Conductor Rafael Kubelík, born on June 29, 1914, is not often one of the names often associated with the operatic greats. And he never quite got the opportunity to build that legacy due to a number of mitigating circumstances with two of the great opera companies in the world. Here is a look at his career at those major companies. {…}
Thomas Hampson, born on June 28, is one of the great American singers of the past few decades. He has dominated many of the famed baritone roles, constantly expanding his own limits of what many have thought possible. But Hampson’s career has not been limited to what he can do in the opera house or concert hall. He has sought {…}
Anna Moffo and Inva Mula share one thing in common – they are both lyric sopranos that have some overlapping roles and operas that they both performed. But the sopranos, both born on June 27, also share something quite unique – TV and film. Both opera singers have gotten their respective opportunities to not only shine on the operatic stage, {…}
This week the Rome Opera opens a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Caracalla with an intriguing young cast. However, what will be most excited to see is Argentine director Valentina Carrasco´s vision for the work. The Latin American director will bring her Latin flare to the famed Bizet opera in her first production, which will feature a Dia {…}
Among the great works of the Romantic composer Robert Schumann, husband of the brilliant composer Clara Schumann, are the composer’s many art songs, piano repertoire, quartets, trios, and song cycles. But few know that the composer also created an opera of his own. ‘Genoveva‘ premiered on June 25, 1850 at the Leipzig Altes Theatre and has never had a long {…}
James Levine is one of the most influential people in the history of 20th-century opera. The Metropolitan Opera’s maestro has led the company for four decades, essentially making himself the face of the opera house during that time period. The conductor, born on June 23, 1943, is now entering the twilight of his career but remains strong in his endeavors. {…}
Offenbach is regarded as one of the greatest operetta composers of his generation and is also recognized for his masterwork “Les Contes D’Hoffman.” His vocal writing is beloved and singers love performing his work. However, for most, his orchestral work and solo work often gets overlooked. One such example is his cello concerto. Let’s not forget that this master composer {…}
Jonas Kaufmann is quite frankly the most famous tenor in the world. Ever since his breakout, audiences have followed Kaufmann’s career transition from the lyric repertoire to the most dramatic pieces in the tenor fach. And this week Kaufmann adds what most consider the Mount Everest of all tenor roles, “Otello.” It is considered the most difficult role by tenors {…}
Happy Father’s Day! Fathers are those we turn to in moments of need, who set great examples by which we can live by and, the best, seek out ways to enrich our lives every day. Opera has quite the list of famous fathers, and unlike the mothers, who are often portrayed negatively, fathers come in all shapes and sizes. So {…}
