Singer

The works of William Shakespeare deeply influenced composer Hector Berlioz. In fact, it was actress Harriet Smithson’s performances of two great Shakespearean heroines — Ophelia in Hamlet and of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet — that captivated the composer and led to their (ill-fated) marriage. As we close the season, Andris Nelsons leads one of Berlioz’s most successful and vibrant compositions, Roméo et Juliette. Berlioz called his Roméo et Juliette a “symphony with choruses,” highlighting the importance of the orchestra and of the work’s overall form. These performances celebrate the role of French repertoire in the BSO’s rich history; the complete symphony and movements from it were frequently programmed by Pierre Monteux, Serge Koussevitzky, Charles Munch, and Seiji Ozawa.

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Andris Nelsons conducts Berlioz's Romeo et Juliette

Boston Symphony Hall

Eminent American composer John Adams returns to the Met after a decade-long hiatus for the company premiere of his acclaimed opera-oratorio, which incorporates sacred and secular texts in English, Spanish, and Latin, from biblical times to the present day, in an extraordinarily dramatic retelling of the Nativity. El Niño brings together three of contemporary opera’s fiercest champions, all of whom make highly anticipated company debuts: Marin Alsop, one of the great conductors of our time, who has led more than 200 new-music premieres; soprano Julia Bullock, a leading voice on and off stage; and pathbreaking bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Radiant mezzo-sopranos J’Nai Bridges and Daniela Mack take turns completing the principal trio. The moving, fully-staged new production also marks the Met debut of Lileana Blain-Cruz, resident director at Lincoln Center Theater, who received universal acclaim for her Tony-nominated 2022 production of The Skin of Our Teeth.

El Niño

Lincoln Center

In the 2023 Leonard Bernstein Memorial Concert Susanna Mälkki conducts Beethovens 9th Symphony while James Burton interprets Tippett's "Spirituals from A Child of Our Time".

TMC Tippett and Beethoven Tanglewood

Tanglewood Music Center

This collaboration between prolific opera superstar J’Nai Bridges, and Grammy Award-winning drummer, music director, and educator, Ulysses Owens Jr. is a musical journey exploring the idea of hope rooted in the deep relationship between the voice and the drum. The program will highlight music tied to the African American experience, with works by Debussy, Ellington, Ravel, Geri Allen, spirituals, and original work from Bridges and Owens. With inspiration drawn from writers such as Lucille Clifton, Audrey Lorde, James Baldwin, and Toni Morrison, Notes on Hope is a thoughtful, melodic program featuring a full band (piano, guitar, bass and vibraphone) that provokes reflection and will leave audiences hopeful and excited about a future world that is reflective of unity, and jubilation.

J’Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano and Ulysses Owens Jr., percussion

Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

A performance reunion of sorts bringing together opera star J’Nai Bridges and Grammy®-winning jazz trailblazer Ulysses Owens Jr., SF Performances’ new artist-in-residence. Bridges and Owens were students together before their paths diverged, each becoming luminaries in their respective genres. “Her voice is a rich blanket of plush sound” (Opera News). “Clear, purposeful communication has anchored Ulysses Owens Jr.’s artistry since he was a kid playing drums in church” (Downbeat).

J’Nai Bridges | Mezzo-soprano & Ulysses Owens Jr. | Percussion

War Memorial and Performing Arts Center

Opera star J’Nai Bridges and Grammy Award-winning drummer and jazz trailblazer Ulysses Owens Jr. collaborate on Notes on Hope, which includes French art songs, jazz and spirituals from Debussy, Ravel, Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and more. “Bridges’ voice is a rich blanket of plush sound” (Opera News). “Clear, purposeful communication has anchored Ulysses Owens Jr.’s artistry since he was a kid playing drums in church” (Downbeat).

Ulysses Owens, Jr. & J’Nai Bridges: Notes on Hope

The Walls Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

Noseda leads a program inspired by the written word—from epic tales to stories rich in folk flavor. The concerts feature Grieg’s ever-popular Peer Gynt Suite and Tchaikovsky’s open-hearted rendering of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, as well as Berio’s timeless Folk Songs and the world premiere of Songs of Separation by Carlos Simon with mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges.

Songs of Separation & Romeo and Juliet

Groton Hill Music Center

An evening of conversation and cocktails with opera star and Great Artists Series performer J’Nai Bridges alongside OTSL’s New Works Collective featured artist, soprano Melissa Joseph, with host, Sarah Price from Washington University. Learn more their musical inspirations, what it is like being a star of the opera world, and the power of the artist as activist.

Conversation and Cocktails with J'Nai Bridges

560 Music Center

Obsession. Lust. Revenge. Old Testament politics and a timeless power struggle. This ancient tale of strength, vengeance, lust, and seduction is one of the most popular operas in French repertoire. Famous for its sensual "Bacchanale" and the aria "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix," experience the lust of one woman and the downfall of countless men.

