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Ben Bliss and Christopher Allen Bring an Evening of Song to Musco Center

10.04.26

Musco Center welcomes acclaimed tenor Ben Bliss to the stage on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m., joined by pianist and conductor Christopher Allen for what promises to be an intimate and unforgettable evening of music.

Bliss has built a reputation as one of opera's most compelling voices, performing on stages such as the Metropolitan Opera, the Vienna State Opera and the Opéra national de Paris, where he has made two debuts. The National Review has called him a "truly exceptional tenor," and Opera Warhorses praised his "purity of tone, vocal control and artistic sensitivity." His list of honors includes the Metropolitan Opera's Beverly Sills Award, the 2016 Martin E. Segal Award at Lincoln Center, the Mozart and Plácido Domingo awards at the 2015 Francisco Viñas International Competition, first prize at the 2014 Gerda Lissner and Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation competitions, and the 2013 Operalia Don Plácido Domingo Sr. Zarzuela Prize.

At the piano, Christopher Allen brings his own impressive résumé to the evening. A recipient of the Sir Georg Solti Conducting Award, Allen has been called "one of the fastest-rising podium stars in North America" by Opera News. He has led performances with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the English National Opera and other organizations across the country and abroad. He is also the founder and creative and artistic director of Fourth Wall Ensemble, and he serves on the board of The Solti Foundation US.

Together, Bliss and Allen offer a rare chance to experience two extraordinary artists in one setting, a night sure to resonate with music lovers throughout Orange County.

The performance runs approximately 75 to 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets start at $48. For tickets and more information, visit muscocenter.org.

415 North Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866 | 714.997.6812

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Microbiome Scientist, AI Author Headline Library Lectures

10.04.26

The Library Foundation of Newport Beach starts its 2026-2027 Spotlight on Science series, which is free to attend, on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. in the new Witte Hall.

The first speaker is Rob Knight, a professor of pediatrics, bioengineering, computer science and engineering, and data science at UC San Diego. His lecture is titled "The Invisible Universe Within: How Microbes Shape Health, Disease, and the Environment."

Knight is the founding director of the Center for Microbiome Innovation at UC San Diego and a leading voice in microbiome science worldwide. He has written more than 1,000 scientific papers and the books "Follow Your Gut" and "Dirt Is Good." He also co-founded the Earth Microbiome Project, the American Gut Project and two biotech companies. His research has linked microbial communities to a range of human health conditions, from obesity to Alzheimer's, and has deepened scientists' understanding of the microbes in our environment.

To register for the free program, go to libraryfoundation or call 949-717-3818.

The popular Library Live series, which brings renowned authors to town, begins its season Thursday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in Witte Hall.

Stephen Witt opens the series. He is the author of "The Thinking Machine: Jensen Huang, Nvidia, and the World's Most Coveted Microchip," a history of Nvidia that reached bestseller lists in several countries and includes exclusive interviews with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Witt is considered one of the leading historians of artificial intelligence. He will share his insight into what made Huang and Nvidia so successful, and how AI will affect creative industries and how producers can position themselves for the shift.

To register, visit libraryfoundationnb

Witte Hall, 998 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach

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