Anita Rachvelishvili, a renowned mezzo soprano, had her remaining opera performances cancelled in January 2023 due to concerns over vocal deterioration, specifically a limitation in her highest vocal range, which she claimed was temporary and did not affect her work.
https://nypost.com/2025/04/05/us-news/best-mezzo-soprano-singer-on-the-planet-fired-by-metropolitan-opera-after-she-struggled-to-hit-her-high-notes-suit/Experts say that classic plays are expected to make a comeback in the National Theater Company of Korea's 2025 schedule, with innovative productions debuting at leading opera venues. The company has already showcased its commitment to this trend with the international premiere of "Lear" at the Barbican Theatre last October, directed by Jung and starring Kim Jun-su as King Lear. This year, Hwang Su-mi will take on dual roles in Korea's top opera houses, while Jung is set to compete for the Outstanding Achievement in Opera award alongside Aigul Akhmetshina from "Carmen" and Allan Clayton from "Festen".
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-06/entertainment/musicPerformance/Director-Jung-Youngdoo-nominated-for-Laurence-Olivier-Awards-for-traditional-Korean-remake-of-Lear/2278668Mary Finsterer's "The Rising World: Spirit of Water" is a unique fusion of Eastern and Western music, blending traditional Korean instruments like the geomungo zither with pansori vocal styles and jeongga songs, showcasing her innovative approach to creating a new genre known as "K-opera."
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-06/entertainment/musicPerformance/Hwang-Sumi-in-dual-roles-as-Koreas-leading-opera-venues-debut-innovative-productions/2278605Spanish photographer Bernardo Aja's portrait series EntreMuros will be showcased at Instituto Cervantes de Manila from April 10 to July 7, 2025. The exhibition is presented by the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines, AECID, and Instituto Cervantes in Manila, in collaboration with De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and Intramuros Administration. Aja's work features characters from Cebu, Negros, and Luzon, offering a unique look into Filipino identity through meticulous detail and subtle humor.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/07/expats-diplomats/spanish-photographer-bernardo-aja-presents-entremuros/2087261Jaspinder Narula, a renowned Indian singer, has performed an impromptu concert in London, leaving the internet amazed with his rendition of Halka Halka Suroor. The video of his performance has gone viral, showcasing his incredible vocal skills and energetic stage presence.
https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/jaspinder-narulas-impromptu-london-performance-leaves-internet-amazed-sings-halka-halka-suroor-watch-viral-video-11743941336342.htmlThe London Theatre Awards honored several notable productions and performers. "Benjamin Button" and a production of "Fiddler on the Roof" at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre won three awards each, with Maimuna Memon taking best supporting actress for "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812." Layton Williams won the equivalent prize for "Titanique," a campy Celine Dion celebration. For plays, Elliot Levey and Romola Garai received supporting performer prizes for "Giant" and "The Years," respectively. Norwegian director Eline Arbo was named best director for "The Years," an adaptation of Annie Ernaux's book.
https://apnews.com/article/uk-theater-olivier-awards-winners-lithgow-dahl-a27ea96685571e5908f744023601e845The Olivier Awards, held at London's Royal Albert Hall, honored outstanding theatrical performances with notable wins for actors John Lithgow, Lesley Manville, and Imelda Staunton, who each received three awards. Productions of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Fiddler on the Roof, and Giant also took home multiple awards, solidifying their status as top British theater honors.
https://deadline.com/2025/04/olivier-awards-2025-winners-full-list-1236361612/Blackpink has made history by becoming the first K-pop group to headline a major act at Coachella. The group performed on the main stage at the festival, which was previously documented in their Netflix documentary "Light Up the Sky".
https://www.lokmattimes.com/entertainment/blackpink-tops-the-bill-at-coachella-mainstage-makes-history-with-headline-act/Several filmmakers have had their work acquired or premiered at notable festivals. Elizabeth Lo's documentary Mistress Dispeller was picked up by Oscilloscope Laboratories. Isabel Castro's Selena y Los Dinos made its debut at Sundance, with Netflix reportedly interested in acquiring it. Oscar nominees Garrett Bradley and Bing Liu also saw success, with Bradley's Time and Liu's Minding the Gap receiving recognition. Smriti Mundhra, a two-time Oscar nominee, had her films I Am Ready and Warden screened at festivals, while Christine Turner's The Barber of Little Rock earned an Oscar nomination. Dominque Ulloa, editor of We Need to Talk about Cosby and Surviving R. Kelly, has also been recognized for her work in documentary filmmaking.
https://deadline.com/2025/04/2025-concordio-studio-documentary-filmmaker-fellowships-1236360335/