Tagged: Academy of Vocal Arts (AVA)

Tune in on for a special treat on Sunday, May 6th from 2 to 5 pm - Donizetti's lighthearted comedy The Elixir of Love, featuring the opera stars of the future singing this charming bel canto favorite - which includes the famous aria "Una furtiva lagrima."

This production is set at the end of World War II in Southern Italy, 1945.  The war is nearly over and love is in the air! Beautiful and rich, Adina, the village librarian is pursued by a handsome soldier and adored from afar by the lowly library caretaker. Will a magic potion even the odds?   

David Patrick Stearns profiles soprano Michelle Johnson. The Metropolitan Opera 2011 National Council Audition Winner sings Donna Anna in the Academy of Vocal Arts' production of Mozart's Don Giovanni, opening on Saturday, April 30th.

Eric Brannon considers a Philadelphia public art exhibition viewable only through the screens of smartphones.

Susan Lewis takes us to the Penn Museum's exhibition about generations of Pennsylvanians who kept their Lenape identity secret for two centuries.

Philadelphia composer Margaret Garwood is Jill Pasternak's guest this week on Crossover. Her opera The Scarlet Letter receives its world premiere by the Academy of Vocal Arts on November 19th, 2010 at the Merriam Theater. In this interview with Jill, Ms. Garwood shares highlights of her composing career, and insights into her musical style.

David Patrick Stearns profiles conductor Christofer Macatsoris, the music director of the Academy of Vocal Arts. AVA is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Jim Cotter speaks with Grammy Award-winning composer Bill Cunliffe. The Temple University Symphony Orchestra performs his fourth stream...La Banda at Lincoln Center on April 9, 2010.

Susan Lewis looks at Philagrafika 2010, a festival in multiple locations around Philadelphia celebrating the role of print in contemporary art.

David Patrick Stearns looks ahead to an Academy of Vocal Arts production of Verdi's Falstaff with the legendary Met Opera stage director Tito Capobianco at the helm.

In the first of a year-long exploration of overlooked events in local history, Tom Keels explores the Mischianza - a city-wide party held in Philadelphia during the American War of Independence.

Susan Lewis visits a Delaware Art Museum exhibition exploring the art of Ellen B.T. Pyle, a popular cover artist for The Saturday Evening Post during the '20s and '30s.

Join Jill Pasternak and her guests from the Academy of Vocal Arts for a sneak-peak into their 2009/2010 season of operatic performances. Guests include AVA Music Director and Maestro Christofer Macatsoris, AVA President Keven MacDowell, and Master Vocal Coach David Lofton. A surprise is also in store for WRTI listeners!

Highlights of the season include the Giargiari Bel Canto Competition in October, Verdi's Falstaff in November, An Evening of Russian Romances in December, and La Boheme in May.

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