Latest news with #opera
Washington Post
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
At D.C. children's hospital, opera singers offer light, hope and healing
Kwezikazi Mfithi stepped into a hallway at Children's National Hospital to wait as her 2-month-old daughter got an X-ray for her heart troubles. Then, she heard music — opera. Mfithi, 26, had planned to walk to the hospital's garden for a break and send text messages to catch up with friends and family. But the singers' voices moved her to go to the hospital's atrium. With a soft, gray blanket wrapped around her shoulders, she sat for an hour, mesmerized, as she and about two dozen other families, patients and hospital workers listened to the performance.
Associated Press
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand
Experience the legendary 'Plácido Domingo' live in Thailand for the first time—alongside an Indian epic, dazzling Chinese ballet, operas, and jaw-dropping acrobatics Tickets Now Available! BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Get ready for a world-class spectacle like no other—right here in Thailand. Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the globe. KV This year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with the Thai debut of Plácido Domingo, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era – an epic tale from India, A Dream of Red Mansions – breathtaking Chinese ballet, Tosca and Aida – powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more. The curtain rises from September 6 to October 15, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale June 14, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusive 'Platinum Package' available for early access and exclusivity. A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo One of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of The Three Tenors, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music: Monica Conesa, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with Beatrice Venezi, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical history. India's epic Mahabharata comes to life in a dazzling contemporary spectacle For the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. 'Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era' is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic forms. This visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual effects. Chinese classic reimagined: A Dream of Red Mansions by the National Ballet of China Also taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called 'a mirror of Qing Dynasty society,' the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese history. This year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage presence. The production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single stage. Russia's Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre kicks off the festival with 4 grand productions Get ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup of opera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 performers. The magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet Three Masks of the King, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this ballet. Heart-stopping acrobatics and futuristic dance collide The excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of athleticism. Then, step into the future with Pixel, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you breathless. Global highlights: from Cuban rhythms to Spanish fire The festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely, Cuba Vibra!, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present, Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion NINA, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams Energy ∞ Infinite, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and The Prague Philharmonia, one of Europe's top orchestras and a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianist George Li from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A festival backed by passion and partnership Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Culture. Experience the Festival like never before with Platinum Packages Book your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. Enjoy Bangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural experience. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at For full program details, visit: Hashtag: #BangkokFestivals The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bangkok Festivals Established in 1999, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music is Asia's largest and most prestigious performing arts festival. Featuring top-tier talent from across the globe in opera, ballet, orchestral music, contemporary performance, and cross-cultural showcases, the festival strives to elevate the Thai arts scene and provide unforgettable experiences for local audiences. Follow us for updates and news at
Malay Mail
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand!
Experience the legendary 'Plácido Domingo' live in Thailand for the first time—alongside an Indian epic, dazzling Chinese ballet, operas, and jaw-dropping acrobatics Tickets Now Available! 10% discount per person for selected shows (cannot be combined with other promotions) Priority seating reserved Limited-edition souvenir BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 -is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with theof, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for– an epic tale from India,– breathtaking Chinese ballet,and– powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more., at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusiveavailable for early access and of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music:, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. "Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era" is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called "a mirror of Qing Dynasty society," the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup ofopera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of step into the future with, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely,, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present,, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and, one of Europe's top orchestrasand a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianistfrom the Los Angeles 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. EnjoyBangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at . For full program details,visit: Hashtag: #BangkokFestivals The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bangkok Festivals Established in 1999, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music is Asia's largest and most prestigious performing arts festival. Featuring top-tier talent from across the globe in opera, ballet, orchestral music, contemporary performance, and cross-cultural showcases, the festival strives to elevate the Thai arts scene and provide unforgettable experiences for local audiences. Follow us for updates and news at
