Arsen Soghomonyan, Hrachuhí Bassénz, Vladislav Sulimsky Headline Bucharest National Opera’s ‘Otello’

The Bucharest National Opera is set to present Verdi’s “Otello” starting on June 8, 2022. The opera will be conducted by Christian Badea and stars Arsen Soghomonyan, Hrachuhí Bassénz, and Vladislav Sulimsky. Soghomonyan will take on the title role. He has appeared at such companies as the Royal Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, and Berliner Philharmoniker. Bassénz will interpret Desdemona and has appeared with {…}

Mar 1, 2022

Opera Australia 2022 Review: Otello

(Photo credit: Prudence Upton) Whose version of “Othello” is better – Shakespeare’s or Verdi’s? You could have a good argument with someone over this. In Verdi’s opera, Iago is more overtly a villain (he says so in Act two’s “Credo in Dio crudel”) and there are potentially more shades to Otello, whose long speeches in Shakespeare’s “Othello” can too easily {…}

Feb 1, 2022

Premiere of Greek National Opera Production of ‘Otello’ Postponed

The Greek National Opera has announced a new date for the premiere of its upcoming production of “Otello.” The company said that due to delays caused by the recent severe weather in Athens, the new dates for the production will be Feb. 23, 27 & March 2, 5, 8, 2022. The opera, which is the Greek premiere of a co-production {…}

Jan 26, 2022

Aleksandrs Antonenko to Headline Greek National Opera’s ‘Otello’

The Greek National Opera, in co-production with Festspiel BadenBaden, will present a new production of Verdi’s “Otello” between Feb. 20 through March 6 at Stavros Niarchos, Athens. The production, which will run for five total performances, will be directed by Robert Wilson, in his company debut, with a cast led by Latvian tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko, soprano Cellia Costea, and baritone {…}

Dec 27, 2021

Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège 2021-22 Review: Otello Ossia il Moro di Venezia

The Opera Royal de Liege Wallonie staged a brand-new production of Rossini’s “Otello.” The once-popular opera used to be performed worldwide in Rossini’s time but disappeared from the repertoire completely when Verdi’s “Otello” premiered in 1887. But that wasn’t all. Rossini’s version also fell out of the rotation for the same reasons many bel canto works disappeared: the realism and {…}

Dec 18, 2021

Staatsoper Hannover Reschedules Performances in January 2022

(Credit: Staatsoper Hannover official website) The Staatsoper Hannover has announced that it has been forced to reschedule its performances in January 2022. The opera house has canceled the performances of Bizet’s “Carmen” on Dec. 18 & 28, 2021, and Jan. 7 & 27, 2022. The opera was set to star Rodrigo Porras Garulo, Barno Ismatullaeva, Kiandra Howarth, Germán Olvera, Daniel {…}

Dec 3, 2021

Criticism on Fridays: Femicide As a Norm?

(Photo: L.Romano) On Fridays, Polina Lyapustina delivers a short essay on some of the most essential topics in the industry with the intent of establishing a dialogue about the opera world and its future. This year, Jonas Kaufmann and Maria Agresta open the season at Teatro San Carlo di Napoli with the new stunning production of “Otello,” directed by Mario Martone. {…}

Nov 1, 2021

The Town Hall to Stream Virtual ‘Otello’ With Errin Brooks & Allison Charney

The Town Hall and PREformances Chamber Music Collaborative are set to present a unique virtual performance of Verdi’s masterpiece “Otello.” The showcase, which is set to kick off on Nov. 18, will be part of a series that presents operas in under an hour and features a diverse array of singers from around the world. “Otello” will be headlined by {…}

Jul 30, 2021

Rossini Opera Festival Announces 2022 Operas

The Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, Italy has announced the titles for its 2022 season. During a press conference for the 2021 edition, the festival’s president Daniele Vimini announced that the 2022 edition will see two new productions. “Le Comte Ory” will be conducted by Diego Matheuz and directed by Hugo de Ana while “Otello” will be conducted by Yves {…}

Jun 1, 2021

Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Angela Gheorghiu, Sondra Radvanovsky, Elīna Garanča, Joyce DiDonato Lead Royal Opera House’s 2021-22 Season

(Credits: Dario Acosta / © Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Classical / Angela Gheorghiu official website / Michael Cooper / Kasskara/DG / Chris Singer) The Royal Opera House Covent Garden has announced full details of its exciting 2021-22 season, which will star some of the world’s greatest performers. The Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season and digital program will be announced {…}

Mar 19, 2021

Gran Teatre del Liceu to Present ‘Otello’ Despite COVID-19 Cases

The Gran Teatre del Liceu is set to present Verdi’s “Otello” despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement, the Spanish company said that “despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Liceu reinforces its commitment to offer a quality program that assures absolute safety. The Teatre succeeds in staging a production featuring an artistic team that is both unique and {…}

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