The idea that opera is a controversial influence on society is not a new idea per se. Beginning in the early 17th century, the idea of “opera” in its formal meaning began to spread, and by the end of the next century, it had become a seminal part of cosmopolitan life in Baroque (then Classical) Europe. That being said, during the {…}
There’s been a lot of opera in 2024. And quite frankly, there’s been a lot of good opera. So as has become our tradition, here is a look at some of OperaWire’s editorial team’s picks for their personal favorite performances of 2024. Matt Costello: Act three of “Götterdämmerung” – Tanglewood It’s always a tricky thing to think about one’s “Performance {…}
(Credit: Grand Théâtre de Genève) This week the Grand Théâtre de Genève is set to open a new production of Giordano’s “Fedora,” a rarely performed work that has become a showcase for a star soprano in recent years. This week Aleksandra Kurzak will sing her first Fedora, adding yet another demanding role to her growing diverse repertoire. Over the past {…}
This week the Teatro alla Scala opens its 2024-25 season with “La Forza del Destino.” The Dec. 7 opening is considered one of the most important evenings in opera as the opera will be streamed and broadcast live around the world and will feature some of the most important opera stars currently performing. It will also include a rising star, {…}
(Credit: Brescia – Amisano © Teatro alla Scala) The “Prima della Scala” is more than just an opera performance; it’s a quintessential Italian event that intertwines art, history, and tradition, captivating global audiences every December 7th. This year, Teatro alla Scala inaugurates its 2024/2025 season with Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” Here are five essential insights to help you fully {…}
This week La Monnaie/De Mont is set to open the world premiere of Fanny and Alexander. The work is based on Oscar-winning film “Fanny och Alexander” from 1982. The work will include a commanding cast of 16 soloists many of them veterans and some newcomers. Among them are Anne Sofie von Otter. Over the years, Von Otter has evolved her {…}
On Nov. 20, the Teatro San Carlo is set to open its 2024-25 season with a new production of “Rusalka.” The company has assembled an all-star cast including Asmik Grigorian and Adam Smith, among many other notable names. But the evening is even more special as Georgian Mezzo superstar Anita Rachvelishvili will make a return to the opera stage. After {…}
(Credit: Jonathan Tichler / Met Opera) “After 18 years running the Met, and a lifetime of experience in classical music and opera, it’s clear to me that the solution to sustaining opera is through artistic reinvention, both with new operas by living composers, and reimagined productions of classics that can resonate with audiences of today.” So writes Met Opera General {…}
(Photo Credit: Bielefeld Marketing GmbH) In the northwest of Germany lies one of the most important venues for operatic history past and present. Situated in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Bielefeld boasts a funny conspiracy theory that the city, in fact, does not exist at all. However, the city does exist, and its cultural history is {…}
