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Classic Arts Articles
Classic Arts News
Glimmerglass Plans Outdoor 2021 Season With New, Open-Air Stage on Festival Lawn
By Ryan McPhee | 03/02/2021
The summer lineup includes the world premiere of Sandra Seaton’s
The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson,
starring Denyce Graves.
Theatre Alternatives
Matthew Bourne's
New Adventures
Festival Will Launch With Stream of
Swan Lake
By Andrew Gans | 03/01/2021
City Center presents the virtual festival, also featuring
The Car Man, Cinderella,
and
Romeo and Juliet.
Opera
Metropolitan Opera Salutes Beverly Sills, Leontyne Price, Renée Fleming, More in Women’s History Month Streams
By Ryan McPhee | 03/01/2021
The company kicks off the month with a week of performances featuring trailblazing women of opera.
Industry News
Lincoln Center's
Restart
Stages
Initiative Will Feature 10 Outdoor Performance and Rehearsal Spaces
By Andrew Gans | 02/25/2021
The program
will launch on World Health Day with a performance for healthcare workers.
Film & TV Features
Ted Sperling Talks MasterVoices’ Multidisciplinary Take on Adam Guettel’s
Myths and Hymns
By Logan Culwell-Block | 02/24/2021
The second episode of the project, which speaks uniquely to 2021, streams February 24.
Theatre Alternatives
Tony Nominee Aaron Tveit and West End Star Kerry Ellis Among
Rise Up With Arts
Variety Performers
By Talaura Harms | 02/22/2021
Proceeds from the live streamed global charity variety show will benefit Theatre Support Fund+ and The Actors Fund.
Opera
Dmitri Hvorostovsky Signature Roles Are the Highlight of Latest Met Opera Virtual Offerings
By Ryan McPhee | 02/22/2021
The Metropolitan Opera pays tribute to the late baritone in Week 50 of its streaming series of past performances.
Opera
The Metropolitan Opera Showcases 8 Zeffirelli Productions in Continuing Free Streaming Series
By Ryan McPhee | 02/15/2021
The director-designer’s opulent works take center stage in this week’s Nightly Met Streams.
Film & TV News
Renée Elise Goldsberry Narrates
Voice of Freedom
, New Documentary About Singer Marian Anderson, Airing February 15
By Andrew Gans | 02/15/2021
The PBS premiere is produced by Rob Rapley and executive-produced by Cameo George.
Benefits and Galas
Michael R. Jackson, Renée Fleming, More Tapped for Williamstown Theatre Festival's Virtual Gala
By Talaura Harms | 02/11/2021
A portion of the proceeds will benefit WTF's designers and stage managers.
Dance News
New York City Ballet Announces 2021 Spring Digital Season Lineup
By Dan Meyer | 02/04/2021
World premieres from Kyle Abraham and Justin Peck are on the schedule, as well as a gala filmed from the company's Lincoln Center home.
Industry News
National Endowment for the Arts Grants $27.5 Million in First Round of 2021 Funding
By Dan Meyer | 02/04/2021
The 1,073 recipients are spread across the 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Industry News
Awards Roundup: Leslie Odom, Jr.'s Palm Springs Honor, Susan Smith Blackburn Prize Finalists Named, More
By Talaura Harms | 02/01/2021
Plus: The Metropolitan Opera honors five singers with the annual Beverly Sills Artist Award.
Opera
The Metropolitan Opera Commemorates Black History Month With Free Streams of
Porgy and Bess
and
More
By Ryan McPhee | 02/01/2021
Catch star performances from such singers as Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, Leontyne Price, Eric Owens, and Lawrence Brownlee.
Classic Arts News
Shoshana Bean, Michael McElroy, Tapped for 2nd MasterVoices
Myths and Hymns
Installment
By Logan Culwell-Block | 01/28/2021
The streaming series based on Adam Guettel's song cycle continues February 24 with "Work."
Classic Arts News
All About Antiheroes in the Metropolitan Opera's Next Free Streams
By Ryan McPhee | 01/25/2021
Catch past performances of
Macbeth
,
Rigoletto
,
Faust
, and more.
