When audiences headed to see Rossini’s “Otello” this past March at LoftOpera, many were looking forward to seeing the rare bel canto opera and its famed three tenor roles. But when all was said and done, the consensus seemed to be quite surprising – soprano Cecilia Violetta Lopez owned the run. Here at OperaWire, we singled out her work as {…}
Haydn’s “Creation” is one of the great musical masterworks of all time, the ambitious oratorio relating the creation of the world as told through “Genesis.” Since its premiere in 1799, Haydn’s masterpiece has been a fixture at every major concert venue around the world, including some sacred locales around the world. This week, the oratorio will be showcased at the {…}
For years Kate Lindsey has been dominating the operatic scene with her endearing characterizations in some of the most famous pants roles in the repertoire, particularly the character of Nicklausse in “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.” This year, audiences will finally be able to see Lindsey in a very different light as she explores the world of Kurt Weill and his contemporaries {…}
A few weeks ago, I sat in a small theater at the National Opera Center for a preview of some of the works being offered at this year’s New York Opera Fest. While there were both traditional and unique experiences showcased that evening, I was particularly drawn to a powerful moment during which three different people came onstage to perform {…}
While the bel canto repertoire is among the most popular in the operatic canon, most people are quick to dismiss the genre’s overall quality, noting that the works themselves are simply a vehicle to show off a singer’s virtuosity. But Irina Lungu could not disagree more. The Russian soprano, who has dedicated the first five months of 2017 to immersing {…}
How do you balance three different careers? That is the question that Dolora Zajick is asking herself as she steps into a new phase of her career. “I’m running my organization, I’m singing and I’m composing. And I’ve got to find a way to reorganize myself so I can do everything I want,” she told OperaWire during a conversation in {…}
Madame Tussaud’s. The Cotton Club. The Bronx Zoo. The West Side Community Gardens. The Museum of Natural History. What do all of these have in common? On Site Opera. The organization, which is the brainchild of Eric Einhorn and Jessica Kiger, has either performed at all of these venues, among others or is slated to showcase an opera in the {…}
Diana Damrau’s “Grand Opera” album dedicated to Giacomo Meyerbeer was always meant to be. From her very first encounter with the famed German composer to her first meeting with Alain Lanceron, the global president of Warner Classics & Erato, the soprano was always going to develop a strong association with Meyerbeer. It just took a long time and a lot {…}
For 50 years, the Metropolitan Opera has made its home in Lincoln Center, creating numerous cathartic and revelatory memories for both audiences and artists alike. In speaking with some of the world’s greatest artists that have performed at the Met, OperaWire has been granted the opportunity to hear some unique, enriching and entertaining stories and experiences that have taken place {…}