Festival d’Aix-En-Provence 2017 Review – Eugene Onegin: A Showcase of Great Russian Talent in Tchaikovsky Great Masterpiece

Tchaikovsky’s most famous opera “Eugene Onegin” was on the program of the Festival international d’art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence’s 69th season in a concert performance. It was masterfully presented by Moscow’s Bolshoi’s choir and orchestra, under the baton of Tugan Sokhiev. The Theatre’s leading soloists included Igor Golovatenko in the title role, Anna Nechaeva as Tatiana, Bogdan Volkov as Lensky, soloist Svetlana {…}

Jul 19, 2017

Festival d’Aix-En-Provence 2017 Review – The Rake’s Progress: An Imaginative Production & Solid Cast Lend Insightful Reading of Stravinsky’s Neo-Classic Masterwork

“The Rake’s Progress,” an opera in three acts and an epilogue by Igor Stravinsky, was one of the six operas performed at this year’s Festival International d’art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence. Although relatively modern, compared to the classical opera repertoire (it premiered on 11 April 1951), Simon McBurney’s visually striking and infinitely creative staging gives it an additional innovative edge. English actor, {…}

Jul 11, 2017

The Chautauqua Opera Company 2017 Review – L’Orfeo: Respighi’s Orchestration of the Monteverdi Masterwork Asserts the Power of Music

“L’Orfeo” debuted in 1607, as Capt. John Smith sailed across the Atlantic to found a settlement in Jamestown, Virginia. It is the oldest opera in the repertoire. So for it to have an American premiere of any sort in 2017 is remarkable. But on Saturday, July 8th, 2017, the Respighi orchestration of Monteverdi’s version of the tale of Orpheus and {…}

Jul 7, 2017

OperaRox Productions 2016-17 Review – Sweets by Kate: An Uneven Work Makes History At Stonewall

Tucked away in the Legendary Greenwich Village gay bar, Stonewall, the New York premiere of “Sweets by Kate” was being held. The opera was not only making a New York premiere but it was also the first opera with lesbian protagonists to be shown at the historic LGBT monument. OperaRox Productions, an underground, indie opera company founded by mezzo-soprano Kim Feltkamp, {…}

Jul 5, 2017

Prague National Opera 2017 Review – Aida: An Incoherent Production With a Farcical Ballet & Underwhelming Singing

“Aida” is one of the most complex operas in the repertory as it has demanding music that requires singers with immense voices that can also create riveting portrayals of deeply emotional and complex beings. However, it seems like most opera companies nowadays use this opera as a fan favorite and present it in routine productions that look like they are {…}

Jul 4, 2017

Prague Summer Nights 2017 Review – Le Nozze Di Figaro: A Solid Cast Makes For An Enjoyable Evening Of Mozart

Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” is considered a masterpiece on all levels, musically and dramatically. But it is also an opera that is incredibly complicated to stage. A production needs great singing actors who meet the demands that Mozart and da Ponte required. Luckily, the Prague Summer Nights lined up a cast that was very well directed by Maria Zouves {…}

Jul 3, 2017

Teatro La Fenice 2017 Review – La Sonnambula: A Risk-Taking Diva & Production Elevate Bellini’s Musical Genius

Bellini’s pastoral opera “La Sonnambula” made a welcome return to La Fenice, in a revival of Bepi Morassi’s 2012, widely-acclaimed production. In this outing, conducted by Fabrizio Maria Carminati, Irina Dubrovskaya played the role of Amina, with Shalva Mukeria as Elvino and Roberto Scandiuzzi as Rodolfo. The minor roles were undertaken by Julie Mellor as Teresa, Silvia Frigato as Lisa {…}

Jul 2, 2017

Des Moines Metro Opera Review 2017 – Billy Budd: Zachary James Illuminates Britten Masterwork With His Own Masterpiece Interpretation

If you surveyed the most recent 1,000 opera reviews, “testosterone” would not be one of the top hits. Unless you were Googling the Des Moines Metro Opera’s new production of “Billy Budd,” which promises to be the hit of its 45th season. Energized by the transformative performance of Zachary James as the “villain” John Claggart, this story is about much {…}