Two of America’s greatest singers, James Morris and Sherrill Milnes also share a birthday on Jan. 10. So to celebrate the birth of these two opera legends, here is a quiz with a simple concept – we make a statement and you have to pick which of these two artists it applies to. As always, enjoy!
(Credit: Hans Fahrmeyer) Wagner’s “Der Fliegende Holländer” is a work of consummate importance. Premiering on Jan. 2, 1843, it launched the famed composer in a new direction, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, composers of opera. This is an opera that the most beloved of Wagnerians would know inside and out. So here is {…}
(Credits: Cory Weaver/Metropolitan Opera) Piotr Beczala is undeniably one of the most renowned tenors of the last few years, his profile growing year to year. In 2019, he not only delivered a number of historic performances (including two high profile showcases in which he encored noted arias), but he also received a Grammy nomination, and won Oper! Magazine Award’s Male {…}
Throughout the history of opera, December has seemingly been a favorite for major world premieres. So to celebrate the holiday season and opera, we take a look at major operas that world premiered in the final month of the year. Throughout this quiz you will see references to “December opera,” meaning a piece that had its first performance this month. {…}
Maria Callas is one of the greatest opera legends the world has ever known. Her career spanned several decades with the soprano best known for her intense portrayals of a wide range of roles. So for this quiz, we turn to her roles and repertory. How well do you know her trajectory? Have fun!
Donizetti, born on Nov. 29, 1797, is one of the major contributors to the modern canon. Among his most recognized operas are “Lucia di Lammermoor,” “L’Elisir d’Amore,” the Tudor Queen trilogy, and “Don Pasquale” to name just a few. But he composed dozens upon dozens of works throughout his career, many of which remain obscure to this day. So for {…}
“Fidelio” is the only opera that Beethoven gave the world. And while its flaws are notable, there is no doubt that its finest, there are few things more powerful than this very opera. So to celebrate the anniversary of the opera’s world premiere on Nov. 20, 1805, we have prepared a fun little quiz that will “reveal” how you would {…}
Leonie Rysanek is one of the most beloved sopranos of the 20th century. Born on Nov. 14, 1926, she would forge a major career as an interpreter of the works of Wagner and Strauss. She was also a champion of many of the heavier Verdi roles. Later in her career, she transitioned to becoming a mezzo-soprano, leaving her mark on {…}
(Credit: Allan Warren) Dame Joan Sutherland was born on Nov. 7, 1926. The great Australian soprano would go on to conquer an entire generation of opera lovers with her flawless vocal technique and exquisite sense of line. She was and remains, for many, the epitome of bel canto singing of the 20th century. In celebration of her recent birthday, here {…}
“Don Giovanni” is one of the greatest operas ever created The opera had its world premiere on Oct. 29, 1787 and it remains one of the most performed work in the repertory. In honor of the celebration of its recent anniversary, we are releasing a quiz that centers on the opera’s history as as well as some interesting insights into {…}
The Richard Tucker Foundation Gala kicks off one Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. For years, this has become a touchstone event in New York City opera culture. Winners are announced in the spring to great fanfare with the famed fall / winter gala’s lineup among one of the most anticipated announcements of the opera season. In this week’s quiz, we will {…}