The now well-known story of a celibate, chaste monk (Athanaël) trying to convert a licentious courtesan and worshiper of the Goddess of Love (Thaïs), has decorated operatic stages and captivated audiences since its premiere on 1894 at the Opéra Garnier (National Opera House) in Paris, France. With a harrowing story originally written by the French writer Anatole France in 1890, {…}
Baritone Lucas Meachem is set to make his Teatro alla Scala debut in a production of Massenet’s “Thaïs.” Meachem will take over for Ludovic Tézier, who recently recovered from COVID-19, and was unable to participate in the production. “I’ll be singing Athanaël in Thaïs, one of the most challenging (and rewarding) roles in the baritone repertoire,” the baritone noted via {…}
Radio France has announced its 2021-22 season. For the purpose of this article we will focus only on the vocal works. Here is a look. Operas Ravel’s “L’Enfant et les sortilèges” spotlights Jodie Devos, Clara Guillon, Adèle Charvet, Marie Lenormand, Élodie Méchain, Antoine Normand, Régis Mengus, and Paul Gay. Mikko Franck conducts. Performance date: Oct. 1, 2021, Philharmonie de Paris {…}
(Credit: © Jag Gundu) The Toronto Symphony Orchestra has won the JUNO Award for Best Classical Album: Vocal or Choral for its recording of Massenet’s “Thaïs.” The recording stars Joshua Hopkins, Andrew Staples, Nathan Berg, Liv Redpath, Andrea Ludwig, Emilia Boteva, and Neil Aronoff. Sir Andrew Davis led the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with Jonathan Crow leading the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. {…}
(Credits: Michael Cooper / Dario Acosta / Sonya Yoncheva official website / © Gregor Hohenberg / Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Music Entertainment) The Teatro alla Scala in Milan has announced its 2021-22 season, featuring some of the greatest performers in the world. Here is the full slate. Operas Anna Netrebko and Luca Salsi open the season in Verdi‘s “Macbeth” in {…}
(Credits: © Bernd Uhlig / © Werner Kmetitsch) The Theater an der Wien has announced a series of broadcasts after high uncertainty over a date of possible reopening due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis in Austria. First up is a production of Prokofiev’s “The Fiery Angel.” The opera showcases Aušrinė Stundytė, Bo Skovhus, Natascha Petrinsky, Elena Zaremba, Nikolai Schukoff, Alexey {…}
The Opéra Monte Carlo is set to stream Massenet’s “Thaïs” on Feb. 23, 2021. The opera, which will be transmitted on Culturebox and France.tv, stars Marina Rebeka in the famed titled role, Ludovic Tézier as Athanaël, Jean-François Borras as Nicias, Philippe Kahn as Palémon, Marie Gautrot as Albine, and Valentine Lemercier as Myrtale, among others. The opera is presented in {…}
The Opéra de Monte Carlo has updated performance times for its upcoming “Thaïs” due to the new curfew imposed in Monaco. In a statement, the company said, “due to the evolution of the health situation and recent decisions taken by the Prince’s Government there will be a curfew at 7 p.m. with no possible exceptions. As a result, the four {…}
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo has confirmed dates for its upcoming production of Massenet’s “Thaïs.” The opera is set to open on Jan. 22, 2021 with performances following on Jan. 24, 26, and 28. The production will be directed by Jean-Louis Grinda with musical direction led by Jean-Yves Ossonce. Ludovic Tézier will take on the role of Athanaël opposite soprano Marina {…}
Massenet’s opera “Thaïs,” set in 4th century Alexandria, focuses on two individuals with diametrically opposed outlooks and lifestyles. There is the hedonistic courtesan Thaïs, who seeks only love—although for no longer than a week at a time—and there is a cenobite monk named Athanaël, an ascetic, whose aim is to turn the courtesan to the path of righteousness. While he {…}
(Credits: Piotr Lempa’s Facebook Page/ Baltic Opera) The Baltic Opera in Gdansk has announced its fall season. In keeping with safety regulations due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19, spectators will be required to wear facemasks at all times and maintain a 1,5 m social distance. Here is the look at the upcoming slate. Rossini’s operatic masterpiece “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” {…}