Blanco, TX

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Brigid Pfeifer

There were a number of celebrities who passed away within the past week, including two notable actresses: Shelley Duvall and Shannen Doherty. Shelley Duvall passed away on Thursday July 11th at her home in Blanco, Texas. The cause of death was complications from diabetes and news of her death was confirmed by her partner Dan Gilroy.

Two Beloved Hollywood Actresses Have Passed Away This Week

A new opera described as a "Victorian romcom" has been premiered. Under the Greenwood Tree, based on Thomas Hardy's novel, was performed as part of Dorset Opera Festival, which celebrated its 50th anniversary. The show took place at Bryanston School's theatre in Blandford Forum. Director and composer Paul Carr called...

Premiere of 'Victorian romcom' opera shown at festival

New York City, NY

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Cheryl E Preston

Yesterday was the third time this year that an ad stating Chelsea Clinton lives in a beautiful Virginia home popped up on my laptop. My computer did not warn me this was a dangerous site, so this time, I clicked on the link.

Chelsea Clinton is rumored to be living in Virginia but probably still in NYC

When Lisette Oropesa was performing "Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata" at the Teatro Regio di Parma onstage, she was stunned to see an impromptu duet by a fan from the audience. The famous Cuban American soprano was solo performing a Verdi, generally a duet, in Parma, Italy, when opera fan Liu Jianwei stood up from his seat and sang the male lead portion of a song, per Classic FM. Oropesa sang four encores, the last being a rendition of the song “Sempre Libera,” meaning “Forever Free,” which features a male tenor from off stage, as if singing from below a balcony. Jianwei 24, a student at the Conservatorio Giuseppe Nicolini di Piacenza, was familiar with the lyrics and noticed no accompaniment in the first bar, so he joined in.

Incredible moment young opera fan in the audience stands up and sings the missing tenor’s part

Total Apex Sports & Entertainment

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are two of the biggest celebrities in modern times. While much of the happenings between the two involved their marriage and divorce, there are bigger things for them to focus on. Most notably their children.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s Son Diagnosed With Rare Skin Condition

Virginia State

History Facts lists eight names US parents no longer give their newborns, which you may no longer hear in Virginia. The girls' names are Doris, Gertrude, Mildred, and Judith. I know or have known women with all four names, but they are either baby boomers or boomer parents' ages and someone's grandma or great aunt. Consider the ages of females in Virginia you know with these names.

Eight names parents in Virginia may no longer be giving to their newborns

Ronkonkoma, NY

The New York Post reveals that two men who died in a plane crash at MacArthur Airport were from Virginia. The men had been visiting friends in Long Island and were returning home when the tragedy occurred.

Life partners from Virginia have been identified as the victims of a New York plane crash

Lancaster County, PA

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

The BBC announced today that it cannot put on its international singing competition next year, due to prolonged building work and other issues at its regular venue, St David’s Hall. The next contest will take place in 2027. St David’s shut 10 months ago with roof problems. If...

Breaking: BBC cancels the next Cardiff Singer of the World

West Virginia State

Norfolk, VA

Four Virginians were confirmed to be onboard when the Titanic sank on April 14, 1912. Phillip Acts and Selini Decker, who lived a few blocks apart in Norfolk, died when the ship sank. Richmond native Robert Decker and Eloise Smith, who later moved to Richmond from West Virginia, survived.

There's a reason no remains from the Virginia Titanic victims will ever be found

Martin, one of my most avid readers, found this rare footage of Sammy Davis Jr singing two songs you may not know but will be glad to discover. It was recorded live in Hamburg, Germany in 1969 which is why the video leaves much to be desired . But I think you’ll agree it’s worth it to discover these wonderful songs in a perfect performance by the exemplary Sammy.

Ruth Leon recommends…Sammy Davis Jr – Two Rare Songs

The harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani tweeted the other day asking, how many handshakes to Hitler? Most respondents touched Adolf at three or four removes. I managed it in one contact. John Denison, his name was. A 20-ish horn player in the London orchestras, he was sent by Sir Thomas Beecham to...

Hitler, the arts and how do we revive them

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

Louisiana State

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New Orleans, LA

American History Central

In January 1811, Charles Deslondes, a slave living on a plantation in the German Coast Region of the Louisiana Territory led a small army of slaves in an uprising. Marching in military formation toward New Orleans, the army killed at least two people and burned plantation buildings and fields. Louisiana Militia ended the rebellion, which ultimately led to the brutal deaths and treatment of participants in the uprising and the tightening of Slave Codes.

Slaves Brutally Mutilated After Uprising on Louisiana’s German Coast

Disco singer Evelyn Thomas, whose powerful voice helped define the Hi-NRG scene of the 1980s, has died at the age of 70. The Chicago-born star scored an international hit with the 1984 single High Energy, which made the top five in the UK and topped the US club charts. Her...

High Energy singer Evelyn Thomas dies, aged 70

The Guardian

Bandleader, composer, instrumentalist and singer who nurtured  players such as Eric Clapton and put British blues on the map

John Mayall obituary

(headline image: Varijashree Venugopal -Photo by Daniil Strelnikov) Varijashree Venugopal, born on March 6, 1991, in Bangalore, India, is a renowned Indian singer and flutist. She is the daughter of musicians Vidwan Sri H.S. Venugopal and Smt. T.V. Rama. From an early age, Varijashree displayed an extraordinary musical talent, identifying...

Varijashree Venugopal, From Child Prodigy to Renowned Vocalist and Flutist

The German conductor, author of My Life with Wagner, has written another about Richard Strauss. It’s out in German next month and he has been talking about it at Salzburg, where he’s conducting Capriccio. Of the composer’s last opera, premiered in Munich in October 1942, Thielemann says: ‘Fundamentally,...

Christian Thielemann writes a book about Strauss

The prolific German composer Wolfgang Rihm died today in Ettlingen after an illness, his family announced. His output included eight operas, at least two dozen works for orchestra and 13 string quartets. In all, he leaves more than 400 published scores. Rihm was composer in residence in both Salzburg and...

Death of Germany’s leading composer, 72

Delving into the realm of operatic grandeur, this article explores the Top 15 Most Popular Best Opera Songs of All Time, showcasing the unparalleled artistry and emotional depth that define this classical genre. Opera, with its powerful blend of music, drama, and spectacle, has produced timeless pieces that resonate across generations. From the poignant arias of Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma” to the tragic beauty of Bizet’s “Carmen,” each selection embodies the essence of human experience through stirring melodies and intricate vocal performances. Verdi’s “La donna è mobile” and Mozart’s “Der Hölle Rache” stand as pillars of vocal virtuosity, while the haunting allure of Delibes’ “Flower Duet” evokes serene pastoral scenes. The operatic repertoire further unfolds with the passionate duets of “Au fond du temple saint” from Bizet’s “The Pearl Fishers” and the romantic tragedy of “Un bel dì vedremo” from Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.” Whether capturing moments of love, despair, or triumph, these selections illustrate opera’s enduring appeal as a pinnacle of artistic expression. Join us on a journey through the Top 15 Best Opera Songs, celebrating their profound impact on music and culture worldwide.

15 Best Opera Songs of All Time

NewsBreak

Reports: Death of a great British baritone

Opera singers are sharing sad news of the death, on Thursday, of the legendary Benjamin Luxon. He was 85. A Cornishman from Redruth, Luxon created the...

Reports: Death of a great British baritone

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