In the body of opera-oriented films, from contemporary works like ‘The Moon and the Stars‘ (2007), and ‘Florence Foster Jenkins‘ (2016), to earlier icons like ‘Fire at the Opera‘ (1930) and ‘Champagne Waltz‘ (1939), the ways opera and operatic life is conveyed on screen is highly diverse. However, go far enough backwards and one will find a way of conveying the operatic body {…}
Photo Credit: Arnaldo Colombaroli/Teatro Colon. Throughout opera, one can find tales of undeserved execution, unjust torture, and brutal treatment. Yet, one can also find tales of noble bravery, stalwart moral goodness, and uncompromisable virtue. Two sides of human nature, brutality is often not far from humanity and in opera, we are able to see this in spades. These stories, however, {…}
On July 18, the Bayerische Staatsoper will open a new production of Fauré’s rarely performed work “Penelope.” Based on the famed Homer epic poem, The “Odyssey,” the work, will receive a new production by Andrea Berth and will star the rising mezzo-soprano Victoria Karkacheva. The Russian will not only make her role debut in the title role, but she will {…}
On July 19, the Teatro Real will broadcast the iconic Willy Decker production of “La Traviata,” marking 20 years since the production premiered. When it opened in 2005, it became an instant classic for its modern, minimalist approach and its stark staging focusing on the three main characters. The production also emphasized time and Violetta’s impending death through a large {…}
(Credit: AJ Coots) Wexford Festival Opera has named Suzanne Nance to the position of Executive Director. Nance, who was recently stepped down from her position at All Classical Radio after 10 years with the company, will take up her new role in January 2026, taking over for Interim Executive Direcor Loughlin Deegan. “I am deeply honoured to join Wexford Festival {…}
San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Opera Orchestra, represented by American Federation of Musicians Local 6 have reached a new agreement. The two-year contract, which has a term from August 1, 2025 – July 31, 2026, increases wages and enhances retirement packages during each year of the contract, as well as increasing the collaboration between the orchestra and company in {…}
John Irvin’s 2007 film “The Moon and the Stars” is a tale of arduous love, societal stigma, and unyielding dedication to art. The story revolves around the production of a cinematic rendition of Puccini’s fifth opera, “Tosca.” There are two primary narratives that play out in tandem: the arrest of the production’s director, Davide Rieti, a gay Jewish man played by {…}
Photo Credit: Lisa Chanell As Pride 2025 comes to a close, it’s helpful to remember the many voices which contributed to the liberated voicing of the LGBT+ community that we’ve heard this month. From the ripples caused by Stonewall, embodied sexual openness and its celebration in many forms, to dramatic stories of frustrated love, opera has become a preeminent venue {…}
This week, the Santa Fe Opera is set to open its 2025 season with a production of “La Boheme” featuring a cast of rising stars, including Emma Marhefka, who will make an unexpected company debut. The soprano, who was a Santa Fe Opera Apprentice in 2024, stepped in at the last minute to sing the role of Musetta, a part she {…}
