San Francisco Opera Asks Stars About First Onstage Opera Kiss

Just in time for every lover's favorite holiday, Valentine's Day, San Francisco Opera has posted videos asking singers to recall their first onstage kiss in opera. Watch Heidi Melton, Brandon Jovanovich, Laquita Mitchell, Chauncey Packer, Eva-Maria Westbroek, and Charles Castronovo recount everything from enchanted to downright hilarious memories, after the jump.

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.

New York City Opera Announces Cast Updates

The latest updates are available for all operas being performed across Manhattan by New York City Opera. Not much in terms of surprises, but some singers to watch for during the season include Laquita Mitchell, David Pomeroy, Jennifer Holloway, Rebecca Bottone, Philip Cutlip, Amanda Majeski, Kelly Markgraf, Joélle Harvey and even seasoned professional Rodney Gilfry will be performing. Conductors will be Gary Thor Wedow, Christian Curnyn, Jayce Ogren and Steven White. For more information about NYCO, click here. Full cast listings are after the jump.