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Erik Nordstrom as Ubaldo, Fran Daniel Laucerica and Lauryn Davis as Armida Credit all photos to David Backman Photography for Pittsburgh Opera   Last evening I attended my very first Haydn opera titled "Armida." Sure, I was curious to hear what an opera by this Austrian composer might sound like, but the fact that it's now rarely staged gave me even more reason the catch the Pittsburgh Opera production at the CAPA School in Downtown Pittsburgh. I found the music very much in the vein of Mozart, who actually considered Haydn a friend and mentor. Haydn, who spent much of his time as court musician for the Eszterhazy family in Hungary was a prolific composer who wrote 68 string quartets, 50 piano trios, more than 100 symphonies, 14 masses and 20 operas. The narrative centers around the mutual love of the sorceress Armida and her lover, Rinaldo, a knight fighting to capture Jerusalem during the First Crusade. Armida was sent by The Prince of Darkness to enchant Rinaldo to imp...

  Pittsburgh Festival Opera is proud to present: Then Sings My Soul: A Celebration of African American Voices Then Sings My Soul: A Celebration of African American Voices Concert Enjoy an afternoon of classical, jazz and gospel music highlighting African American voices and composers with our powerhouse vocalists! It will be a true celebration of the power and impact of African American music throughout history! A reception with light refreshments will follow the performance.  Sunday, February 16 3:00 pm First Church of God in Christ 2502 Centre Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Masterclass with Cheryl Susheel Bibbs PFO welcomes Cheryl Susheel Bibbs to host a masterclass about African American composers through classical arias and songs. It is open to the public and will consist of a short film called, An Unsung Muse - Classical Song of Black Composers. The majority of the masterclass Ms. Bibbs will work with 6 classically trained singers who will perform an aria or song of choice by ...