As we wrap up 2023, 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 2023 Metropolitan Opera Review of “Die Zauberflöte” Arena di Verona Review of “Aida“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “Don Giovanni“ Metropolitan Opera Review of {…}
It’s time of the year. The moment we wrap up the year and look back at our favorite moments. After releasing our favorite performances of 2023 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 and had major breaks or performances. So {…}
(Credit: W.Hoesl) It’s been a year since Diana Damrau sang a role on the opera stage. Her last was in 2022 when she made her role debut as the Countess in “Capriccio.” Since then Damrau has been open about taking a step back from the dramatic Bel Canto roles and has noted that she does not want to sing “crazy {…}
And we’re back. And as has become the tradition here at OperaWire, we have asked our writers to select their choices for the opera performances that truly marveled them in 2023. So without further ado, here are our writers’ picks. Enjoy! Joao Copertino This year, in my opinion, the best performance was Aix-en-Provence’s “Picture a Day Like This,” a world premiere {…}
(Credit: Brescia e Amisano) On Dec. 7, 2023, the Teatro alla Scala is set to open its 2023-24 season with a new production of Verdi’s “Don Carlo.” The opera, which has opened the theater on numerous occasions is one of the most beloved at the theater. For this special night, the company has enlisted an all-star cast including Francesco Meli. {…}
(Photo Credits: Karen Almon/Metropolitan Opera) Throughout this new series, we will be looking at the history of American opera, beginning in the 2000s through to the present, through revisiting certain iconic works of the past two decades and OperaWire’s coverage of them throughout the 21st century. In part one, we looked at the developments of the 2000s. In part two, {…}
This past month the Salzburg Landestheater premiered a new production of “Aida” with a cast of rising stars and well-established singers. Now as the production continues its run, a new Amneris is taking over the rest of the run. Julia Rutigliano will make her role debut as Amneris, a role that the mezzo notes is a milestone. In a statement {…}
(Callas enshrouded in reporters. Credit: Maurice Zalewski/ADOC photos) Vignettes of onstage outtakes are aplenty. Daily shots of the soprano, less so. Here’s a peek into Maria’s typical excursions—culinary and sartorial; social and cultural—on a work(not really)less day. Coruscating like the crystalline intrusion of a cocktail dress’ brooch asparkle in a parking lot; a spotlight pooling blindness onto “Poliuto”‘s Paolina; {…}
On Nov. 16, Ailyn Pérez will make history at the Metropolitan Opera when she headlines the first-ever Latin American Opera in the company’s history (and only the third Spanish-language opera). The soprano will sing the title role of “Florencia en el Amazonas,” making her role debut and marking her first Spanish-language opera ever. The Mexican-American soprano will also headline her {…}
