Anna Netrebko, Latonia Moore, Lawrence Brownlee, Karita Mattila Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week

By David Salazar

As Europe shifts into full-on live performance mode, you will notice that many of the streams on offer tend to shift toward U.S.-based companies.

Of course, many of those performances on offer are quite exciting and we are going to be continually bringing them the attention they deserve.

And speaking of continuing to bring attention to truly deserved streams, we want to remind you of the important discussions taking place regarding issues of race and equality in opera. Major artists are leading those discussions via such online shows as Karen Slack’s “KikiKonversations,” Kenneth Overton’s “Black Opera Live,” “The Sitdown with LB,” hosted by Lawrence Brownlee, TDO Network’s “Taking the Stage with Kristian and Quo,” and Mark S. Doss’ “Heart and Soul” series on Sunday afternoons.

Songs of Summer – Seattle Opera (NOW)

For the past few weeks, Seattle Opera has been presenting a recital series featuring a number of artists. Recitals by soprano Shelly Traverse and mezzo-soprano Nerys Jones are currently available on the company’s official website, and the company is set to launch another one on July 23 featuring Theo Hoffman and pianist Brad Moore.

Faust – Royal Opera House (Now)

The Royal Opera House is currently streaming a recent production of Gounod’s masterwork with a solid cast starring Irina Lungu, Michael Fabiano, and Erwin Schrott.

Dichterliebe – Opera San Jose (Now)

Opera San Jose is streaming Schumann’s famed song cycle with baritone Eugene Brancoveanu and resident conductor Christopher James Ray. In addition to English subtitles, the virtual concert features Spanish and Vietnamese translations.

Beowulf – Guerilla Opera (July 23)

For those seeking out some new opera, Guerilla Opera will present a watch party for its 2016 production of “Beowulf.” The opera, which was written and composed by Hannah Lash, features Brian Church, Aliana de la Guardia, Brendan P. Buckley, Amy Advocat, Philipp A. Stäundlin, and Mike Williams, among others.

Romeo et Juliette – Metropolitan Opera (July 23)

While she’s undeniably put together some formidable dramatic performances in recent years, Anna Netrebko was arguably at her finest vocally in this series of Met Opera performances. When you consider the fact that she accomplished the run alongside four tenors, it certainly adds to the interest factor. In this performance, she appears alongside Roberto Alagna, with whom she had incredible chemistry. It’s one of the finest Met Opera live in HD streams in recent years. The floating bed during the big love scenes is one of the most evocative visual moments in the HD series. Plácido Domingo conducts.

Aida – Cincinnati Opera (July 25)

Latonia Moore has become one of the great proponents of the title role. This 2013 production is an opportunity to check out how her famed interpretation developed over the years. This showcase also features Michelle DeYoung, Antonello Palombi, Gordon Hawkins, and Morris Robinson.

Makropulos Case – San Francisco Opera (July 25)

Soprano Karita Mattila headlines in one of her signature roles alongside Miro Dvorsky, Gerd Grochowski, and Dale Travis. Jiří Bělohlávek conducts.

Der Ring des Nibelungen – LA Opera (July 25)

For those who love Wagner’s Ring, this is the perfect opportunity to engage with it ALL DAY LONG. LA Opera will be streaming a webcast of the famed tetralogy throughout the entire day in a production conducted by James Conlon. As an added bonus, you can also check out Russell Thomas’ recital on Monday, July 20.

Lawrence Brownlee and Friends – Ryan Center Chicago (July 26)

In what is undoubtedly the online opera event of the week, tenor Lawrence Brownlee will perform alongside such artists as J’Nai Bridges, Whitney Morrison, Will Liverman, Leroy Davis, Lunga Eric Hallam, and Martin Luther Clark, among others. The concert will feature a wide range of repertory including arias, songs, and spirituals.

Festival Finale – Pittsburgh Festival Opera (July 26)

The Pittsburgh Festival Opera will close out its festival with a virtual event featuring performances, interviews, and cocktails. The event will be hosted by Anna Singer and Robert Frankenberry.

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