Mezzo-Soprano J'Nai Bridges Gives Her Great Big Story To CNN

"J’Nai Bridges knows that most people perceive opera as being an artform for the elite. Because opera was traditionally catered towards nobility, many today still don’t feel welcome. Bridges wants to change that. The mezzo-soprano is a rising star in the opera world, with starring roles on stages around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera House and the San Francisco Opera. When she’s not belting out arias, she’s going to local schools to give students a chance to experience an opera, or teaching masterclasses at colleges. As a Black, female artist, Bridges knows the importance of showing children—especially BIPOC children—that classical music is possible. As Bridges says, when she walks into a room or onto a stage, her goal is to 'change minds, heal hearts, and make music.'" Watch the video after the jump. 

"Turandot" To Take Hollywood Bowl By Storm Under Dudamel

"Turandot, Puccini’s extravagant portrayal of a legendary China, comes to the Hollywood Bowl in a concert production. Opera star Christine Brewer stars as the icy princess who challenges her suitors to a game of riddles to win her heart. Conducting his second opera at the Bowl, Music Director Gustavo Dudamel leads this story of love, featuring some of the most beloved arias of all time, such as 'Nessun dorma.'" [Source]

Sunday, July 17, 2011, 7:30PM

ARTISTS:
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
Christine Brewer, Turandot
Francesco Hong, tenor, Calaf
Hei-Kyung Hong, soprano, Liù
Alexander Vinogradov, bass, Timur
Timothy Mix, baritone, Ping
Daniel Montenegro, tenor, Pang
Beau Gibson, tenor, Pong
Greg Fedderly, tenor, Emperor Altoum
Craig Verm, baritone, Mandarin
Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon, music director
Los Angeles Children's Chorus, Anne Tomlinson, artistic director
(Photos of Christine Brewer by Christian Steiner)

Turandot Joins Dolly Parton at the Hollywood Bowl

Turandot will be sung by Christine Brewer 
[not Dolly Parton] at the Hollywood Bowl 
(Photo: Christian Steiner)

Wunderkind-Maestro Gustavo Dudamel will present Puccini's Turandot with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as part of the "Sunday Sunset Performances" at the Hollywood Bowl on July 17, 2011. Also featured this season at the Hollywood Bowl will be Lang Lang, Chris Botti,Dolly Parton and July 4th Fireworks Spectacular with Daryl Hall and John Oates.

"Turandot, Puccini’s extravagant portrayal of a legendary princess in China, comes to the Hollywood Bowl. Christine Brewer stars as the icy princess who challenges suitors to a game of riddles to win her heart. This story of love – led by Music Director Gustavo Dudamel – features some of the most beloved arias of all time, including 'Nessun dorma.'" [Source]

Elīna Garanča Celebrates in Berlin

(Photo: DAVIDS)

The mezzo-soprano sang the New Year's Eve concert with the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. Singing selections from Carmen, Samson et Dalila, La Damnation de Faust and "Las hijas del Zebedeo" from Ruperto Chapì's Spanish operetta Al Pensar. Although Frasquita and Mercédès are missing from the "Les tringles des sistres tintaient" number, there is the added extra bonus of Emmanuel Pahud's flute playing in the prelude! Watch the video after the jump.