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Thousands of Bradford children take to stage for ballet and opera
More than 2,000 Bradford primary school pupils took to the stage recently to perform a ballet and opera inspired by their own hopes and dreams. The children filled the newly refurbished Bradford Live to perform the new ballet and opera as part of Sing, Dance, Leap - a mass participation project for young people commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. Tom Whitehead, a Bradford-born Royal Ballet dancer who returned to his hometown for the project, said: "It has been a real privilege to be able to help bring Sing, Dance, Leap to my hometown and see the impact it has had on these brilliant young people. "I know how much I would have loved to have been involved in a project like this when I was young, so it makes it extra special to be able to give Bradford's next generation this opportunity. "If Sing, Dance, Leap can be that spark of inspiration for one child to pursue their passion, whatever that is, then this project has been a huge success." The Sing, Dance, Leap project was commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture (Image: Elly Welford) Led by the Royal Ballet and Opera, Opera North, and Northern Ballet, the Sing, Dance, Leap project intends to help children to express how they feel about themselves, and their city, through ballet, opera, and the arts. The children's thoughts and feelings helped shape the performance's music, lyrics, and choreography, which were created respectively by Will Todd, Kadijah Ibrahiim, and Carlos Pons Guerra. Jillian Barker, director of learning and participation for the Royal Ballet and Opera, said: "Sing, Dance, Leap is a real celebration of young voices and the power that access to the arts can have. "We want to ensure that projects like this give children more than a momentary experience – we want these young people to take what they have learnt in this project and continue to be creatively inspired in their daily lives. The project was led by the Royal Ballet and Opera, Opera North, and Northern Ballet (Image: Elly Welford) "We have seen firsthand how impactful projects like Sing, Dance, Leap can be on young people, and we will continue to advocate for greater arts access for children across the UK, both in our own work and in the national curriculum." Rhiannon Hannon, director of creative engagement and participation for Bradford 2025, said: "It's so fitting for Bradford's young people to be among the first to use this stage to share this inspiring new work." Sing, Dance, Leap is part of a four-year community partnership, launched in 2023, between the Royal Ballet and Opera and Bradford.
Times
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Eugene Onegin review — no frills Tchaikovsky goes straight to the heart
When Dominic Dromgoole, who ran Shakespeare's Globe from 2006 to 2016, was asked to direct Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin for the first time, he knew he didn't want to make it fiddly. And opera these days tends towards the fiddly. Dromgoole, though, tells us in the programme for this excellent touring production by Wild Arts that he 'just wants life to be life, and plays to be plays, and operas to be operas'. He adds: 'It's almost impossible now to go and see a play that is just itself, that hasn't been 'versioned' by somebody or other.' This Onegin succeeds because it is direct, simple, heartfelt. All harder goals to achieve than they sound. It's also something of a bravura exercise in plate-spinning. At this premiere in the barn at Layer Marney Tower in Essex, given as part of the Essex Opera Festival, Orlando Jopling conducted a band of five strings, four winds and one horn, who achieved minor miracles in sustaining Tchaikovsky's plangent lyricism, yet still rose to the boisterous exuberance of the dances. • Read more theatre reviews, guides and interviews The cast multitask too, forming the choruses themselves, getting nifty in the dances or arranging the spartan set with a gravitas that creates atmosphere in a small but meaningful way. Costuming adds its own story: Sion Goronwy's appealing Gremin is a military hero on crutches — unlike the ennui-ridden Onegin, he has actually done something with his life. It all meshes tightly with a story that's about repression; big emotions hemmed in by a small, petty world. 'Contentment is as good as love' is the sad motto disingenuously adopted by Hannah Sandison's excellent Madame Larina, volatile and even flirtatious (the character is often the blowsy, mumsy type). It's one of several good lines from a thoughtful English translation by Siofra Dromgoole (Dominic's daughter), nearly all of which carries straight to the audience, some just a few feet away. Onegin tartly tells Tatyana to 'practise some restraint'. There are moments here that are perhaps too restrained, when you want things to boil as well as simmer. Xavier Hetherington's callow Lensky and Emily Hodkinson's enigmatic Olga don't always punch out. But Dromgoole draws out sometimes agonising intensity from the central couple's doomed entanglement. Gleamingly sung, Galina Averina's Tatyana is at her best by the final scene. Conversely, by that point Timothy Nelson's once haughty Onegin is a wreck who's realised just how badly he's screwed up. That's life. That's opera.★★★★☆165minLayer Marney Tower, Essex to Jun 21; touring to Sep 18, Follow @timesculture to read the latest reviews