Video
Watch Cynthia Erivo, Phylicia Rashad, Renée Fleming, More in Kennedy Center
Inauguration Day
Concerts
By Andrew Gans | 01/20/2021
The curated selection of previous performances celebrates the inauguration of President Joseph Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Opera
Carmen, Lucia, Brünnhilde, and More Opera Heroines Lead Next Free Met Stream Lineup
By Ryan McPhee | 01/18/2021
Natalie Dessay, Lisette Oropesa, Anita Rachvelishvili, and more leading ladies take center stage.
Classic Arts Features
How the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspired the Dance Theatre of Harlem
By Walter Rutledge | 01/18/2021
The great American arts institution was built on a model of inclusiveness.
Industry News
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Plan to Revive New York’s Arts Scene
By Ryan McPhee | 01/12/2021
In his State of the State address, Cuomo announced his initiative to bolster an economic and cultural sector effectively shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Classic Arts News
It's Renée Fleming Week at the Metropolitan Opera
By Ryan McPhee | 01/11/2021
Celebrate with streams of
Capriccio, Rusalka, Der Rosenkavalier,
and more.
Film & TV News
Watch Audra McDonald, Renée Fleming, More in PBS'
United in Song
Concert
By Andrew Gans | 01/04/2021
The special event, also featuring Brian Stokes Mitchell, Josh Groban, and Anna Deavere Smith, premiered December 31.
Classic Arts News
Metropolitan Opera Stars Go Head-to-Head in First Week of 2021 Free Streams
By Ryan McPhee | 01/04/2021
Explore some of opera's most epic rivalries in the nightly streaming series.
Dance News
Watch as Susan Stroman and a Bevy of Dancers Worldwide Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of
Center Stage
By Ryan McPhee | 12/30/2020
The master class event and cast reunion took place earlier this month, with moves from Robyn Hurder, Clyde Alves, and more.
Classic Arts News
Luciano Pavarotti Takes Center Screen in Latest Offering of Free Metropolitan Opera Streams
By Ryan McPhee | 12/28/2020
Ring in the new year with
La Bohème
,
Rigoletto, L’Elisir d’Amore,
and more.
Classic Arts Features
Schedule of Upcoming Live Opera and Ballet Broadcasts
By David Gewirtzman | 12/22/2020
The opera and ballet fans' guide to where they can view live broadcasts.
Cabaret & Concert News
The Playbill Weekend Streaming Guide: What to Watch December 18-20
By Talaura Harms | 12/18/2020
Holiday concerts from Josh Groban, Sarah Brightman, and Andrea McArdle—and more online offerings this weekend.
Film & TV News
Disney+’s Dance Docuseries
On Pointe
Begins Streaming December 18
By Dan Meyer | 12/18/2020
Young students pursue their dreams at the School of American Ballet as they prepare for
The Nutcracker
and more.
Theatre Alternatives
In the News: Basil Twist's Puppetry Spectacle
Symphonie Fantastique
Heads to the Screen
,
a Starry Telethon Supporting West Bank Cafe, More
By Talaura Harms | 12/17/2020
Plus: Portia de Rossi and the cast of ABC's
Better Off Ted
will reunite on Play-PerView.
Film & TV Features
How Director Larissa Bills Pulls Back the Curtain With
On Pointe
Documentary
By Felicia Fitzpatrick | 12/17/2020
The new Disney+ docu-series follows students at the prestigious School of American Ballet Theatre and in New York City Ballet's
The Nutcracker
.
Film & TV News
Vanessa Williams, Norm Lewis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, More Featured in PBS Concert Celebrating Ella Fitzgerald, Premiering December 15
By Andrew Gans | 12/15/2020
Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas With Vanessa Williams
was filmed with a small, socially distanced audience in D.C.
Holiday Coverage
What Does It Take to Pull Off the Gigantic
Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir
?
By Ruthie Fierberg | 12/10/2020
Behind the scenes of the 90-year holiday concert tradition.
Opera
Porgy and Bess
,
The Exterminating Angel,
More Stream for Free in English-Language Week of Met Streams
By Ryan McPhee | 12/07/2020
Week 39 of the Metropolitan Opera's nightly series features seven titles with English libretti.
Interview
Tony Winner Kelli O’Hara and Tony Nominee Richard Thomas Take Us Inside the Making of
Christmas With the Tabernacle Choir
By Ruthie Fierberg | 12/07/2020
In this Q&A, the pair take us behind the scenes of their 2019 visit to Salt Lake City for the ultimate musical holiday celebration.
