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 {…}
Ben Heppner is undeniably one of the major figures of the 20th century, the tenor dominating all around the world in many of the most challenging dramatic roles of the opera repertoire. Heppner, born on Jan. 14, 1956, the tenor was a major figure at the Metropolitan Opera for many years where he showcased his talent in such works as {…}
We all know about Verdi, Donizetti, Rossini, Bellini, Puccini, Giordano, and the great Italian composers of the 19th century. We often attribute opera’s greatest gems to them, remembering every gorgeous melody and the potent emotions that they create for us. But they don’t deserve all the credit. In fact, without the text, most of these composers don’t write their music. {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment will showcase Norman Jewison’s {…}
James Morris and Sherrill Milnes were both born on Jan. 10, though Milnes is 12 years older than his American colleague. The two shared the stage on several occasions with Milnes taking on leading baritone roles and Morris championing the leading bass parts. Their voices usually aren’t categorized in the same manner, Milnes being a baritone and Morris a bass-baritone. {…}
Italian soprano Herva Nelli, born on Jan. 9, 1909, may not be a major household name the way other sopranos of the early 20th century have become, but she surely had an adventurous and prolific career that kicked off in the United States. Born in Italy, her family moved to the States when she was but 10, eventually studying at {…}
Puccini’s “Tosca” is currently making the rounds at the Metropolitan Opera and is considered one of the greatest operas in the canon. Or at least one of the best known. So people think. So as you prepare to take on this opera once again, whether at a theater or on the internet, or on your television, test out your knowledge {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment will showcase Ingmar Bergman’s {…}
When the Vienna State Opera kicks off its production of Bellini’s “I Puritani” on Jan. 4, the work will feature a soprano that few people have heard of in recent years – Venera Gimadieva, alongside a cast that includes Adam Plachetka, Jongmin Park, and Dmitry Korchak. Gimadieva is no outsider to be sure. The 33-year-old Russian soprano trained at the {…}
