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San Francisco Chronicle
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
S.F. Opera's first Pride concert fills the house with color and community
Every June, the exterior columns of the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House become a symbol of LGBTQ Pride as they're illuminated in a rainbow scheme. Now, for the first time, the interior of the historic auditorium is a canvas. For the San Francisco Opera's first Pride Concert on Friday, June 27, stage artist Tal Rosner created immersive projection experiences that leapt off the stage. Rosner and San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock were both excited by the technology's possibilities. 'Its an old building, it's beautiful and intricate,' said Rosner. 'Everything I do is part of the emotional journey of the audience, but we're also really celebrating the architecture of the building in a fun way. All these different songs have different environments.' The Pride Concert was presented in partnership with San Francisco Pride (the organization that organizes the parade and Civic Center festival) and showcased music by LGBTQ composers and songwriters. The night's singers were baritone Brian Mulligan, who is gay; mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton, who is bisexual; and Nikola Printz, who is trangender and nonbinary. San Francisco Opera Music Director Eun Sun Kim and Robert Mollicone conducted the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, while 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 16 runner-up (and classically trained opera singer) Sapphira Cristál emceed. The night included a bevy of community co-partners: The Tenderloin Museum, the National AIDS Memorial, Compton's Cafeteria Riot, the Marigold Project, the GLBT Historical Society and the Castro landmark the Twin Peaks Tavern. Among the special happenings were a pre-show discussion with S.F. Pride director Suzanne Ford, a display of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and queer history art installations and exhibitions. 'When times are bad, you find out who your real friends are,' said Horn, who is also the president of the War Memorial Performing Arts Center. 'We have seen so many people who we thought were our allies disappear, the corporations, some of the nonprofit organizations, our lawyers. But the San Francisco Opera is proud to stand up.' Shilvock said there was never a question that the concert would go on. 'This is what the arts are for, to be in community, to allow us to be who we are,' said Shilvock. 'We've always been a part of Pride and in the parade since the 1980s. The Pride community has always been linked to the Opera, now let's bring the festivities in here.' The program, curated by San Francisco Opera's managing artistic director Gregory Henkle, opened with Leonard Bernstein's overture to 'Candide' conducted by Kim. The 1956 musical has some of Bernstein's best theatrical music, and as Kim approached the delicate excerpts from the song 'Glitter and Be Gay,' there were knowing titters. Explosions of color reminiscent of painter Marc Chagall filled the auditorium, while points of colored light highlighted the architecture of the opera house. Printz warmly sang San Francisco composer Jake Heggie's 'Vesuvio, il mio unico amico' from his 2015 opera 'Great Scott,' the story of an opera diva, Arden Scott, returning to her hometown. Heggie, who is gay, agreed that the LGBTQ community has long had an association with the opera world as both artists and ardent fans. 'It's highly emotional, dramatic, and a way to see something you were feeling inside expressed on the stage,' said Heggie, whose opera 'Dead Man Walking' returns to San Francisco Opera this fall with Barton in the lead. 'Historically, gay men and women could find each other at the opera house,' he said. 'Queer people didn't have a lot of places they could go and experience that.' Mulligan's fine delivery of Yeletsky's aria from Tchaikovsky's 'Pique Dame' and Barton's dark and rich 'Mon coueur s'ouvre á ta voix,' from Saint-Saëns' 'Samson and Dalila,' were treats before the rousing Bachanale from the same opera. The pop half of the program took flight with Barton and Printz' delightfully light, yet soulful, 'Closer to Fine' by the Indigo Girls. Singing the hit, re-popularized in 2023 by the ' Barbie ' movie, there was no 'opera singer doing pop music' stiffness. Among the night's best projections were the Saul Bass-meets-mass transit abstractions as the San Francisco Opera Orchestra took on Billy Strayhorn's jazz hit 'Take the 'A' Train.' Another visual highpoint was the sweeping images of San Francisco's queer history from the