Photo credit: Elisa Haberer / Opéra national de Paris Paris Opera’s production of Charpentier’s “Médée” is not bad, but throughout the performance, operagoers will be filled with a sensation of uneasiness. It is not necessarily because of its murderous plot, but because the production feels unsuited to its musicians. It leaves one with the feeling of wearing a garment lent {…}
The French Ministry of Culture has announced the reduction of the Opéra de París’ budget. According to Radiofrance, the budget will be cut by six million euros. Furthermore, the news comes after the cancellation of more than 200 million credits imposed on the Ministry of Culture, resulting in nationwide budget cuts to large cultural institutions. In 2023, the Opéra de {…}
Soprano Nicole Car took to social media to address the events at the Opéra de Paris on March 25, 2024. The company presented “Simon Boccanegra” on March 25, but was forced to stop the performance and send audiences home without completing the opera. The soprano clarified what had happened in her post. Car clarified, “Dear friends, During last night’s performance {…}
(Photo credit: Vincent Pontet-OnP) A few years ago, when Bieito’s staging of “Simon Boccanegra” premiered at the Paris Opera, the reviews were abysmal. Few things are as catchy in the opera world as negative consensus. I got to see the same production with a very similar cast last weekend, and, somehow, I think it was one of the most emotional {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced its 2024-25 season. Opera Verdi’s “Falstaff” opens the season with a cast that includes Ambrogio Maestri, Olivia Boen, Marie-Andrée Bouchard-Lesieur, Andrei Kymach, Gregory Bonfatti, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Iván Ayón-Rivas, and Federica Guida. Michael Schønwandt conducts the production by Dominique Pitoiset. Performance Dates: Sept. 10-30, 2024 Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” will star Eleonora Buratto, Elena Stikhina, Aude {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its production of “Don Quichotte.” The company said that Marianne Crebassa has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons. As a result, the role of La Belle Dulcinée will be played by Gaëlle Arquez. Arquez was originally set to sing “La Cenerentola” at the Gran Teatre del Liceu but was {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its performance on Feb. 25 of “La Traviata.” The company said that Kristina Mkhitaryan has withdrawn from the production. As a result, the role of Violetta Valery will be performed by Lisette Oropesa. Oropesa is well known for her interpretation of Violetta and has performed the role at the Metropolitan Opera, {…}
Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its production of “Don Quichotte.” The company announced that Ildebrando d’Arcangelo has withdrawn from the production. As a result, the role of Don Quichotte will be performed by Gábor Bretz for the performances on June 1, 5, 8, and 11, 2024. Bretz performs regularly with the Hungarian State Opera, the Wagner Festival, the {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a conductor change for its production of “The Exterminating Angel.” The company said that Courtney Lewis, who was due to conduct the last three performances of “The Exterminating Angel,” has withdrawn for personal reasons. As a result, he will be replaced by Robert Houssart for these performances scheduled for March 13, 17, and 23. {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its production of “Don Quichotte.” The company said, “Ildar Abdrazakov will not be playing the title role in this season’s new production of ‘Don Quichotte.’” As a result, Christian Van Horn will play the role of Don Quichotte for performances on May 10, 14, 17, 21, 23, 26, and 29, {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a change to its opening night performance of ‘Les Contes d’Hofmann” on Nov. 30 due to the strike. The company said, “As a result of a strike followed by some of the Opera’s staff, the performance of the opera ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’ on Thursday 30th November at 7:30 p.m. will be given in a {…}