Steve Jobs is one of the most revered and enigmatic personalities in recent history. He created one of the biggest companies and is responsible for some of the most popular products in modern society. After numerous film adaptations with different actors, Edward Parks will have the task of portraying the figure in Mason Bates’ first opera, “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.” {…}
Leah Crocetto is known for her work in Verdi’s spinto roles as well as her interpretation of my Puccini operas. She has garnered acclaim in this repertoire and is among the rising stars in the opera world. However, this weekend she steps out of these boundaries and moves into the realm of Bel Canto for her role debut as Eleonora {…}
Ten years ago Michael Fabiano announced himself as one of the most promising tenors of his generation. The tenor was competing for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was also part of the class that was filmed in the movie “The Audition.” His strength and intensity and his strong stage presence made him a sensation with the judges and {…}
This week the Rome Opera opens a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Caracalla with an intriguing young cast. However, what will be most excited to see is Argentine director Valentina Carrasco´s vision for the work. The Latin American director will bring her Latin flare to the famed Bizet opera in her first production, which will feature a Dia {…}
Jonas Kaufmann is quite frankly the most famous tenor in the world. Ever since his breakout, audiences have followed Kaufmann’s career transition from the lyric repertoire to the most dramatic pieces in the tenor fach. And this week Kaufmann adds what most consider the Mount Everest of all tenor roles, “Otello.” It is considered the most difficult role by tenors {…}
Rising stars take different paths. Some win competitions, others work their way up, while others get lucky by making a last-minute debut. Kirsten Chambers is having the season of her life, starting with a Metropolitan Opera debut that made headlines when she replaced Patricia Racette as Salome earlier this fall. Now, following a series of debuts, including one at Carnegie Hall, Chambers is {…}
The title role in “Madama Butterfly” is one that many sopranos, both past and present, have made their own. Lianna Haroutounian is among the artists on that list and this week she reminds audiences why as she brings her acclaimed portrayal of Cio-Cio-San to the Hamburg State Opera in her house debut. The Armenian soprano recently performed the work in San {…}
This week San Francisco Opera’s summer season begins, offering three favorites from the repertoire with intriguing casts. But it is Quinn Kelsey who has the honor of opening the season and bringing one of his most acclaimed roles to the house. As “Rigoletto” the Hawaiian baritone has brought his portrayal to Paris, Hawaii, London, Zurich, Santa Fe, and, most recently, {…}
This week the Teatro Massimo di Palermo opens its production of Massenet’s “Werther” with two tenors. The first is Francesco Meli, a well-known performer who has scaled the heights of some of the world’s opera houses. However, the second tenor, Shalva Mukeria, will make his role debut and that is a reason for celebration. The tenor has been hailed by critics {…}
Plácido Domingo needs no introduction. He not only holds the record for most roles sung in opera for a single individual, but also has a lengthy career that has spanned half a century. And this week he celebrates his 50th anniversary at the Vienna State Opera in a special gala. The tenor made his debut at the Vienna State Opera {…}
This week the Royal Opera House will revive Nicholas Hytner’s production of Verdi’s “Don Carlo” and with it, an intriguing rising star will appear as Elisabetta. The soprano in question will be Kristin Lewis who will make her Royal Opera debut after Krassimira Stoynova canceled the production. Lewis is slowly building her name internationally as she gained acclaimed in Italy, {…}
