Placido Domingo

The New York City Opera is in dire straits and will likely have to declare bancrupcy on Monday. Earlier this week, the Times reported that the Opera had raised an appeal for donations toward its goal of $7 million, which would prevent the bankruptcy. The City Opera’s board had a meeting this week, facing the possibility of a season it couldn’t pay for. As of this week, the Opera had raised just $1.5 million of its goal.

According to Broadway World, an email from General Manager and Artistic Director notes that the company has gotten slightly closer, now reaching $2 million: "We have just finished our successful run of Anna Nicole, and raised $2 million towards our target of $7 million, however there is only one day left to make a difference and help keep NYC Opera in business.”

Currently, it looks like the Opera will not be able to meet the goal, meaning that it will have to begin bankruptcy proceedings as of this Monday. The Kickstarter campaign to save the Opera is still open, and any willing benefactors can donate here, with all donations payable only if the goal is reached on time.

Continue reading: New York City Opera Facing Bankruptcy On Monday Due To Insufficient Funding

The legendary Opera singer, Placido Domingo, is being treated at a hospital in Madrid for a blood clot in his lung, the BBC have reported. The 72-year-old has been forced to cancel many dates, but fans of his will be relieved to know that a full and healthy recovery is expected.

Placido Domingo is one of the most famous singers of his generation

The embolism was the result of deep vein thrombosis, according to his agent, Nancy Seltzer. "Per his doctor's instructions, he will be forced to rest for three to four weeks," she said. "His exact return to his performing engagements remains subject to how fast he can heal and regain his characteristic strength." Five of his performances in Daniel Catán's opera Il Postino, which were to begin on 17 July at the Teatro Real, in Madrid, have now been cancelled.

Continue reading: Opera Singer Placido Domingo In Hospital For Lung Blood Clot

The Spanish-Italian-Panamanian-Colombian pop singer Miguel Bose has been named the Latin Academy's Person of the Year for 2013. The singer, author and actor will be honored at a benefit gala on November 20 in Las Vegas, one day before the 14th annual Latin Grammy Awards.

Bose has recorded over 30 albums over a career spanning three decades - his hit singles include Anna, Salamadra, Te Amare, Sevilla, Como Un Lobo and Si Tu No Vuelves. He has also acted in more than 35 movies. Recognized for both his philanthropic and professional achievements, Bose has worked tirelessly for the Peace Without Borders campaign as well as for Fight Against AIDS.

In the musical world, Bose has collaborated with some one of the biggest acts in the business, including REM's Michael Stipe, soul legend Gloria Gaynor, Latin star Ricky Martin, Colombian pop singer Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Juanes and Paulina Rubio. He won a Grammy Award in 2001 for his album Sereno.

Continue reading: Pop Singer Miguel Bose Is Latin Academy's Person Of The Year

The Spanish tenor, Placido Domingo – born in Madrid but with a strong connection to England’s capital – has had the Freedom of The City bestowed upon him.

"I am blessed to have amassed and nurtured an enduring relationship with London," he said after being nominated. The granting of the Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today. It is believed that the first Freedom was presented in 1237. On his London connection, the Madrid-born tenor said: "I am proud of having once called Chelsea a home, and having embedded so much of my history here. I am now filled with emotion and gratitude." Alderman Roger Gifford, Lord Mayor of the City of London, said: "His exceptional legacy to classical music will endure for decades to come, and it is a huge pleasure and personal privilege to host Placido Domingo at Mansion House and admit him into the Freedom."

Placido Domingo at probably another award ceremony (he actually is)

Continue reading: Freedom Of The City Of London Handed To Spanish Tenor Placido Domingo

Antonio Pappano, the revered conductor and director of music at the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden, has unleashed a blistering attack on the new generation of opera singers, claiming they are physically weak and don't care about the profession. Comparing the younger sisters to Spanish tenor Placido Domingo - whom he suggests "would have to be on his death bed" before cancelling a show - Pappano fumed, "It happens more and more. There's something about this generation of singers, that they are weaker in their bodies or don't care. I don't know what it is, but it's something that is very, very frustrating for me personally," reports The Guardian.

Although careful to avoid naming anyone, Pappano launched his attack while answering questions at the programme launch for the new season of Covent Garden's ballet and opera. Tenor Juan Diego Florez was hired for a rare revival of a Meyerbeer opera, though Florez told the director it wasn't right for his voice to expand into a "heavier" repertoire. 

Pappano moved quickly to cast the American Bryan Hymel, though he went straight from Covent Garden to the Met in New York at two days' notice, while German soprano Diana Damrau fell pregnant. Next up was Jennifer Rowley, though she was dropped within a week. "It wasn't good enough," he said this week, "It wasn't good enough for Covent Garden."

Continue reading: Young, Aspiring Opera Singer? Antonio Pappano Probably Hates You