(Credit: Dragosh Cojocaru) Soprano Valentina Nafornita has announced that she will be canceling her contract in Berlin to sing “La Bohème” following the birth of her child. In a social media post, the soprano stated, “My dear friends, I hope you are all doing great. I am having a wonderful time with my baby boy, but unfortunately I have to {…}
Berlin’s opera houses and orchestras have released statement against anti-semitism in reaction to current events and in commemoration of tomorrow’s 85th anniversary of the November pogroms in Germany. It also calls for peaceful co-existence. The statement reads, “Berlin’s major orchestras and three opera houses call on all Berliners to take a stand against anti-Semitism and hatred. Even in turbulent times, {…}
The Royal Opera House and Staatsoper Berlin have announced conductor changes for their productions of “Don Carlo.” Conductor Daniele Rustioni will no longer conduct the production of the Verdi opera in London, instead taking over the Staatsoper Berlin’s “Don Carlo” which was originally set to be conducted by Daniel Barenboim. In his stead, Bertrand de Billy will lead the Royal {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has announced conductor changes for upcoming performances. The company said that Bertrand de Billy will conduct the revival of Georges Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ for all performances (Feb. 5 to March 3). Meanwhile, the last three performances of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Samson et Dalila” in February will be conducted by Thomas Guggeis, who has already rehearsed and conducted the revival {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of “Turandot.” The company said that Anna Samuil will sing the title role on March 17 and 21 replacing Elena Pankratova. Samuil made her Staatsoper Berlin debut in 2003 and has sin performed such roles as Donna Anna, Fiordiligi, Contessa, Tatjana, Mimì, Musetta, Adina, Micaëla, Elisabetta, Agathe, Rosalinde, Ariadne, {…}
(© Decca / Simon Fowler) Soprano Aida Garifullina has announced that she is canceling her next two appearances at the Staatsoper Berlin on Dec. 27 and 29. The soprano took to social media to make the announcement, noting “My dear friends….This is my absolute favorite time of the year, even though it is a period where we are exposed to {…}
Following a controversy over the use of more than 30 live guinea pigs and rabbits in a new production of The Ring Cycle at the Berlin State Opera, the company is speaking out and is making changes to its production. In a statement, the Berlin company said, “The appearance of the animals in the new productions of ‘DAS RHEINGOLD’ and {…}
Soprano Aida Garifullina has canceled the performance of “Turandot” at the Staatsoper Berlin on June 25, 2022. The Russian diva, who has been singing the role of Liù, took to social media to state that “I’m so sorry! Unfortunately, I had to cancel my performance tonight due to a virus and soar throat. I am extremely sad!!! I can’t even {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for “Rigoletto.” Sofia Fomina will sing the role of Gilda for the Feb. 17 performance, replacing Erin Morley who tested positive for COVID-19. Morley took to social media and said, “Welp, COVID finally arrived at my door! I’m doing just fine — grateful to be vaccinated and boosted. Sending all the positive {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for “Ariadne auf Naxos.” The company noted that Gabriela Scherer will take over the title role for performances on Jan 20 and 22, 2022. Scherer is well-known for her interpretation of Ariadne and has performed the role at the Oper Leipzig and at the Lucerne Festival. She recently made her debut in {…}
(Credit: Manfred Baumann) The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has announced that coloratura soprano Hila Fahima will perform the role of The Queen of the Night in Mozart’s singspiel “Die Zauberflöte” on Dec. 25, 2021 at 3 p. m. CET. Fahima joins a cast that includes Peter Sonn as Tamino, Evelin Novak as Pamina, Gyula Orendt as Papageno, and Grigory Shkarupa {…}