April 1st is the birthday of the great Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninov. Born in Russia in 1873, Rachmaninov was a celebrated composer, conductor, and one of the most famous virtuoso pianists of all time. Recordings of his works played by the composer himself are still the best and unsurpassed by later interpretations. Rachmaninov represents Romanticism in music. Indeed, his favorite and most revered composer was P. I Tchaikovsky. Rachmaninov was also a friend and rival of

In this, the third concert in this exciting new series, IOC presents the rising new star of opera, tenor Luke Norvell in an electrifying performance including selections from his signature roles. This exciting program begins with the cavatina sung by the title character of Gounod’s famous opera Faust, in which Faust celebrates his new-found youth by serenading the innocent Marguerite. Moving through the dreamy poet of Tosti's lovely Belle Époche-era salon piece "Ideale" to th

I really enjoyed the selections, which were an attractive mix of lesser-known lyric/coloratura rep (the Platée aria, the Snow Maiden) with favorites like the Willow Song from Ballad of Baby Doe and the Laughing Song from Die Fledermaus. Seasoned opera aficionados and neophytes alike would find this program very appealing. I’ve known Brooke since her student days at Cal Baptist and this program features some of the best singing I’ve heard from her. Hers has always been a lo

Independent Opera Company is continuing its IOC Stars Concert Series with a program of Ukrainian solo piano music performed by Artistic Director Galina Barskaya. The program will go on Livestream on Sunday March 14th at 2:00 and then will be available On Demand until 10:00 pm on Saturday March 14th. Galina Barskaya received her BM and MM at Kiev State College and Kiev State Conservatory. Prior to coming to the United States in 1993, she toured extensively throughout the for