GLBT Historical Society Museum as Barton gave a moving take of Melissa Etheridge's 'Uprising of Love.' Mulligan's finest moments of the night were dramatically different: a tender, haunting version of Freddie Mercury's 'You Take My Breath Away' that contained layers of nuance about repressed queer desire. He let that emotion out in Jerry Herman's anthem 'I Am What I Am' in the boundary-breaking 1983 drag musical 'La Cage aux Folles.' The audience went there with him, cheering as he sang 'it's time to open up your closets.' Printz closed the night with 'I was Born his Way' (not the Lady Gaga song, Cristál joked) but the gay disco hit made famous by gospel artist Carl Bean, culminating in a dramatic burst of color overtaking the house. Following the performance, patrons were invited to a dance party in the lobby with San Francisco drag mother Juanita More spinning. The sounds of San Francisco disco queen Sylvester bumped from the speakers as operagoers bumped into each other on the dance floor. Regardless of what politics bring, plans are already underway for next year's Pride concert, Shilvock said. Surveying the crowd, San Francisco drag legend Donna Sachet remarked: 'This is proof we exist, even as the government is trying to erase us.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dua Lipa Surprises Fans by Bringing Out Charli XCX at Sold Out Show
Dua Lipa surprised fans in London on Saturday night by bringing out another British superstar, Charli XCX. Lipa was in the midst of her second of two sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on Saturday, June 21, when she decided to give fans a taste of Brat summer with fellow pop diva Charli XCX. As the stage changed to the colors of Brat green, Lipa announced to fans that she would like to 'bring a friend out," according to fan footage of the concert. 'Let me tell you, she is the biggest brat I have ever known,' Lipa joked. Charli then took the stage as her hit song '360' began playing. Both Lipa and Charli performed the song, belting out the lyrics together to screaming fans. Charli was wearing a cropped white baby t-shirt that tied in the middle, along with green snakeskin short shorts. She paired the outfit with black lace-up boots and sunglasses. Lipa was wearing a white lace bodysuit that covered her entire body with a white fur stole that draped over her shoulder. The two bounced around the stage singing, having the best time. Charli's appearance comes after Lipa surprised fans on night one with the 90s-2000s band Jamiroquai. Dua Lipa's three-night stint at Wembley Stadium marked a major milestone for her, as she filled the massive stadium in her hometown for the first time in her career. 'These were the most special, unforgettable shows I've ever done,' Lipa wrote in a caption on Instagram. 'I'm overwhelmed with gratitude. For this journey. For every single person who's stood by me, believed in me, sung with me, danced with me, and shared in this dream.' The singer got a very special confidence boost ahead of her concerts by the Spice Girls. Lipa shared a photo in an Instagram carousel of the sweet note she received from the iconic pop duo. 'Dear Dua, we just wanted to wish you lots of luck with your sold out shows at Wembley Stadium … that's Girl Power!! We love you! The Spice Girls xxxxx.' Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue Want more great Culture stories from Teen Vogue? Check these out: Underneath Chappell Roan's Hannah Montana Wig? A Pop Star for the Ages Is Your New Favorite Song Real or AI? Bridgerton Showrunner Clarifies Benedict's Sexuality & Talks Francesca's Queer Plot Twist The Borders of Country Music Are Finally Crumbling
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Dua Lipa sends fans wild as she welcomes Charli XCX as a special guest on stage for second night at Wembley
Dua Lipa set Wembley alight as she shocked fans by bringing Charli XCX out as her special guest during the second night of her sold-out stadium show on Saturday. The 29-year-old pop star thrilled the roaring crowd of 70,000 when she introduced the British pop sensation, 32, with a cheeky shoutout. She said: 'So this next song, I thought I'd bring a friend out. Let me tell you, she is the biggest brat. Give it up for Charli XCX!' The pair then tore into Charli's infectious hit '360,' sending the energy through the roof as fans went wild for the unforgettable surprise duet. Throughout the night, Dua once again stunned in an array of dazzling outfits as she performed on the UK stage. Just the day before, she made an emotional arrival on stage as she was overcome with tears while performing her first ever show at Wembley, thanking her fans for their support. Kicking off the