JULY 16, 2025
Nathalie Joachim named Composer in Residence at Opera Philadelphia
Opera Philadelphia has announced the appointment of Nathalie Joachim as Composer in Residence for the 2025–26 season. A Grammy-nominated performer and composer, Joachim is known for blending classical music with electronic and Haitian folk influences, and her work often explores themes of cultural identity, social justice, and memory.
As part of her residency, she will curate two performances: one dedicated to her own compositions, and another highlighting the artists and repertoire that have shaped her creative voice. In addition, Joachim is among ten composers contributing to Complications in Sue, a new collaborative opera set to premiere in February 2026 at the Academy of Music.
Launched more than a decade ago, Opera Philadelphia’s Composer in Residence program is considered a pioneering initiative in the American operatic landscape. Designed to offer long-term creative support, it provides composers with opportunities to work closely with singers, directors, and the company’s artistic team. Previous residents include Missy Mazzoli, Lembit Beecher, and David T. Little, whose works have since reached major stages around the world.
Joachim’s appointment underscores Opera Philadelphia’s ongoing commitment to fostering new voices and expanding the boundaries of contemporary opera.
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JULY 16, 2025
Operalia announces 32 singers for 2025 edition in Sofia
Operalia, the international voice competition founded by Plácido Domingo, has revealed the 32 young singers selected to participate in its 2025 edition. Presented by Rolex, this year’s competition will be held from 20 to 26 October at the Bulgaria Concert Hall in Sofia.
The selected artists are:
Amin Ahangaran (bass, Iran)
Semyon Antakov (baritone, Russia)
Davide Battiniello (tenor, Italy)
Nathan Bowles (tenor, USA)
Bozhidar Bozhkilov (bass, Bulgaria)
Ekaterine Buachidze (mezzo-soprano, Georgia)
Gabriela Celińska (mezzo-soprano, Poland)
Mihai Damian (baritone, Romania)
Inna Demenkova (soprano, Russia)
Oleksandra Diachenko (mezzo-soprano, Ukraine)
Aleksandra Domashchuk (soprano, Ukraine)
Samira Galimova (soprano, Russia)
David Goldberg (tenor, Israel)
Alexander Grassauer (bass-baritone, Austria)
Hae Kang (baritone, South Korea)
Geon Kim (baritone, South Korea)
Miriam Kutrowatz (soprano, Austria)
Natalie Lewis (mezzo-soprano, USA)
Grisha Martirosyan (baritone, Armenia)
Dave Monaco (tenor, Italy)
Granit Musliu (tenor, Kosovo)
Jejy Nam (soprano, South Korea)
Luna Seongeun Park (soprano, South Korea)
Valentina Puskás (soprano, Romania/Hungary)
Ian Rucker (baritone, USA)
Caterina Maria Sala (soprano, Italy)
William Thomas (bass, UK)
BaoPeng Wang (bass, China)
Bo Wang (bass-baritone, China)
Jasmin White (contralto, USA)
Elen Yeghiazaryan (soprano, Armenia)
Egor Zhuravskii (tenor, Russia)
Founded in 1993, Operalia aims to discover and support the most promising opera singers aged 20 to 32. Following a pre-selection process, around 30 singers are invited to take part in live rounds judged by a jury of international casting directors and opera administrators. The competition culminates in a final gala concert accompanied by full orchestra.
Many past participants have gone on to major international careers, making Operalia one of the most prestigious platforms in the opera world.
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JULY 16, 2025
Los Angeles Philharmonic names Ryan Roberts and Melody Ye Yuan to principal roles
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced two key appointments ahead of the 2025–26 season. Oboist Ryan Roberts will join as Principal Oboe and Carol Colburn Grigor Chair this September, while violinist Melody Ye Yuan has been named Principal Second Violin.
A native of Southern California and graduate of Santa Monica High School, Roberts returns home after serving as solo English horn with the New York Philharmonic and principal oboe with the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center. He has also performed with major orchestras across the United States.
Melody Ye Yuan, a Canadian violinist recognized among “Canada’s 30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30” in 2020, joined the LA Phil in 2024 as a member of the first violin section. Her promotion marks a new chapter in a rising career distinguished by both solo and ensemble work.
The new appointments reflect the LA Phil’s continued investment in artistic excellence as it prepares for the upcoming season under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel.
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JULY 14, 2025
María Dueñas and Semyon Bychkov to perform at Nobel Prize Concert 2025
Spanish violinist María Dueñas and conductor Semyon Bychkov, chief conductor of the Czech Philharmonic, will be the featured artists at the 2025 Nobel Prize Concert, taking place on 8 December at the Konserthuset Stockholm.
They will perform alongside the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra in a programme including Open Ground by Victoria Borisova-Ollas, Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor with Dueñas as soloist, and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition in Ravel’s orchestration.
The Nobel Prize Concert is held annually in honour of the Nobel Prize laureates. Tickets will go on sale on 12 November.
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JULY 14, 2025
Julia Harguindey named principal bassoon of the Pittsburgh Symphony
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has announced the appointment of Julia Harguindey as its new Principal Bassoon.
Originally from Argentina, Harguindey has previously served as principal bassoon of the Nashville Symphony and The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, and has appeared as guest principal with ensembles such as the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Atlanta Symphony, and Les Violons du Roy.
She is also active in chamber music and has performed at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. In addition to her new role in Pittsburgh, Harguindey will join the faculties of both the Curtis Institute of Music and Carnegie Mellon University starting in the 2025–26 academic year.
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JULY 11, 2025
Ana María Patiño-Osorio appointed music director of Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra
The Medellín Philharmonic Orchestra (Filarmed) has announced the appointment of Ana María Patiño-Osorio as its next music director, effective from the 2026 season. At just 30 years old, the Colombian conductor becomes the first woman to lead the orchestra and one of the few women holding a top post in Latin American professional orchestras.
Born in La Unión, Antioquia, Patiño-Osorio studied in Medellín and Zurich, and has held positions with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and the Bogotá Philharmonic. She was recently named a 2025–26 Dudamel Fellow at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and garnered multiple awards at the 2024 Malko Competition in Copenhagen.
Her role in Medellín will combine artistic leadership, international representation, and community engagement. Filarmed describes her appointment as the beginning of “a new era” for the orchestra and a reaffirmation of its mission to promote local talent with global reach.
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