Schubert’s “Winterreise” is perhaps one of the most famous song cycles in the world. Composed of 24 contrasting songs, it is a whirlwind of emotions and a test for any singer. For many, it is the pinnacle of the lieder repertoire and one that poses some of the most difficult challenges for a recitalist. On Jan. 10, 2019 at the {…}
On Jan. 9, 2019, the New York City Opera proudly presented the 35th world premiere in the company’s history, Ted and Lesley Rosenthal’s “Dear Erich,” at the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. The jazz opera tells the story of Erich, a young man who emigrates the United States right as Hitler rises to power in {…}
This review is for the performance on Jan. 4, 2019. They say three times is a charm but in the case of the Metropolitan Opera, it took four tries to finally put on a production worthy of its legendary stature in the opera world. After three lackluster new productions, the company has finally hit a high note with Sir David McVicar’s 2010 {…}
Padua is not exactly one of Italy’s opera hotspots. It hosts at most three productions per year, two at its main theatre, “Teatro Verdi,” during October and December, and one outdoors in the courtyard of the Castello Carrarese during August. The choice of works tends to be conservative, and the run for each opera never amounts to more than a {…}
On Dec. 23, 2018, Talents of the World brought their first International Music Festival to a stunning conclusion with the company’s Christmas Ball. The night saw a wide-ranging program of opera, operetta, and Christmas songs, and from start to finish there remained a sense of celebration which added much to the showcase of artistry. To Health! Opening the concert was {…}
Dec. 22, 2018, saw the second concert of Talents of the World’s International Music Festival. Following their tribute concert to the legendary Maria Callas, Saturday’s performance was given in celebration of legendary tenor Enrico Caruso’s 145th anniversary. The evening’s program was comprised of not only operatic favorites, but a number of Neapolitan Songs as well. What followed was a highly-charged {…}
On Dec. 21, 2018, Talents of the World took to Carnegie Hall for the company’s first International Festival. This opening night of performances came as a tribute to legendary soprano Maria Callas, titled “Prima Donnas in Concert.” True to its name, the evening’s program was comprised of some of the most grippingly gorgeous arias, duets, and trios performed by a {…}
The Juilliard School’s 2018-19 season opener was impactful on multiple levels, creating a lasting impression. Juilliard has always been renowned for its high quality performers. But on this evening, there was something quite surprising in the air, the entire experience on a completely different plane of quality. Hanging Onto Every Word The first highlight was The Prologue, performed by Chance {…}
It’s a well-known fact, that Donizetti wrote his comic gem “L’Elisir d’Amore” in haste during a six-week period. Yet, his work exceeded all expectations, becoming the most often performed opera in Italy for next 15 years. One hundred and eighty five years later we have way higher expectations for this masterpiece, which can be a rather high bar to reach {…}