Notables In The Music World Praise Soprano Maria Luigia Borsi

Evans Mirageas Explores Daily Makings Of "Carmen" In Cincinnati

Evan Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilkins Artistic Director for Cincinnati Opera, has devised a unique marketing tool to spread the word about the company's upcoming production of Bizet's Carmen. On May 20, the first video hit YouTube titled "Evan's Daily Digest - Carmen Day 1." The videos now total 12 and continue to multiply. Each segment offers a day-to-day behind the scenes look at the building of the opera. Some episodes even feature trivia about locations the Cincinnati Opera has performed in the past, like the Cincinnati Zoo. Other factoids include why we say "break a leg" to performers just before curtain. It's an ingenious way to engage audiences before they arrive at the opera on opening night June 12. You can watch all of the videos by clicking here.  More about Evans Mirageas and rehearsal photos after the jump.

L'amour est un oiseau rebelle: Carmen (Stacey Rishoi) plays hard-to-get
during rehearsal for Cincinnati Opera's production, directed by Alain Gauthier,
that opens June 12. For tickets, click here.

Cincinnati Opera Gets Ryan Seacrest to Host Gala on June 19

TV and radio personality Ryan Seacrest is scheduled to serve as special guest host for Cincinnati Opera's Saturday, June 19 Gala Concert at Music Hall. Seacrest, who is best-known as the host of the highly-rated American Idol, will appear in person at Music Hall for the celebratory event. 'Ryan Seacrest is one of the finest and best loved television hosts,' said Cincinnati Opera's Artistic Director Evans Mirageas. 'His work on American Idol is inspiring, and his personal passion for music is clear. We're thrilled that he'll be joining us to lead our anniversary celebration.' [Source ] Read about the prestigious guest list for the event after the jump.

Evans Mirageas, Ryan Seacrest, Angela Brown and Richard Leech