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Blain-Cruz Directs and Emile Choreographs “Stranger Love” Opera
EntertainmentMusic

Blain-Cruz Directs and Emile Choreographs “Stranger Love” Opera

Sentinel News ServiceMay 18, 2023

Two African Americans have important roles in the opera “Stranger Love,” which makes its world premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, May 20, in downtown Los Angeles. The creative team also includes Director Lileana Blain-Cruz, who is making her LA Phil debut. She is one of three Black women to ever be nominated for a Tony Award in the “best direction of a play” category for her directorial debut at the Lincoln Center Theater with “The Skin of our Teeth” by Thornton Wilder. Originally from New York and Miami, she is currently resident director of the Lincoln Center

Brandon Harris Performs in VERDISSIMO! Plus! at First Presbyterian Church
Religion

Brandon Harris Performs in VERDISSIMO! Plus! at First Presbyterian Church

Brian W. Carter, Contributing WriterApril 27, 2023

On April 29 and 30, The Verdi Chorus’ 39th season will finish with “VERDISSIMO! Plus!” for two performances only at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica. Led by Founding Artistic Director Anne Marie Ketchum, the Verdi Chorus is the only choral group in Southern California that focuses primarily on dramatic and diverse music for opera chorus. Countertenor Brandon Harris will be performing with the chorus and shared a little bit about performing in the concert and working with Ketchum.

San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus Hires First Black Managing Director
News

San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus Hires First Black Managing Director

Kimberly Shelby, Contributing WriterJuly 28, 2022

San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus Hires First Black Managing Director, Kyla Page Williams. The San Fernando Valley Youth Chorus is a 30-year-old institution that rehearses weekly at First United Methodist Church at 22700 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA.