When Washington National Opera presents one of opera’s top examples of musical comedy next spring, it’s only fitting that the production will star a singer whose background sounds as ready-made for Broadway as for the opera house. Isabel Leonard, who will sing the lead role of Rosina in Gioachino Rossini’s laugh-filled romp The Barber of Seville, […]

That old guitar that you strum from time to time — did you know it has a soul? If musical instruments are said to have souls, then there is no instrument with a soul more Spanish than the guitar. And now, there is arguably no recording with a more Spanish soul than Alma Española, a new […]

Leonard Bernstein would have turned 100 next year. He and SF Symphony musical director Michael Tilson-Thomas were buddies. Lenny considered MTT his musical son. Not coincidentally, the Symphony will present a slew of Bernstein-themed programs throughout the season. Indeed the opener of Opening night was Candide‘s overture. It keeps going this week with the West Side Story symphonic dances, the Chichester Psalms, […]

Listen to an interview with Sharon Isbin about “Alma Española”, her latest CD with Isabel Leonard. All Classical Portland

Local audiences have heard Isabel Leonard at San Francisco Opera in one of her most acclaimed roles, Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, and at the Symphony showing off her musical-theater chops in On the Town. Soon they will have a chance to enjoy the celebrated mezzo-soprano’s talent and charm at the Symphony’s celebration of Bernstein’s 100th birthday on […]