Classical Music

Classical MusicMusic

Chicago Opera Theater Launches Search to Replace General Director Ashley Magnus

The Board of Directors of Chicago Opera Theater (COT), Chicago’s foremost producer of contemporary and re-imagined opera, announced recently that it will launch a national search to replace Ashley Magnus, Stefan Edlis and Gael Neeson General Director, who departed the company effective Friday, March 3, 2023.  Magnus leaves the Chicago area to unite her family in Southwest Michigan, where she and her husband opened the River Trade Brewing Company in Constantine, MI. She has served Chicago Opera Theater for 7 ½ years, including as General Director since January 2019.  Chicago Opera Theater Director of Development Meaghan Stainback Smallwood has been named the Interim General Director.

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Classical MusicMusic

Chicago Philharmonic to Welcome Ryan Speedo Green in Orchestra Debut

The Chicago Philharmonic Society has announced it will welcome two-time Grammy Award winning bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green in a concert showcasing selections from opera and musical theater, one night only; Saturday, October 14 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Featuring repertoire from every era of opera and musical theater, Green will make his debut with the dynamic, musician-led orchestra under the baton of Chicago Philharmonic artistic director Scott Speck.  

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Classical MusicMusic

CSO Violinist David Taylor to Join New Philharmonic in Concert Featuring Sarasate’s “Fantasy on Bizet’s ‘Carmen'”

New Philharmonic, the professional orchestra in residence at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), continues its 2021-2022 45th Anniversary Season with Dvořák’s New World, featuring his Symphony No. 9 in E-minor on Saturday and Sunday, November 13 & 14, 2021.  The program includes Pablo de Sarasate’s (1844-1908) Fantasy on Bizet’s Carmen featuring guest violinist David Taylor, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Assistant Concertmaster. The piece is commonly regarded as one of the most challenging pieces for violin.

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