Program Spotlights – All Articles

Sensorium Ex is a groundbreaking new opera by Paola Prestini that explores the intersection of AI, disability, and the arts, redefining what it means to have a voice. Premiering at the Common Senses Festival in Omaha in May 2025, the work features a predominantly disabled cast, including a nonverbal, non-ambulatory lead, and integrates cutting-edge AI tools to enhance creative expression for nonverbal individuals.

When I spoke with Jocelyn Hagen earlier this month, she was putting the final touches on an exciting new project.

Tell us about your newest project. 

It’s a Christmas oratorio called Rose Ever Blooming, which I’m writing with my husband, Tim Takach, for Voces8. Years ago, Tim found this amazing book of poetry by Patricia Monaghan that’s all about Mary. It really humanizes her in a very beautiful way, and we had this idea for a large work based on this poetry. We had been commissioned by Voces8 in the past and had a good working relationship with them, so we approached them, pitched the idea, and they said, “Yes! And if we do it, let’s record it right away!” So, it just sort of snowballed into this huge project. 

“I am big. It’s the pictures that got small” “And now, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up” and “I hate that word. It’s a return” are some of Norma’s most iconic declarations. And by Norma, I’m talking Desmond not Druid.

Norma Desmond, the beautifully delusional heroine of Sunset Boulevard, isn’t terribly unlike her druid priestess counterpart and namesake in so far as her infrequent, yet highly anticipated returns to the stage. Full-scale stagings of Bellini’s masterpiece Norma occur less frequently than Bohèmes and Magic Flutes, and they usually herald a new or returning torch bearer of the demanding role—for better or worse as history and critics sometimes snark.

Learn more about two summer programs—the Institute of Performing Arts International (IPAI) and the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival (HPAF).

There are many factors to consider when you are choosing a summer program. Take time to consider the following when making your decision.

The Franco-American Vocal Academy (FAVA) is a pillar of the summer programs for singers. Read on for more information about the approach William Lewis and Frédérique Added take with the young singers who attend.

Preparing to celebrate its 51st year, the Des Moines Metro Opera Frank R. Brownell III Apprentice Artist Program is one of the premiere summer apprentice programs for emerging opera singers. Read on to learn more about it.

Egon Lustgarten, an Austrian composer of Jewish descent, was forced to emigrate to the United States after Hitler’s annexation of Austria. Healing a Fractured World chronicles his resolve to continue creating his music in the face of impossibly difficult circumstances.

Schmidt Vocal Arts offers more than just training and a competition; they set singers up for lifelong success.

On the Steps of the Shubert is an excellent teaching resource, a tribute to Sondheim and the artform he shaped with his genius, and a beautiful, living record of Broadway history.

Young Concert Artists provides the resources for artists to take an integrated approach to crafting careers that make a significant impact on the classical music world. Read on to learn more!

Success isn't always what you expect it's going to be! Sometimes ending up somewhere different than where you hoped or planned may be the best thing that can happen.