La Fenice 2017-18 Review – Un Ballo in Maschera: Gianmaria Aliverta’s Foray Into US Racial Politics Generates Insightful Take on Verdi Classic

La Fenice opened its 2017-18 season with an interesting and courageous production of Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera,” a production which under the direction of Gianmaria Aliverta aimed at producing a deeper reading of the work, one which sought to uncover the underlying structural political conflicts that led to the assassination of a political leader. Verdi and his librettist, Antonio {…}

Weekend Preview – International (9/1-3): Deutsche Oper Berlin Opens 2017-18 Season While La Scala Goes On Tour

It is a rather quiet weekend as many companies are in rehearsals gearing up for opening nights. However, some companies resume their 2016-17 seasons while others conclude summer festivals and others begin 2017-18 seasons. Here is a look at what to expect. Germany  The Deutsche Oper Berlin kicks off its 2017-18 season with Verdi’s “La Traviata,” starring Ben Bernheim and Salome {…}

Nadine Sierra, Mariella Devia & Jessica Pratt Highlight Teatro La Fenice 2017-18 Season

The Teatro la Fenice has announced its 2017-18 season with numerous stars and a plethora of classic works. It all begins on Nov. 24, 2017 with Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” starring  Francesco Meli, Kristin Lewis, and Vladimir Stoyanov. Verdi’s “La Traviata” follows on Dec. 6, 2017 withMihaela Marcu and Claudia Pavone sharing the lead role.  Nadine Sierra will her role debut {…}

Weekend Preview – International (5/19-21): Anna Netrebko, Plácido Domingo, Renee Fleming & Diana Damrau Take European Theaters By Storm

Plácido Domingo, Reneé Fleming, Anna Netrebko, Diana Damrau or Sonya Yoncheva. All these stars will be in the biggest theaters in Europe and audiences will be in for great performances. Austria The Vienna State Opera will celebrate Plácido Domingo’s 50th-anniversary with selections from “Un Ballo in Maschera,” “La Traviata,” and “Simon Boccanegra.” On Saturday the company performs “Das Rheingold” and on {…}