Samson and Delilah in Concert

Seattle Center

Esa-Pekka Salonen has said “ritual is at the very heart of Stravinsky’s craft.” With the austere and incantatory <em>Oedipus Rex</em>, Stravinsky brings to life a classic Greek myth of power, deception, and heartbreak in a voice that is only his. <em>The Symphony of Psalms</em> turns to an altogether different ritual, cloaking three familiar religious texts in a mantle of drama and timelessness. Salonen and the Orchestra are joined by a cast of stellar vocalists, the SF Symphony Chorus, and legendary director Peter Sellars for this staged event.

Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex

Davies Symphony Hall

In this special Power to the People! concert, Dudamel conducts the most recognized symphony—proudly based on the blues—by the Dean of African American Composers, William Grant Still, one of the leading lights of the Harlem Renaissance. The program also boasts a world premiere from the multi-talented Puerto Rico-born composer Angélica Negrón, who has already composed for a vast range of ensembles and projects, including scores for film, documentary, ballet, and theater, as well as many orchestral works and chamber music.

Still and Negrón with Dudamel

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Immerse yourself in the passion of Samuel Barber’s tour-de-force in the hands of NSO Music Director and renowned opera conductor Gianandrea Noseda. Presented as part of the NSO’s annual Opera in Concert series, Vanessa is a tale of self-discovery, longing, and the raw pursuit of love. Sondra Radvanovsky, J’Nai Bridges, Matthew Polenzani, Susan Graham, and Thomas Hampson join the orchestra as special guests.

Opera in Concert: Noseda conducts Barber’s Vanessa

Kennedy Center

Boston Symphony Chamber Players

New England Conservatory of Music

Experience the profound intensity and spiritual depth of Beethoven's "Choral" Symphony performed by the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano. This monumental event is set to take place at the Barbican on Sunday, 23 March 2025, at 7pm, promising an evening of unforgettable musical brilliance.

The concert will open with Michael Tippett's "A Child of Our Time," a moving oratorio lasting 66 minutes, which serves as Tippett's response to the horrors of Kristallnacht. This piece explores the darkness of the world and individuals, culminating in a powerful expression of collective spirit through its famous spirituals. Following an interval, the evening will ascend into the hopeful and soulful journey of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, "Choral," lasting 67 minutes. This symphony, commissioned by the Philharmonic Society of London and celebrating 200 years since its UK premiere, is a testament to Beethoven's genius, integrating the human voice to convey a message of unity and hope for the future.

Sir Antonio Pappano will lead a stellar ensemble including the London Symphony Chorus, soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, and the London Symphony Orchestra through these heartfelt expressions of humanity. The concert is expected to conclude at approximately 9.40pm, including a 20-minute interval.

Tickets are available in a range of prices from £18 to £70, with a £4 booking fee applicable for online and phone transactions. Special discounts are available, including Wildcards for guaranteed entry with seat allocation on the day, multibuy discounts saving up to 40%, and special rates for groups, students, and 18s-and-under.

This event not only celebrates the timeless music of Beethoven and Tippett but also marks Sir Antonio Pappano's first season as Chief Conductor of the LSO. It's an evening recommended by Classic FM and not to be missed by classical music enthusiasts.

For booking and further information, tickets can be purchased online at lso.co.uk or barbican.org.uk, by phone, or in person at the Barbican Centre. Join us for an evening that promises to be both a heartfelt tribute to the past and a hopeful gaze into the future of classical music.

Beethoven 'Choral' Symphony

Barbican Centre

A Child of our Time was Tippett’s response to Kristallnacht, a Nazi pogrom against German Jews. In a unique, utterly touching musical language his oratorio explores the darkness of the world and of individuals. A powerful collective spirit is forged in the famous spirituals. 

J’Nai Bridges

Mezzo-soprano

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2025

Opera in Concert: Noseda conducts Barber’s Vanessa · National Symphony Orchestra

Feb 16, 2025

Boston Symphony Chamber Players · Boston Symphony Orchestra

Mar 23, 2025

Beethoven 'Choral' Symphony · London Symphony Orchestra

Mar 23, 2025

London Symphony Orchestra/Sir Antonio Pappano · Barbican Centre

Past events

2 - 4 May, 2024

Andris Nelsons conducts Berlioz's Romeo et Juliette · Boston Symphony Orchestra

Apr 23 - May 17, 2024

El Niño · The Metropolitan Opera

Future and recently performed repertoire

Alto in Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven

Tanglewood

Jocasta in Oedipus Rex by Stravinsky

San Francisco Symphony

Delilah in Samson and Delilah by Saint-Saëns

Seattle Opera

Mezzo-Soprano in Neruda Songs by Lieberson

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Voice in Folk Songs by Berio

National Symphony Orchestra

Mezzo-soprano in El Niño by Adams

The Metropolitan Opera

Voice in Songs of Separation by Simon

National Symphony Orchestra

Erika in Vanessa by Barber

National Symphony Orchestra

Mezzo-soprano in Roméo et Juliette by Berlioz

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Singer in Symphony No 9, Choral by Beethoven

London Symphony Orchestra

About

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