Opera

Opera and theater's Prototype Festival pushed mostly online

Jan. 8, 2021 6:18 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — One of the world’s top festivals of contemporary opera and theater has shifted format because of the coronavirus pandemic. The ninth annual Prototype festivals opens Friday night with the world premiere of “Modulation,” a self-guided digital work for distanced times by...

Lawyers seek relief for 'broken' convicted philanthropist

Dec. 25, 2020 11:19 AM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Once worth nearly a billion dollars, opera-loving philanthropist Alberto Vilar is seeking financial relief from what his lawyers describe as a destitute existence following his 2018 release from prison. Vilar's lawyers told a Manhattan federal judge in a letter Thursday that Vilar is...

FILE - In this May 8, 2019, file photo, the Santa Fe Opera awaits its summer season in Santa Fe, N.M. The Santa Fe Opera, Meow Wolf and the non-profit organization that puts on the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta are among the New Mexico businesses that received loans from the federal government as part of massive effort to support the economy amid the coronavirus outbreak. (AP Photo/Morgan Lee, File)

Virtual performances span the world from Santa Fe

Dec. 20, 2020 10:01 AM EST

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — Performance groups in Santa Fe have taken the adage “the show must go on” to heart during the coronavirus pandemic as they turn to a new stage: the internet. With theaters shuttered, virtual performances have abounded on websites. The Lensic Performing Arts Center, the...

FILE - In this Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, file photo, ornaments hang on a Christmas tree on display in New York. Office holiday parties are tricky in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Dancing, drinking and fancy dinners are out. Many companies are foregoing parties altogether, deciding instead to send staff gift baskets, extra time off or donations to charities that employees choose. (AP Photo/Swayne B. Hall, File)

Snow days, virtual opera: The office holiday party goes on

Dec. 17, 2020 1:11 PM EST

NEW YORK (AP) — An online murder mystery. Law-themed opera arias. A snowman-building competition. With dancing, drinking and fancy dinners a no-go because of virus concerns, companies are getting creative about their holiday office parties this year. The challenge is how to organize a virtual celebration...

This combination photo shows John Krasinski, from left, Dolly Parton and Christian Siriano. They are among those in the entertainment industry who took the initiative to make the best out of a challenging year. (AP Photo)

Despite bleak 2020, celebrities make effort to brighten year

Dec. 11, 2020 12:09 PM EST

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Yes, 2020 may seem like a complete fail with all the constant bad news and tragic moments. It’s been filled with gloom and doom(scrolling), but some celebrities and those inspired by them have tried to brighten a bleak year. Some like singer Dolly Parton donated money to fight the...

United States' soprano Lisette Oropesa poses in front of La Scala opera theater in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. Soprano Lisette Oropesa was to be the first American to single a title role in the gala season opener of La Scala since Maria Callas in the 1950s. Then Italy’s virus cases surged, with an outbreak in both La Scala’s chorus and orchestra, forcing Italy’s premier opera house to cancel one of the top events on the European cultural calendar for the first time. Oropesa is one of 24 singers recording for a broadcast event marking the traditional Dec. 7 opening.
(AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

US star soprano misses La Scala gala season-open debut

Dec. 6, 2020 2:52 AM EST

MILAN (AP) — Soprano Lisette Oropesa was to be the first American to sing a title role in the gala season opener at La Scala since Maria Callas in the 1950s. Then Italy’s virus cases surged. An outbreak in both La Scala’s chorus and its orchestra forced the country’s premier opera...