Cambridge University’s opera society has canceled its performances of Händel’s “Saul.” Per a statement issued by the student body, Beth Norman, the president of the society, “It is with heavy heart that CUOS are announcing that due to the current sensitive political situation and unfortunate escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Israel, we have decided that the production {…}
As part of its World Opera Day Celebration, the Teatro Real de Madrid is offering 100 free tickets to people under 30 for its performance of “Orlando” on Oct. 25 and 26. The offer was available starting at 10 a.m. local time. The company also noted that it would also be offering reduced price tickets for all performances of the {…}
(Photo: Falk von Traubenburg) Max Cenčić has a long-established reputation as a sensitive and technically brilliant virtuoso countertenor. However, over the past six or seven years, he has also become increasingly known for his skills as a stage director owing to a string of stunning productions, such as Hasse’s “Siroe,” which he toured in 2017. In 2020, he was appointed {…}
Opera Lafayette has unveiled its 2023-24 season, titled “Era of Madame de Maintenon.” It all kicks off with “Couperin le Grand” at The Kennedy Center and the Kosciuszko Foundation. The concert, which features music by Couperin, will be headlined by conductor Christophe Rousset, bass-baritone Jonathan Woody, and violinist Jacob Ashworth. Performance Dates: Oct. 25 (DC), Oct. 26 (NYC) Next up is {…}
Credit: Danae Kinova The Olympia City Music Theatre Maria Callas has unveiled its 2023-24 season, which includes three operas in both staged productions and concert versions. The season features a blend of Greek artists and international stars, including a concert by soprano Julie Fuchs. For the purposes of this article only opera and classical voice performances are listed. The season {…}
The Festival International Opéra Baroque & Romantique in Beaune has announced its 2023 season. First up is “Hail, Bright Cecilia,” which features the Gabrieli Consort and Players under Paul McCreesh. Singers include Zoe Brookshaw, Mhairi Lawson, Lauren Lodge-Campbell, Tim Mead, Jeremy Budd, Matthew Long, Bob Davies, and Ashley Riches. Performance Dates: July 7, 2023 Next up is the oratorio “Theodora” {…}
Toronto’s Opera Atelier has announced its 2023-24 season which will feature two productions. First up is Gluck’s “Orpheus and Eurydice” starring Colin Ainsworth, Mireille Asselin, and Anna-Julia David. The work will be choreographed by Lajeunesse Zingg. “Few singers are able to sustain the extraordinary vocal range required of the tenor in the 1774 French version of ‘Orpheus and Eurydice,’” said {…}
Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House in New York will present Händel’s “Rodelinda” this October. The production, which will be directed by R.B. Schlather, will star soprano Keely Futterer, mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce, tenor Karim Sulayman, mezzo-soprano Teresa Buchholz, bass-baritone Douglas Williams, and countertenor Brennan Hall. The opera will be presented in a re-orchestration by Schlather and features the {…}
(Photo Credit: Christopher Ison) On May 18, 2023, Händel’s London home reopened after undergoing extensive restoration. Following a £3 million restoration project, which commenced in 2021, Handel Hendrix House has reopened the entirety of Händel’s residence to the public, including the basement, ground floor, and refurbished upper floors previously unveiled in 2001. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore recreated {…}
(Photo by Agathe Poupeney / Opéra national de Paris) It has been a rocky start to Paris Opera’s production of “Ariodante.” Its premiere faced a strike of the backstage staff, and the second performance was canceled due to political manifestations. Therefore, the press could only see the show weeks after its opening. Händel’s opera, however, is very much worth the {…}
(Credit: barbaraaumueller) On April 30, 2023, Oper Frankfurt and Komische Oper Berlin will co-present the Frankfurt premiere of Handel’s “Hercules.” First premiering in January 1745, the oratorio was met with mixed reception further complicated by a run cut short due to illness within the cast. Modern musicologists have recognized Handel’s endeavor towards a new sound through the blend of opera {…}