Film & TV News
PBS to Air
In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
Nationwide With Kristin Chenoweth, Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell, More
By Dan Meyer | 12/02/2020
The weekly series airs on PBS beginning January 2021.
Classic Arts News
Renée Fleming, Jonas Kaufmann, Leontyne Price, More Sing Their Signature Roles in Week of Free Met Streams
By Ryan McPhee | 11/30/2020
The Nightly Met Streams series continues with presentations of
Eugene Onegin, Parsifal
,
Aida
, and more.
Holiday Coverage
Your Guide to Streaming
The Nutcracker
in 2020
By Felicia Fitzpatrick | 11/27/2020
A list of which ballet companies are offering digital streams of
The Nutcracker
during an unprecedented holiday season.
Opera
The Metropolitan Opera Celebrates Thanksgiving With a Week of Family Drama
By Ryan McPhee | 11/23/2020
The Nightly Met Streams series continues with
Elektra
,
Lucia di Lammermoor
, and more titles about clashing clans.
Regional News
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Cancels All Scheduled Programs Through April 2021
By Andrew Gans | 11/18/2020
These cancellations represent 384 ticketed events and a financial loss of $24.1 million for the D.C. institution.
Awards
In the News: Tonya Pinkins to Be Honored, Spike Lee Will Direct Musical Film With Songs From
Passing
Strange
Duo, More
By Andrew Gans, Dan Meyer | 11/17/2020
Plus, watch the new music video from
Pretty
Woman
's Brennin Hunt.
Classic Arts News
Metropolitan Opera Streams ‘Yannick Week’ With
Rusalka, Traviata, Wozzeck,
and More
By Ryan McPhee | 11/16/2020
The Nightly Met Streams series continues with seven performances conducted by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Film & TV News
In the News: Danai Gurira Will Star in
The Fighting Shirley Chisholm
Film, More Speakers Join Christopher Jackson at TheaterMakers Summit
By Andrew Gans, Ryan McPhee | 11/11/2020
Plus: Stars from the world of opera are joining forces for a Thanksgiving variety show.
Classic Arts News
The Met Continues Its 2-Week, Centuries-Spanning Tour of Opera
By Ryan McPhee | 11/09/2020
The Metropolitan Opera’s Nightly Met Streams series offers a chronological celebration of classic and contemporary titles.
Classic Arts News
Houston Grand Opera Moves 2021 Programming, Including Jake Heggie, Margaret Atwood
,
and Joshua Hopkins’
Songs for Murdered Sisters
, Online
By Ryan McPhee | 11/04/2020
The remaining in-person events of the Texas company’s 2020–2021 season have been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.
Video
Stephen Sondheim Surprises 80-Year-Old Composer Living With Dementia After Improvised Piece Goes Viral
By Logan Culwell-Block | 11/04/2020
The piece of music, written by retired music teacher Paul Harvey, was recorded by BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and released as a single.
Cabaret & Concert News
Lincoln Center Cancels 2021 American Songbook Series
By Andrew Gans | 10/29/2020
The Great Performers spring series and the David Rubenstein Atrium spring season have also been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.
Classic Arts News
The Met Explores Politics in Opera in Week 33 of Its Nightly Streaming Series
By Ryan McPhee | 10/26/2020
The lineup leading up to Election Day includes
Agrippina
,
Nixon in China
, and
Satyagraha.
Dance News
New York City Ballet Will Not Return to Live Performances Until Fall 2021
By Dan Meyer | 10/23/2020
The dance troupe, which plans to resume performances at the David H. Koch Theater in September 2021, has announced details of its 2021-2022 season.
Opera
Stream Kelli O'Hara in the Metropolitan Opera's
Così fan tutte
and
The Merry Widow
for Free This Week
By Ryan McPhee | 10/19/2020
The Nightly Met Streams series keeps things light with a lineup dedicated to comedic operas.
Education News
Scholarship Applications Now Open for The Next Wave Initiative to Amplify Future Black Voices
By Andrew Gans, Dan Meyer | 10/14/2020
The program was launched by Douglas Lyons as part of The Directors Company.
View More