“Norma” is considered one of the most difficult soprano roles in the repertoire and for many singers, it is the pinnacle of the repertoire. But interestingly, Bellini’s masterpiece has also been performed by some mezzo-sopranos and this week, Vasilia Berzhanskaya, a mezzo, will add the demanding role to her growing Bel Canto repertoire. At the age of 29, the mezzo {…}
What do you get when you cross Richard Wagner’s “The Ring Cycle,” with its dramatic story of warring gods and goddesses told by the light of an exorbitant musical tapestry, the humorous animations of Warner Bros., a large helping of ironic self-awareness? Well, you end up with “What’s Opera, Doc?” The brain child of animators Chuck Jones and Michael Maltese, {…}
Last week the Opernhaus Zürich opened a new production of Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” led by two accomplished French singers. The cast also included one of today’s rising stars Brent Michael Smith. Smith made his professional role debut as Frère Laurent, a role that critics praised for his “soothing bass voice.” Audiences around the world were also able to see {…}
This week the Teatro alla Scala is set to present a new production of Donizetti’s masterpiece “Lucia di Lammermoor.” The production will bring together two of the greatest Bel canto singers of our time, Juan Diego Florez and Lisette Oropesa. It will also showcase rising star Boris Pinkhasovich. Pinkhasovich will sing the role of the villainous Enrico. The role marks {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera.) On April 8, Angela Gheorghiu will return to the Metropolitan Opera for the first time since 2015. Recognized as one of the great divas of her generation, the soprano will perform in the iconic diva role of “Tosca.” Gheorghiu last performed at the Met in Luc Bondy’s production of “Tosca” and she lit up the stage {…}
What happens when you mix incredible beauty with a knack for theatrical allure, a stellar work ethic, as well as a drive to succeed? Of course, you produce someone who’s situation can never get the best of them. Within the annals of operatic history are many figures for whom their upbringing did not promise them anything that was afforded them {…}
On March 17th, 1665, French composer and masterful harpsichordist Élisabeth Claude Jacquet de La Guerre was born to a highly musical family in Paris. She is best known for her many instrumental works, including her sonatas and suites, although her many vocal works, including songs, cantatas, and even operas, gave her name prestige. Elisabeth’s name, however, is cemented in operatic {…}
This week Rolando Villazón will bring his acclaimed production of Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” to the Semperoper Dresden. The opera will feature a number of rising stars including Emily Pogorelc, who will take on the title role. The production will mark Pogorelc’s role debut and house debut and will mark her first major Bellini opera; it is also one of her {…}
Photo: ShoutPR (Shout Factory) This review was written jointly by Chris and Finn Ruel. Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” directed by Florian Sigl, hit the silver screen nationwide on Mar. 10, 2023. It’s a fantasy film that captures the essence of Mozart’s stunning operatic fairy tale and does it well. There is much to commend about Sigl’s film. It’s well put {…}
