Grange Park Opera 2022 Review: La Gioconda

(Credit: © Marc Brenner) “La Gioconda,” or “‘The Ballad singer” to give the opera its usual English translation, actually translates to, “The Happy Woman.” Irony overload, indeed, for an opera infused with sin, bitter revenge, betrayal, adultery, suicide, murder, cruelty and the Roman Inquisition. “La Gioconda” is a bit of a bizarre opera, by any standards. Encapsulating passion, violence and ultimately tragedy it {…}

Lise Davidsen, Sondra Radvanovsky, Saioa Hernández & Xabier Anduaga Lead Gran Teatre del Liceu’s 2022-23 Season

The Gran Teatre del Liceu has announced its 2022-23 season featuring two world premieres and classic works with international stars. Here is a look at the new season. Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” will star Carlos Chausson, Alessandro Corbelli, Andrzej Filonczyk, Carles Pachón, Xabier Anduaga, Iván Ayón-Rivas, Sara Blanch, and Serena Sáenz. Josep Pons conducts. Performance Dates: Sept. 21-Oct. 9, 2022 “La {…}

Sondra Radvanovsky, Lisette Oropesa & Iréne Theorin Headline Gran Teatre del Liceu’s 175 Anniversary Gala

Following Anna Netrebko’s withdrawal from the 175-anniversary gala, the Gran Teatre del Liceu has found new artists to take over. The company announced that on April 3, Sondra Radvanovsky, Lisette Oropesa, Iréne Theorin, Ludovic Tézier, and Joseph Calleja will headline the evening. Valentina Carrasco will direct the gala which will be conducted by Marco Armiliato and will feature Act two {…}

Metropolitan Opera 2021-22 Review: Tosca  

(Credit: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera) Despite the monumental challenges of navigating the quagmire of pandemic era restrictions and precautions, the Metropolitan Opera offered a triumphal revival of McVicar’s opulent production of Puccini’s beloved masterpiece Tosca. Remarkably, there were no replacements for this performance, a real treat during this time where illness and travel restrictions plague the classical stage. This was a {…}

Joseph Calleja, Pretty Yende, Alice Coote & Freddie De Tommaso Lead Riga Jurmala Music Festival’s 2022 Edition

(Credit: Riga Jurmala Music Festival) The Riga Jurmala Music Festival has announced its 2022 slate. For the purpose of this article we will focus on the vocal works only. Soprano Pretty Yende, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, tenor Julien Prégardien, and bass René Pape perform Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, K. 626. The rest of a program features Sibelius’ Symphony No. 4 {…}

Joseph Calleja, Amanda Echalaz, Phillip Rhodes, Erika Grimaldi & Simone Piazzola Lead New Zealand Opera’s 2022 Season

(Credits: Dragana Ranković/Semperoper Dresden official website/ NZ Opera official website/ Bayerische Staatsoper official website/Bayerische Staatsoper official website) The New Zealand Opera has announced its 2022 slate, featuring numerous international artists and productions. “Summer of Opera” will take place in Wellington, Auckland, and at Hamilton Garden Arts Festival. The event will spotlight music by Bizet, Bernstein, and other famous composers. Performance {…}