Bringing Handel and Vivaldi gems to the Blackwater Valley Opera Festival

Nic will cross the pond next month for performances at Ireland's Blackwater Valley Opera Festival — eight days of world-class performances and bespoke dining experiences in some of the area's most sumptuous historical settings. Among the most anticipated events are two featuring Nic on the podium leading the Irish Baroque Orchestra: the flagship production of Handel's Giulio Cesare (May 29–June 2) and the all-Vivaldi program that closes the festival on June 3 — which is already sold out!

Buzz for this year's festival is building across local media outlets. The Irish Independent teases the upcoming performances of Giulio Cesare at Lismore Castle, Waterford, as a "truly unmissable interpretation of Handel's masterpiece," while Echo Live quotes BVOF director Eamonn Carroll emphasizing the festival as an experience everyone can enjoy, "whether you love opera and classical music or just want a unique live music experience."

Philadelphia's WRTI features new Cantata Collective recording as among the best releases of April

The premier destination on the radio dial for Philadelphia's classical music lovers, WRTI 90.1 FM recently included Cantata Collective's latest album — a live performance of J. S. Bach's Mass in B Minor — in its monthly roundup of best new releases, sharing that "early-music enthusiasts are sure to welcome this new recording of Bach's supreme sacred choral achievement." 

Nic to lead Orchestra of St. Luke's at star-studded spring gala

On April 29, Nic will conduct a dazzling performance at the Orchestra of St. Luke's annual Gift of Music Gala in New York. The evening promises fabulous food, celebratory drinks — and, of course, plenty of mesmerizing music! Joining Nic at the event will be the evening's host, actor David Hyde Pierce, as well as countertenor Iestyn Davies, pianist Zhu Wang. Although he isn't performing at the event, the legendary Emanuel Ax will be honored for his decades of collaboration with the ensemble.

A triumphant Deborah with Germany's NDR Radiophilharmonie

Nic is a beloved fixture of the International Handel-Festival Göttingen, where he returned earlier this month to conduct the NDR Radiophilhamonie alongside a full choir and spectacular soloists in Handel's oratorio Deborah. Göttinger Daily captured the electric energy in the hall following the performance, where "visitors celebrated McGegan, the soloists, the orchestra and choir euphorically with bravo chants and long standing ovations. An overwhelming opening to this year's Handel Festival."

Coming up this spring and summer …

• Blackwater Valley Opera (May 27–June 3)

• ​​Aspen Music Festival: Chamber Symphony with Inon Barnatan (July 5)

• Aspen Music Festival: A Baroque Evening with Nicholas McGegan and Steven Isserlis (July 11)