May 4-10, 2006 Arts : Opera Focused on Her Game OCP favorite Mary Dunleavy tackles a new Mozart role. by David Shengold “Philadelphia feels like my second home,” smiles Mary Dunleavy over lunch in Bella Vista. The attractive, engaging soprano…

May 19-25, 2005 opera Drew Minter Interview by David Shengold by David Shengold Among the first countertenors to become known for stage roles, Drew Minter made a particular splash as Ptolemy in Peter Sellars’ poolside Julius Caesar in 1987 (preserved…

January 20-26, 2005 cover story The Sopranos hitting the high notes: Christine Goerke (here) and Angela Brown combine talent, humor and personality for a winning style. Photo By: scott humbert Two dazzling American divas headline Opera Company of Philadelphia’s spring…

January 20-26, 2005 cover story The Sopranos hitting the high notes: Christine Goerke (here) and Angela Brown combine talent, humor and personality for a winning style. Photo By: scott humbert Two dazzling American divas headline Opera Company of Philadelphia’s spring…

December 2- 8, 2004 opera Christine Brandes by David Shengold Who knew singing Mozart arias could be compared to mountain climbing? In conversation, soprano Christine Brandes displays the same intelligence and charm she does in her colorful, expressive singing. A…

October 14-20, 2004 art Jesús Garcia Pop idol: jesús Garcia, seen here with the Arizona Opera, has crossover dreams. Interview by David Shengold Q&A: opera City Paper: What brought you from Texas to opera and the Academy of Vocal Arts?…

September 23-29, 2004 artpicks New Divas (and Divos) on the Block opera As the current opera season starts, graduates of Philadelphia’s prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts are headlining major productions around the globe: Ruth Ann Swenson in San Francisco’s Traviata,…

April 29-May 5, 2004 opera Grand Duchess of Gerolstein and The Pearl Fishers by David Shengold Opera Company of Philadelphia ends a strong season with two Gallic delicacies. Dorothy Danner’s Grand Duchess of Gerolstein production opts for rollicking laffs and…

April 15-21, 2004 opera Stephanie Blythe Interview by David Shengold Mezzo Stephanie Blythe apprenticed at the Metropolitan Opera at 23. Still in her young 30s, she’s a star there and internationally, but quick to credit Opera Company of Philadelphia for…