Daniel Auber, born on Jan. 29, 1782, was one of France’s leading composers in his day. During his time he was a master of the ópera comique and featured prominently throughout his home-country. He had a long-running collaboration with noted librettist Eugène Scribe. In sum, he has over 30 works to his name. And yet, he isn’t part of the {…}
It’s not every day a young singer graduates school, wins a competition, and immediately lands leading roles. Most take the path of young artist programs and go on to sing small roles in major opera houses before breaking out. But that is not the case with Samantha Hankey who this week makes another major debut in Europe. After a successful {…}
Justino Díaz had a tremendous career that rivals that of some of the other great singers of his era. Born on Jan. 29, 1940, Díaz’s singing career started off at a rather early age when he took classes in school at the age of eight. From there he would head over to the University of Puerto Rico and then the {…}
On Jan. 21, 2018, fans of Leonard Bernstein gathered in The Greene Space of Lower Manhattan for a night of songs and celebration in honor of the 100th birthday of the great composer. Hosted by WQXR’s Elliott Forrest, the event was equal parts reminiscence and reverie, in large part due to pianist Laura Downes, who performed much of her upcoming {…}
Surprise – we are changing things up a bit for this week’s Artist of the Week. It’s more like Artists of the Week simply because it was impossible to ignore their tantamount importance on this week’s collaboration. Juan Diego Flórez and Olga Peretyatko are two of today’s greatest stars in the opera world and this week both singers will take {…}
Joseph Calleja turns 40 years old today. Born on Jan. 22, 1978, the Maltese tenor has risen to the ranks of being one of the greatest singers in the world today. In commemoration of his 40th birthday, here are 40 fun facts about this still burgeoning artist. He was born in Attard, Malta. He was inspired to sing at the {…}
Marilyn Horne is one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of all time. Born on Jan. 16, 1934, the American singer would go on to become best-known for her domination of the bel canto and baroque repertoire. Her interpretations of Rossini are among the most iconic of the 20th century. But Horne’s career can’t just be seen in the light of her {…}
Sir David McVicar has been directing opera for quite some time, working with such prominent companies as the Royal Opera House, English National Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, La Monnaie, and the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. He has also sustained a healthy relationship with the Metropolitan Opera, particularly in recent years where he has been given carte blanche to put together {…}
Massenet’s “Manon” is known as the pinnacle of the lyric soprano repertoire. It is a massive five-act grand opera that showcases a soprano’s vocal fireworks as well the dramatic potential. And this week, Irina Lungu will take on the role for the first time at the Bilbao Opera. Lungu’s assumption of “Manon” is the culmination of what has been two seasons {…}
