NEWS

Updated Apr 27, 2026

Beatrice Venezi Gets Herself Fired

Irony of ironies, Beatrice Venezi, appointed music director of La Fenice in October, despite protests of the house musicians and staff,  has been fired. "The La Fenice Theatre Foundation, … »Read

"Michael's Gift"—a Critic Remembers

SAN FRANCISCO—I had a collection of short reviews from the past week lined up, in varying states of incompleteness, when the news of  Michael Tilson Thomas’s death on Wednesday … »Read

Lyric's safronia: The Great Migration in Microcosm

CHICAGO—When audiences walk into safronia at the Harris Theater, the first thing they see onstage is an urn. Inside is the family patriarch who set this Lyric Opera commission, written and … »Read

String Quartet Update

Two string quartets with deep German roots have added new musicians to their foursomes. The Nerida Quartet has welcomed cellist Raphael Zinner and the Vision Quartet has announced Danish violinist … »Read

Can AI Save Opera?

The discussions surrounding the threats that AI poses for the creative industries, in particular opera, are frequent but inconclusive. Writing for Opera America’s in house magazine, Douglas … »Read

Saudis Scrap $200M Met Opera Deal

The U.S. war on Iran is being blamed by the Saudi Arabian government for its withdrawal from a $200 million deal with the Metropolitan Opera, reported to be in its worst financial shape ever. … »Read

BSO Musicians Set the Tone for Contract Talks

The current contract for the musicians of the Boston Symphony expires at summer’s end. Given that management’s decision to fire Music Director Andris Nelsons was made, they affirm, … »Read

An Immersive, Illuminating Night

LONDON—The inaugural Southbank Centre Multitudes festival turned out to be one of London’s 2025 cultural highlights. The idea of pairing each of the venue’s resident orchestras … »Read

Rafael Payare Extends at OSM Thru 2031-32

The Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) has renewed Rafael Payare’s contract as music director for five years following the conclusion of his current agreement in the spring of … »Read

Artists Call for Boycott of Eurovision Song Contest

An open letter signed by more than 1,000 musicians and cultural workers is calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna between May 12 and 16. Organized by the group "No Music … »Read

HONORS & AWARDS


Each month, Musical America spotlights an important emerging talent. If you haven't heard of the New Artist of the Month before, we predict you will soon.


Theodore Platt, baritone
New Artist of the Month
April 2026
Hannah De Priest, soprano
New Artist of the Month
March 2026
Ruth Knight, director
New Artist of the Month
February 2026
Chelsea Lehnea, soprano
New Artist of the Month
January 2026
Iván López Reynoso, conductor
New Artist of the Month
December 2025
Hongni Wu, mezzo-soprano
New Artist of the Month
November 2025
Emma Wernig, viola
New Artist of the Month
October 2025
Cadie J. Bryan, soprano
New Artist of the Month
September 2025
Wendy Waszut-Barrett, designer
New Artist of the Month
August 2025
Oliver Talukder, oboist
New Artist of the Month
July 2025
Katharina Wincor, conductor
New Artist of the Month
June 2025
Catharine Woodward, soprano
New Artist of the Month
May 2025

»

Since 1960, each year Musical America honors several outstanding musicians with an award for excellence.
»

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Industry Events and Conferences

Trade shows, seminars, events and conferences about the business of the performing arts

Performances, classes, and other artistic events

Calendar of events for the performing arts performances and other events

RENT A PHOTO

Search Musical America's archive of photos from 1900-1992.

 

»BROWSE & SEARCH ARCHIVE