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 {…}
It is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of the black community and how they have affected change around the world in all areas. The opera world is no exception with many great black artists dominating around the globe in the biggest theaters there are. As a month-long celebration, OperaWire will provide weekly features that embrace the {…}
Philip Glass is one of the most acclaimed composers of our time. The composer’s minimalist approach to composition balances the melodic with the arpeggiated rhythm. Most will say that his music all sounds the same but if you listen closely, you’ll discover the intricate melodies within the rhythmic structure. On Jan. 31, 1937 Phillip Glass turns 80 and OperaWire takes {…}
Mario Lanza was born on Jan. 31, 1921, but unfortunately lived just 38 years, dying in 1959. Everyone knows who Lanza is. Regardless of whether you go to the opera or not, the matinee idol’s sunshine voice is among the most recognizable in the history of the 20th century music. Lanza’s great face and our memory of his voice really {…}
