opera

Lyric Opera Presents Classic Comedic Opera

Julie Denesha — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:03:31 +0000

Love conquers all in "The Mikado," a comic opera by Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert introduced in London in 1885. The Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents the satirical comedy in five performances through April 28.

Composer Kirke Mechem On Realizing What Opera Could Be

Laura Spencer — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 23:27:03 +0000

Composer Kirke Mechem grew up in Topeka, Kansas, but he's lived in San Francisco since 1963. He says he still considers himself a Midwesterner: "You can take the boy out of Kansas, but you can never take Kansas out of the boy."

Mezzo-Soprano Joyce DiDonato Becomes A 'Drama Queen'

Stephen Steigman and Steve Kraske — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:07:44 +0000

Opera superstar Joyce DiDonato won a Grammy this year for Best Classical Vocal Solo.

The Prairie Village native and mezzo-soprano was the star of a TV special titled "Homecoming" produced by Kansas City's KCPT and PBS Arts. The concert with the Kansas City Symphony at the newly-opened Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts was broadcast nationally, and now, she has a new disc out titled "Drama Queens," which she recorded in Italy in July.

Projecting Emotion In The Lyric Opera Of Kansas City's 'Il Trovatore'

Laura Spencer and Julie Denesha — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:35:00 +0000

When it comes to the plot of Giuseppe Verdi's opera Il Trovatore - which revolves around a love triangle, murder, and revenge - audiences are advised to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the music.

Cultures Collide In 'Madama Butterfly' At The Lyric Opera

Julie Denesha — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:38:08 +0000

The tragic tale of love and betrayal marks the return of soprano Elizabeth Caballero to the Lyric Opera as the title character in "Madama Butterfly." Cabellero performed the role of Liù, a slave girl, in the Lyric's production of "Turandot" in 2011.

Mezzo Soprano Joyce DiDonato Returns Home After Grammy Win

Stephen Steigman and Steve Kraske — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:12:53 +0000

Prairie Village native Joyce DiDonato just won a Grammy for best classical vocal solo and travels the world performing in opera houses far and wide as one of this planet's best-loved mezzo sopranos.

Deborah Sandler Takes The Helm At Lyric Opera

Laura Spencer — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City today announced the appointment of Deborah Sandler as the new general director as of July 1, 2012. Sandler will succeed Evan Luskin, who retires on June 30 after 26 years with the company, including 14 years as general director.

Building the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's "Turandot"

Laura Spencer — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:01:00 +0000

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Kansas City, Mo. – This summer's heat didn't affect the staff building scenery for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, probably the first time in three decades. In June, the Lyric moved tools, lumber, and other items from an un-air conditioned space in the East Bottoms to a new production facility in the East Crossroads.

Lyric Opera's General Director Evan Luskin to Retire

Laura Spencer — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:43:00 +0000

Kansas City, Mo. – After a quarter century with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Evan Luskin, the Lyric's general director, and previously, managing director, plans to retire in 2012.

Lyric Opera Announces Season in Kauffman Center

Laura Spencer — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:16:00 +0000

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Kansas City, Mo. – The Lyric Opera of Kansas City, one of the three resident companies at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, has announced its 2011-2012 season, its first in the new venue. As KCUR's Laura Spencer reports, the announcement began with a twist.

Lyric Opera Camp

Steve Walker — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 13:59:00 +0000

Kansas City, MO – For the past 14 years, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City has hosted elementary to high school-aged kids for its two-week opera camp.