“Page to Opera Stage” looks at stories – real-life or fiction, old and new – that have inspired operas, and the ways these narratives have been edited and dramatized to fit a new medium. In this instalment, Thomas Mann’s “Death in Venice” proved the inspiration for a very different opera It is often said all writers draw from their own {…}
The Wexford Festival Opera is an internationally recognized event that programs unusual and rare works. It also prides itself in supporting rising stars and giving them opportunities to explore a diverse repertoire. This season the company will present Catalani’s “Edmea” for its inaugural production, starring Luciano Ganci, one of Italy’s leading tenors. Ganci will make his role debut as Oberto {…}
Tosca is a dream role for almost every soprano. It is a role where the diva gets to act and sing gorgeous lines as well as bring a number of complex emotions to the stage. It is also an opera that is action-driven like no other and features THE moment when the soprano gets to kill the baritone on stage. {…}
As we close out Latinx / Hispanic Heritage month, we take stock of some of the most renowned opera stars from Latin America. Instructions: You are free to solve the word search directly on your mobile or desktop device; just click the first and last letter of each word for it to appear on the screen. For those using a {…}
On Sept. 27, the Metropolitan Opera will make history presenting “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” It will be the first time the company presents an opera composed by a black composer – that composer is Terence Blanchard. Talking about the historical moment to the Washington Post the composer said, “It’s a bit overwhelming. Once you get into the rehearsal {…}
For this week’s edition of the quiz, we will shine a spotlight on Verdi’s “Macbeth.” Verdi’s “Macbeth” is one of the great Italian operas in the repertory and arguably one of the most unique. Verdi initially composed it in 1847 at the height of his “galley years” where Bel Canto traditions most influenced his musical output. However, given his close {…}
On Sept. 23, the Ópera de Bella Artes will open a new production of Graun’s rarely performed masterpiece “Montezuma.” It will be a chance for audiences to hear an early masterwork alongside some of Mexico’s prominent and rising stars. Among them will be Karen Gardeazabal, who will be making a role debut and her house debut. The Mexican soprano, who {…}
(Credit: Met Opera) For this week’s puzzle, we’re shifting focus to interpreters of Nadir in Bizet’s “Pêcheurs de Perles.” Instructions: You are free to solve the word scramble directly on your mobile or desktop device; just click the space and type in the letters in order. Once you’ve filled in the correct word, the cursor will jump to the next {…}
(Credit: Richard Hubert Smith) On Sept. 18, Switzerland’s Theater St. Gallen will open a new production of Missy Mazzoli‘s 2016 “Breaking the Waves,” one of the most acclaimed operas of recent years. This run of performances will mark the first time the country presents the work, which will bring a cast of rising stars including Vuvu Mpofu. Mpofu will interpret {…}