first of her two nights at the venue, Dua then surprised her fans when she was joined by special guest Jamiroquai. Performing a number of her hits, she looked incredible in an embellished one-piece that she teamed with fishnet stockings. Dua completed her outfit with a pair of glittery knee-high heeled boots and a statement necklace, before also rocked a white lace jumpsuit for another bold look. She then slipped into a completely sheer blue gown with a thigh-high split, which she wore over matching underwear and teamed with stockings. The Be The One hitmaker added to her frame in chunky heels as she belted out her best-known hits, including One Kiss, Levitating, Training Season and Maria. She then brought out Jamiroquai, real name Jay Kay, as her surprise act of the evening as the 90s star, who is best known for hits Virtual Insanity and Cosmic Girl, joined her for one song. Bringing him out on stage, Dua gushed: 'This is someone who really inspired me when I first started out. 'Someone who I feel like is a massive trailblazer in music and has kind of paved the way.' She added: 'I feel so lucky to share this stage with the one of one, the only, give it up for Jamiroquai!' American singer Dove Cameron and English singer-songwriter Alessi Rose were the support acts and will perform again on the second night. Without missing her biggest hits, the British-Albanian songstress performed the likes of New Rules, Be The One and Barbie's Dance. Transforming the stadium into her own dance floor, Dua kicked off her concert with Training Season before pausing to say she was 'blown away,' and that it was 'surreal' to be performing at Wembley. She said: 'This is so surreal and so crazy. It means the absolute world to me that you are here tonight. 'It feels really really special to be here tonight. It is 10 years since our first ever London show to about 350 people and I just dreamt of a night like this where I get to be in front of 70,000 people.' After taking photos with the front row fans, Dua returned to the stage to perform These Walls before introducing the song that 'started everything'. She said: 'I want to take it back to the beginning a little bit. This song really kind of changed my life.' The singer added: 'This is the song that got me signed and it's the song that started everything and I feel like with weather like this, there is only one song that I could do. This is Hotter Than Hell.' Towards the end of the concert, Lipa returned to the hit songs that prompted her rise to fame, including 2016's Be The One, and her 2017 break-up anthem New Rules. A source told The Sun: 'Playing Wembley is a dream come true for Dua and to sell out both nights feels incredible. She's not even at the peak yet and has so much more she wants to achieve. 'To headlining stadiums with just three albums under her belt proves how influential her music has been. Her world tour has been a huge success. She's on cloud nine.' Dua was initially set to play just one show at the London venue on Friday 20 June 2025, as part of her Radical Optimism tour. But due to the phenomenal demand, the pop star will be staying in the English capital for a second night to put on another performance on Saturday June 21. Speaking in an interview with Vogue this month, Dua said: 'That's definitely been a massive dream, and it's going to be quite surreal. You know, stadiums: that seems pretty scary. 'Adrenaline is an incredible drug can hear people screaming before I'm even on.' She added: 'That's when my heart starts racing. Moments before, I'm like: "Oh, my God, we're doing this." And I'm ready to go.' Dua admitted that as the venues she has played have got bigger she worries about being able to make the shows 'still feel intimate.' The hitmaker said she was planning to get up close and personal with her fans at Wembley Stadium. Dua is set to jump off the main stage and walk the full length of the crowd in a similar manner to her Glastonbury headline performance last year.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyoncé Surprises Fans With Epic Miley Cyrus Duet During Paris Concert
