Walter Fraccaro Replaces Roberto Aronica in ‘Manon Lescaut’ in Baluarte

(Credit: Opera Australia official website) The Baluarte auditorium in Pamplona has announced a second cast change for its upcoming semi-staged performances of Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut.” The Spanish opera house announced that tenor Walter Fraccaro will take over the role of Des Grieux, replacing Roberto Aronica. This marks the second high-profile replacement after soprano Ainhoa Arteta was forced to cancel due {…}

Anita Rachvelishvili to Perform Recital At Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía

(Credit: David Agassi) Mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili will give a recital at Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofía on Jan. 17, 2021. Rachvelishvili will be accompanied by pianist Vincenzo Scalera. The program will include works by Otar Taktakishvili, Piotr Tchaikovsky, Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff, Francesco Tosti, and Manuel de Falla. Rachvelishvili recently performed the role of Amneris in concert performances of Verdi’s {…}

Obituary: Mezzo-Soprano Biserka Cvejić Dies at 97

(Credit: http://www.avantartmagazin.com/) Famed Serbian mezzo-soprano Biserka Cvejić has died at the age of 97. Cvejić performed over 70 roles during throughout her renowned career, including Bizet’s “Carmen,” which became one of her calling cards. Other major roles included Eboli in Verdi’s “Don Carlos,” Amneris in “Aida,” Ulrica in “Un Ballo in Maschera,” Azucena in “Il Trovatore,” Charlotte in Massenet’s “Werther,” {…}