Opera
Washington National Opera parts ways with Kennedy Center
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The Washington National Opera announced it is ending its 55-year affiliation with the Kennedy Center, citing a new business model incompatible with opera operations. This departure follows the venue's rebranding as the Trump Kennedy Center amid President Donald Trump's takeover. The move allows the opera to operate independently during its 70th anniversary year.
The Academy Award-nominated documentary Viva Verdi!, which explores a retirement home for musicians founded by Giuseppe Verdi, has been added to the Jolt streaming platform. Directed by Yvonne Russo, the film features an Oscar-nominated original song composed by Nicholas Pike. This move aims to broaden the film's reach beyond festivals to audiences across the U.S.
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A new two-hander play, The Opera Singer, has opened at the Baxter Studio in Cape Town, pitting a renowned opera diva against a struggling journalist in a battle of wits. Written and directed by Janna Ramos-Violante, the production draws inspiration from Maria Callas and explores the personal costs of artistic greatness. Starring Fiona Ramsay and Owain Rhys Davies, it runs until 7 February 2026 before transferring to Johannesburg.