Photo: Winslow Townson The first time my partner watched Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,” he couldn’t believe that the composer ever thought a Stalinist regime would be pleased with the opera. The “in-your-face” power of the work made him—a (handsome) man whose political convictions ponder between socialism and cowboyism—find endearing that ‘Shosta’ could not see his censoring coming. Even today, {…}
Photo: Tristram Kenton Expectations were high for Deborah Warner’s new production of Alban Berg’s “Wozzeck” at the Royal Opera House. Warner’s acclaimed treatment of “Peter Grimes” saw her in similar territory—indeed, the debt owed to Berg’s score by Britten is considerable—in a pair of twentieth-century operas about alienated outsiders, disturbed by the very society that despises them. Both pieces are {…}
(Credit: The Greek National Opera official website) The Greek National Opera has announced that it will stream Alban Berg’s opera “Wozzeck” on Mezzo Live HD. The Greek National Opera premiered “Wozzeck” for the first time in its history in January 2020, before the COVID-19 lockdowns. The cast for the opera included soprano Nadine Lehner in the role of Marie, tenor {…}
In all the weeks we have done this feature, I would argue that few have been as exciting as the one previewed here. Not only will audiences get to watch live opera, some live recitals, and unique past performances, but they also get to engage with some very new opera experiences. We trust that you will be equally excited about {…}
(Credit: Alasdair Muir) Glyndebourne has unveiled the next set of operas that will stream as part of its online “Open House Series.” The company revealed that it will be streaming a production of Verdi’s “Falstaff” as directed by Richard Jones. The production, which was conducted by Vladimir Jurowski, stars Christopher Purves in the iconic title role alongside Alasdair Elliott, Paolo {…}
It’s Valentine’s Day weekend and there is arguably no art form that captures the essence of love moreso than opera. With that in mind, we looked around and picked operas that probably won’t cater to ideal feelings of love, but are powerful in their own rights and would probably make for unbelievable nights at the opera. Frida – Anchorage Opera, {…}
(Credit: Sasha Vasiljev / Mathias Bothor, Deutsche Grammophon) The Festival Aix-en-Provence has just announced the program for 2020 season, which will include a total of six works. The season will open with Berg’s opera “Wozzeck,” starring Christian Gerhaher, Anja Kampe, Daniel Brenna, Peter Hoare, Brindley Sherratt, Evan LeRoy Johnson, J’Nai Bridges, Alexander Kiechle, Tomasz Kumięga, and Graham Clark. Sir Simon {…}
The Opéra de Lyon has recently announced its offerings for the 2018-19 season, which will feature staged productions, concerts, and the Opera Underground series. Here’s a look at what’s on offer for next season. Opera Boito’s “Mefistofele” opens the season with the company’s Music Director Daniele Rustioni leading the musical forces. Evgenia Muraveva takes on the two lead roles of {…}