Beyoncé had a very special treat for her French fans after bringing her Cowboy Carter tour to mainland Europe. Following six massive (though, as was well-documented, not sold out) shows in London this month, Beyoncé brought her Cowboy Carter album to life in Paris for the first time on Thursday evening. And to reward her fans in Paris for their patience – she brought out a surprise guest during the show. 'I'm so excited because I wanted to do something very special for you guys,' she told the crowd as the opening bars of her Miley Cyrus duet II Most Wanted began playing. 'I could not do it without this young lady's help, so I want you to scream as loud as you can.' At that moment, Miley rose from underneath the stage to an ecstatic reaction from the audience, as Beyoncé hailed the singer as an 'icon' and said she was her 'biggest fan'. 'I'm so grateful to watch you, to sing with you, Miss Miley Cyrus,' Bey enthused, before launching into their Grammy-winning duet. Watch clips for yourself – if, for nothing else, to get an impression of the crowd's reaction – below: beyoncé & miley's FULL iconic performance together😭🥹 — 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) June 19, 2025 MILEY AND BEYONCE TONIGHT IN PARIS — out of context hannah montana (@OCHannahMontana) June 19, 2025 'Give it up for the one and only, my best friend, I love you and i'm so grateful to watch and sing with you miss Miley Cyrus' Beyoncé introducing Miley 🥹 — ۟ (@G0DNEYS) June 19, 2025 the scream Beyoncé gave when she said goodbye to Miley… she really loves her shotgun rider ♡ — ᴀʀᴛʜ (@arthfobic) June 19, 2025 Beyoncé and Miley actually sang together once before, when they were part of the star-studded line-up of the Artists Stand Up To Cancer charity single Just Stand Up! back in 2008, which also included the likes of Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Leona Lewis and Ciara. Miley was one of several guest features on Beyoncé's Album Of The Year-winning Cowboy Carter, which also featured stars like Shaboozey and Post Malone, and spoken-word interludes from country music icons Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Linda Martell. In an interview with GQ last year following Cowboy Carter's release, Beyoncé sang the former Hannah Montana star's praises once again, saying: 'I'm obsessed with my backseat baby.... I'm a Smiler.' Miley Cyrus Names 1 Reason She's Concerned For Sabrina Carpenter Miley Cyrus Lost This Major Film Role To Selena Gomez After Penis Cake Controversy Jojo Siwa Breaks Silence On Miley Cyrus' Controversial Joke About Her At World Pride
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyoncé Surprises Fans With Epic Miley Cyrus Duet During Paris Concert
Beyoncé had a very special treat for her French fans after bringing her Cowboy Carter tour to mainland Europe. Following six massive (though, as was well-documented, not sold out) shows in London this month, Beyoncé brought her Cowboy Carter album to life in Paris for the first time on Thursday evening. And to reward her fans in Paris for their patience – she brought out a surprise guest during the show. 'I'm so excited because I wanted to do something very special for you guys,' she told the crowd as the opening bars of her Miley Cyrus duet II Most Wanted began playing. 'I could not do it without this young lady's help, so I want you to scream as loud as you can.' At that moment, Miley rose from underneath the stage to an ecstatic reaction from the audience, as Beyoncé hailed the singer as an 'icon' and said she was her 'biggest fan'. 'I'm so grateful to watch you, to sing with you, Miss Miley Cyrus,' Bey enthused, before launching into their Grammy-winning duet. Watch clips for yourself – if, for nothing else, to get an impression of the crowd's reaction – below: beyoncé & miley's FULL iconic performance together😭🥹 — 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆🫧💚 (@beyoncegarden) June 19, 2025 MILEY AND BEYONCE TONIGHT IN PARIS — out of context hannah montana (@OCHannahMontana) June 19, 2025 'Give it up for the one and only, my best friend, I love you and i'm so grateful to watch and sing with you miss Miley Cyrus' Beyoncé introducing Miley 🥹 — ۟ (@G0DNEYS) June 19, 2025 the scream Beyoncé gave when she said goodbye to Miley… she really loves her shotgun rider ♡ — ᴀʀᴛʜ (@arthfobic) June 19, 2025 Beyoncé and Miley actually sang together once before, when they were part of the star-studded line-up of the Artists Stand Up To Cancer charity single Just Stand Up! back in 2008, which also included the likes of Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Fergie, Leona Lewis and Ciara. Miley was one of several guest features on Beyoncé's Album Of The Year-winning Cowboy Carter, which also featured stars like Shaboozey and Post Malone, and spoken-word interludes from country music icons Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Linda Martell. In an interview with GQ last year following Cowboy Carter's release, Beyoncé sang the former Hannah Montana star's praises once again, saying: 'I'm obsessed with my backseat baby.... I'm a Smiler.' Miley Cyrus Names 1 Reason She's Concerned For Sabrina Carpenter Miley Cyrus Lost This Major Film Role To Selena Gomez After Penis Cake Controversy Jojo Siwa Breaks Silence On Miley Cyrus' Controversial Joke About Her At World Pride
