'Final One Man' Fall 2024 Solo Tour

Chloe Misseldine has been promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theatre. The promotion, effective immediately, was announced by ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe on stage at the Metropolitan Opera House following the matinee performance of Swan Lake on July 3. The sold-out performance marked Misseldine’s New York debut as Odette/Odile.

Chloe Misseldine promoted to Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre

Massachusetts State

Dianna Carney

Hammy and Cheyanne, two miniature poodles, are in search of their forever home. Weighing 6.3lb and 6.4lb respectively, these sweet pups are a bonded pair with a sad past. Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, shares their story, explaining that "Hammy & Cheyanne are cruelty case pups that are a bonded pair. They're from a rural area in Texas. These are a pair of sweet little pups that are in need of a fresh start together!"

Meet The Sweet Little Dogs Who Are Looking For Love

Los Angeles, CA

The Independent

 Bill Viola, a video artist who combined with director Peter Sellars on a groundbreaking production of Wagner's “Tristan und Isolde” originally seen in Los Angeles, Paris and New York, has died at age 73.Viola died Friday at his home in Long Beach of Alzheimer's disease, his website announced.What was called “The Tristan Project” opened in concert form at Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2004, premiered on stage at the Paris Opéra the following year and was presented in concert at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in 2007. His staging has been revived several times in Paris, as...

Acclaimed video artist Bill Viola dies at 73, created landmark `Tristan und Isolde' production

NewsBreak

CD Review: Soprano Giulia Bolcato & Remer Ensemble’s ‘Barbara Strozzi – Opera Ottava’

(Photo credit: Celeste Gaia) Better understanding the beginnings of a musical genre is vital for sustaining the genre into the modern day. Available documentation of these...

CD Review: Soprano Giulia Bolcato & Remer Ensemble’s ‘Barbara Strozzi – Opera Ottava’

Comments / 0