February 11, 1840. Donizetti was premiering his latest work, a French comedy known as “La Fille du Regiment.” Among his works, it was a true rarity in its approach to style. He had a lot banking on this work, looking to fully establish his reputation in the cultural capital of the world. But it was a disaster. One of the {…}
On Friday, Feb. 10, legendary soprano soprano Leontyne Price turns 90. The soprano is perhaps one of the greatest in the history of all of opera, her influence spreading far and wide. Not only do other artists embrace her greatness, but her prominence on the operatic stage in the 50’s and 60’s helped open the door for black singers to {…}
Hildegard Beherens is regarded as one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of the 20th century as she delivered intensity in everything she portrayed. Sometimes criticized for her over acting, whatever Behrens did on stage was still effective and memorable. In celebration of the great soprano’s birthday, OperaWire takes a look at the mad scenes that Behrens portrayed. Salome One can {…}
Today the fashion world gets together to display the latest trends for the upcoming spring season. Designers will show off everything from concept designs, gowns to regular clothing for everyday use. The week may be attended by some of opera’s biggest superstars and they may just get a new dress designed for their upcoming recital or concert. To celebrate Fashion {…}
On Feb. 12 Joyce DiDonato adds her name to the pantheon of sopranos who have performed the daunting role of Rossini’s “Semiramide.” DiDonato will premiere a new production from the Bayerische Staatsoper and it is her role debut as well. Having been Rossini’s final Italian opera, there is a reason it has become so popular in recent times. As a {…}
In our first article on black history month we took a look at the opera stars making their mark in the biggest of ways, the singing actors taking headlines at the biggest houses in the world. As we continue to celebrate black history month OperaWire will recognize other black singers making waves in the opera world, many of them rising {…}
On Feb. 5, 1911, the world was given the great gift that was Jussi Björling. The Swedish tenor became an icon throughout his career, his perfect vocal control a defining feature of his extensive career. Björling is in many ways synonymous with the Metropolitan Opera, becoming one of the company’s principal artists throughout the 1940’s and 50’s singing a wide {…}
Verdi’s “Otello” is arguably the greatest opera ever written. Premiering on Feb. 5, 1887 amidst tremendous fanfare and anticipation, Verdi’s second-to-last work was one of the few instances where the hype was not only met but tremendously exceeded. To that point, Verdi was recognized as a genius, his operatic output among the greatest work of any composer to that time. {…}
Martina Arroyo is one of the greatest singers of 1960’s and 1980’s and was part of the first generation of black opera singers to achieve wide success. Today she is viewed as part of an instrumental group of performers who helped break down the barriers of racial prejudice in the opera world. This year Arroyo celebrates her 80th birthday and {…}
