Though the most iconic grand opera in the art form’s canon, Verdi’s “Aïda” shouldn’t challenge a house of Lyric’s caliber too strenuously. The work requires four good-to-great singers, but we expect a top-five American opera house to arrange them. Though “Aïda” lends itself to maximalist stagings, smaller companies pare it down successfully by foregoing equestrian participants, or downshifting parades to {…}
Fortas Chamber Music Concerts has announced its 2024-25 season. This season, there is one vocal classical showcase on offer. Mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton joins forces with violist Matthew Lipman and pianist Tamar Sanikidze at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater for music by Clara Schumann, Brahms, and Joel Thompson. Performance Date: Jan. 30, 2025 Among the other major performers throughout the season are {…}
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2024-25 season. Here are vocal performances that will be seen. The orchestra will present an opera-in-concert version of Wagner’s epic “Der Ring des Nibelungen” in its entirety, becoming the first American orchestra in recent history to do so. Luisi and the DSO will perform “Siegfried” on Oct. 5, 2024, and “Götterdämmerung” on Oct. {…}
The Chamber Society of Lincoln Center has announced its 2024-25 season featuring a number of vocal performances. Here is a look. The company will present an Opening Night concert entitled “Haydn’s Suprise” dedicated to Haydn. Soloists include Stephanie Blythe, Michael Stephen Brown, Wu Han, Aaron Boyd, Daniel Phillips, Pinchas Zukerman, Paul Neubauer, David Finckel, Nina Bernat, and the Viano Quartet. {…}
The Lucerne Festival has announced its 2024 season. Here are the vocal performances. Kent Nagano conducts Wagner’s “Die Walküre” with a cast that includes Simon Bailey, Maximilian Schmitt, Sarah Wegener, Åsa Jäger, and Dimitry Ivashchenko. Performance Date: August 21, 2024 The Klangforum Wien, Cantando Admont, and Beat Furrer perform Beat Furrer’s “Begehren.” Performance Date: Sept. 1, 2024 The Jupiter Ensemble, Thomas {…}
Photo: Michael Bishop Houston Grand Opera’s season premiere, “Intelligence,” is not just another opera to take in – it’s an experience to be absorbed. It masterfully fulfills art’s big-picture role: sparking dialogues and bridging emotional divides, even when the discussions are challenging and the ties seem broken. This riveting work is realized through the collective genius of composer Jake Heggie, {…}
It’s that time of the year again! The 2023-24 season is about to begin and audiences are getting ready to choose performances as they head back to the opera. With so much to choose from, OperaWire is breaking down 10 opera productions that are must-sees for all opera lovers from around the world. Aida – Berlin State Opera – Opens {…}
If you’re not fully conversant with the tale that is the centerpiece of one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most celebrated and performed works, “Il Trovatore,” then I highly recommend a little further reading and research before attempting to digest this opera. It may well help to alleviate some of the confusion in following the plot. There’s little one can do, however, {…}
Jamie Barton has canceled her Temple Music Recital on June 17, 2023. The company said, “we are so sorry that Jamie Barton has been unwell during her time in London (including a bout of covid) and will not appear on Saturday. We look forward to welcoming her to the Temple another time in the future.” As a result, “We are {…}
The Royal Opera House has announced two cast changes for its June 8 production of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” The company said, “Sadly, Riccardo Massi (Manrico) and Jamie Barton (Azucena) have withdrawn from tomorrow evening’s performance of ‘Il Trovatore’ after testing positive for COVID-19.” As a result, Stefano La Colla will make his Covent Garden debut performing the role of Manrico, {…}
Jamie Barton has canceled the June 8 performance of “Il Trovatore” at the Royal Opera House. The mezzo took to social media and said, “Y’all… It’s not Azucena-level drama, but your girl’s been going through it a bit herself. A chest cold that required 5 days of full vocal rest, gnarly food poisoning the night before opening, the worst seasonal {…}