The Shadowboxer project, an opera about the life of heavyweight
boxing champion Joe Louis, began as an idea in director Leon Major’s mind
twenty years ago.
Shadowboxer — The Rise and Fall of an American Hero
A “CNN Opera” — Shadowboxer at UMD
The University of Maryland Opera Studio premiered a new commission this
week: Shadowboxer, composed by Frank Proto, and based on the life of
boxing champion Joe Louis.
Shadowboxer — The Inner Life of Joe Louis
An opera about boxer Joe Louis might seem like a futile undertaking:
according to 1930s New York Times reporter Meyer Berger, “Joe
Louis avoids meeting people, hates conversation (even fight talk) and says less
than any man in sports…”
Christopher Maltman, Wigmore Hall, London
The abiding elegance and beauty of Christopher Maltman’s baritone,
complemented by the interpretative wisdom and experience of Graham Johnson, one
of the finest vocal accompanists of recent times, made this an evening of
assured musicianship and expressive poise.
Micaela Carosi sings Aida in a new production at the Royal Opera House, London
Micaela Carosi, the Verdi specialist, has created Aida many times, so she’s closely attuned to the role. The new production, at the Royal Opera House, London, though, is different. “It’s like singing Aida for the first time”, she says, her eyes sparkling.
The Fairy Queen at the Wigmore Hall
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/classical/article7102908.ece
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk on Blu-Ray
Previously released on DVD, the Netherlands Opera recording of
Shostakovich’s Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk
Leah Crocetto’s Schwabacher debut recital on Sunday with stage presence big and small
http://www.examiner.com/x-2366-SF-Opera-Examiner~y2010m4d20-Leah-Crocettos-Schwabacher-debut-recital-on-Sunday-with-stage-presence-big-and-small
Andreas Scholl, Barbican, London
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/0808e5d2-4c96-11df-9977-00144feab49a.html
Stephen Jaffe: an Interview by Tom Moore
Composer Stephen Jaffe is the Mary and James H. Semans Professor of Music
Composition at Duke University. We spoke in his office there in Durham NC on
June 25, 2007.