(Photo Credit: New.MN) Opera exists all throughout the world, from more traditional forms which depart from the Westernized form like Peking opera, to more blended forms like the Zarzuela. Outside the European framework, opera has taken on an incredibly diverse range of complexions, from the Savoy opera to the Farsa. And while many more categories exist, it cannot be denied {…}
(Credit: Jennifer Taylor / Met Opera) This week the Met revives “Rigoletto” for the second time this season. The company has assembled yet another star cast that includes one of the most anticipated debuts of the season, Pene Pati. Pati will bring his acclaimed Duke of Mantua, a role he has performed all over the world including at the Wiener {…}
As we wrap up 2024, here is a look back at some of the most-read articles of 2023. We will focus mainly on longer-form pieces like reviews and interviews for this article. Top 10 Most-Read Reviews of 2024 Metropolitan Opera Review of “Carmen“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “La Forza del Destino“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” Metropolitan Opera {…}
Photo Credit: Hindemith Foundation/Blonay, Switzerland Christmas is a time of celebration for many people for many different reasons. Whether someone is religious or not, the Holiday season is a great time to connect with many of classical music’s absolute seasonal favorites like Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors,’ and Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ It is also, however, {…}
It is time to wrap up the year and look back at our favorite moments and performers. After releasing our favorite performances of 2024 and showcasing our rising stars of the year, it’s time for OperaWire’s annual tradition of naming our top 11 singers of the year, performers that we thought stood out. Performers who had major breaks, headlined major productions or simply had {…}
The idea that opera is a controversial influence on society is not a new idea per se. Beginning in the early 17th century, the idea of “opera” in its formal meaning began to spread, and by the end of the next century, it had become a seminal part of cosmopolitan life in Baroque (then Classical) Europe. That being said, during the {…}
(Credit: Grand Théâtre de Genève) This week the Grand Théâtre de Genève is set to open a new production of Giordano’s “Fedora,” a rarely performed work that has become a showcase for a star soprano in recent years. This week Aleksandra Kurzak will sing her first Fedora, adding yet another demanding role to her growing diverse repertoire. Over the past {…}
(Credit: TACT/Askonas Holt/Intermusica/Natalia Jansen) It’s that time of the year. The end of the year. 2024 brought many debuts, many new productions, many competitions, many world premieres and many new young artists who are coming up in the world of opera. And that it is reason alone to celebrate. As the year comes to an end, here’s a look at {…}
This week the Teatro alla Scala opens its 2024-25 season with “La Forza del Destino.” The Dec. 7 opening is considered one of the most important evenings in opera as the opera will be streamed and broadcast live around the world and will feature some of the most important opera stars currently performing. It will also include a rising star, {…}
