Q & A : Mezzo-Soprano Jamie Barton On The Challenges of ‘Der Ring Des Nibelungen’ & Verdi vs. Wagner

This interview was conducted in collaboration with Francisco Salazar. Everyone knows what Jamie Barton can do. And if you don’t… The mezzo-soprano has firmly established herself over the past few years as one of the finest singing actresses on the planet, stealing scenes and garnering show-stopping applause with her incredible instrument and dramatic interpretation. She’s pulled off some historic feats {…}

May 30, 2018

Q & A: ‘Being Wagner’ Author Simon Callow On Discovering the German Master Anew

Next to William Shakespeare, Richard Wagner is one of the most written about figures in human history. His enigmatic qualities coupled with his unquestionable genius make him someone who fascinates as much as he bewilders and antagonizes. Volumes have been written about the composer from virtually every conceivable angle, whether it be his family, his adventures, his psychology, his philosophy, {…}

May 25, 2018

Q&A: Adela Zaharia On Winning Operalia & Her U.S. Debut At The LA Opera

It has been a whirlwind year for Adela Zaharia. The Romanian soprano won the Operalia competition in 2017 and since then her profile has risen. She made a surprising debut at the Bayerische Staatsoper, where she returns this summer for a new production. She was also featured as an ensemble member at the Deutsche Oper de Rhien, returned to the {…}

May 21, 2018

(Exclusive) Q & A: Kyle Albertson On His Heroic Wotan Debut In Dallas

On May 18, 2018, bass-baritone Kyle Albertson had one of the most surprising experiences of his career. Albertson, who is currently covering the role of Wotan at the San Francisco Opera, was asked on short notice to sing a concert performance of the role with the Dallas Symphony. After saying yes, Albertson took the first flight to Dallas and arrived {…}

May 13, 2018

Q&A: Pablo Heras-Casado On The Spanish Premiere Of ‘Die Soldaten’

Madrid’s Teatro Real is set to present the first-ever performances of Bernd Alois Zimmermann’s “Die Soldaten” in Spain. The occasion will see Spanish conductor Pablo Heras-Casado, the theater’s Principal Guest Conductor, in the pit with a distinguished cast and Calixto Bieto directing. Zimmermann’s only opera is one of the most challenging and extraordinary pieces in the 20th-century and when Oper {…}

May 12, 2018

Q & A: Kaufman Music Center’s Legendary Executive Director Lydia Kontos On Importance of Music & Opera Education, Working with Soprano Ailyn Pérez

We all know that the future of art in any country resides with the younger generations. Achieving that passing of the torch is far easier said than done and few embark fully on said commitment. Lydia Kontos, Executive Director of the Kaufman Music Center, is one such person who has made it her life to champion music education and develop {…}

May 7, 2018

Q & A: Guido Loconsolo On Specializing In Mozart, Figaro & Opera Naples

Guido Loconsolo is one today’s leading bass-baritones singing all over the world in every major opera house. His career has seen him perform many leading roles from Baroque composers, Verdi, Puccini, and Mozart, a composer he specializes in and wants to continue singing. This week he makes his Florida debut performing at Opera Naples under the direction of Ramon Tebar. {…}

May 4, 2018

Q & A: Soprano Francesca Aspromonte On Her New CD, Singing Baroque Music & The Future

This week Italian soprano, Francesca Aspromonte, a rising star in the early music scene, will see the release of her first solo CD, “Prologue.” At the age of only 27, she is standing on the threshold of a glittering career, with critics running out of adjectives to describe her performances. Aspromonte made her professional debut as La Musica in Monteverdi’s {…}