Photo credit: Agathe Poupeney-OnP Thomas Adès’s “The Exterminating Angel” is one of the most successful contemporary operas of the century. Beyond its many productions—the Parisian one being the best of them all—, the opera quickly entered the symphonic repertoire with a very well-crafted symphonic suite. The opera, based on Luís Buñuel’s homonymous film, follows its source material: more than a {…}
(Photo: ENO’s Peter Grimes 2023 © Tom Bowles) David Alden’s “Peter Grimes” begins with the curtain up. Upstage the people of the Borough mill about restlessly, occasionally breaking into shouts of anger and impatience. Alden’s 2009 production, on its second revival, breaks with any wistful or bucolic notions about the seaside community of the Borough, who drive the equally unrelenting {…}
(Photo credits: Chris Sorensen, Victoria Cadisch, Andrew Staples) The English Concert has announced its 2023-24 season. This article features vocal works only. Countertenor Iestyn Davies returns to the BBC Proms to perform “Late Night Bach.” Davies will perform two of Bach’s solo cantatas, “Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust” and “Geist und Seele wird verdwirret” at the Royal Albert Hall. Performance Date: {…}
(Photo: Marc Brenner) “Tristan und Isolde” isn’t an opera generally known for its laughs. Indeed, sniggers from the audience generally indicates that something has gone drastically wrong in the direction department with this particular work. But in the this new production from Grange Park Opera, just outside of London, a sprinkling of giggles and smiles are testament to the zippy {…}
Photo Credit: Marc Brenner English National Opera has had a stay of execution from the swinging cuts imposed on them by Arts Council England before Christmas. At least another year of funding is guaranteed, though it has not come without casualties; the “Siegfried” planned as the next installment of their burgeoning “Ring” has reportedly been pulled. A pity, as Richard {…}
Mezzo-soprano Christine Rice has received the MBE in the New Year Honours. The honour was presented by his Majesty The King who is recognizing a host of leading and influential figures in music. Rice is receiving the honour for her services to opera. She is among others who include musical director Dr. Mike Thomas, who receives an MBE for services {…}
The Olivier Awards have announced their 2022 nominations. For the purposes of this article, we will only focus on the two opera categories. In the category of Outstanding Achievement in Opera, the nominees are Christine Rice for her performance in “4/4” at the Royal Opera House, takis for set and costume design of “HMS Pinafore” by English National Opera, and {…}
As part of this week’s CD / DVD releases, audiences will get an early Christmas, solo albums, a world premiere recording, and a classic recording. Here is a look at what audiences can watch or listen to this week. Anima Aeterna Countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński brings his latest album to Erato, showcasing an adventurous album of sacred arias and motets {…}
(Credit: Met Opera) The Met Opera has announced that it will be concluding its nightly stream series next week. And to commemorate the 71st and final week of streams, the company is turning to operas for the fans, selected by the fans. So here is a rundown of the final week of nightly streams, courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera. Monday, {…}
(Credits: © Aymeric Giraudel / Fabien Monthubert / © Simon Fowler) Opéra de Rouen Normandie, France has announced its 2021-22 season. For the purpose of this article, we will only focus on the operatic and vocal performances. Here is the full slate. Opera and Musicals Verdi‘s “Il Trovatore” opens the season with Lionel Lhote as Count di Luna, Brigitta Kele {…}
(Credits: Franck Juery / Vincent Pontet / Groves Artists official website / Jacques Leinne) The Festival Berlioz has announced its 2021 edition that is set to take place from August 19 until August 30. For the purpose of this article, we will focus only on vocal performances. Mezzo-soprano Sophie Koch performs works by Hector Berlioz alongside Pascal Rophé, who conducts {…}