(Credit: Hawai’i Opera Theatre) The new opera, “Hometown to the World” by composer Laura Kaminsky and librettist Kimberly Reed had its digital world premiere on May 21, 2021, at 1 p.m. HST with Hawai’i Opera Theatre. “Hometown to the World” is commissioned by the Santa Fe Opera and co-commissioned by the Hawai’i Opera Theatre. This work centers on the ICE {…}
The year 1637 saw one of operatic history’s defining moments: Venice’s San Cassiano theatre, the world’s first public opera house, opened its doors to the paying public for the first time for a performance of “L’Andromeda” by Francesco Manelli to a text by Benedetto Ferrari. Anyone who could afford the price of a ticket could attend. Opera had escaped the {…}
(Credit: Greg Helgeson) On the other side of the concert stage or recording booth from the singer, another artist is working their magic. This is the music recording artist. They consult about repertoire, prepare for the recording sessions, produce them and later supervise all post-production activities. One of the best in this field is David Frost, who has produced numerous {…}
A few months back, I spoke with members of the MET Orchestra Musicians about their concert series and the state of affairs within the organization. But what of the 80-member world-renowned Met Chorus that delivers show-stopping performances and put the grand in grand opera? Members of this elite group of musicians are dedicated professionals who sing in 15-20 productions per season, {…}
Baritone Keith Phares, renowned as a master of a wide repertoire ranging from Mozart through to today’s most prominent composers, has been recognised as “an authentic contemporary-American-opera divo” in the media. Recently, in this year’s Grammy Awards, he shined as nominee for Best Opera Recording for his soloist role in Carlisle Floyd’s “Prince of Players.” This was a recording of {…}
(Credit: Chris Singer) In Gramophone’s Opera recording of the year, Handel’s “Agrippina” with Erato Records, there are many shinning vocal performances, including those by Joyce DiDonato, Marie-Nicole Lemieux, Franco Fagioli, and Luca Pisaroni, to name but a few. Luca Pisaroni wows the listener in the role of the bumbling Emperor Claudio. Pisaroni is perhaps best-known these days for his work {…}
On March 25, María José Siri made history at the Ópera de las Palmas in Spain by becoming the first woman to give an encore at the opera house. The soprano was not only taking on her first performances in the role of “Adriana Lecouvreur” but was also making her house debut at the prestigious Spanish theater. The production was {…}
(Photo credit: Frances Marshall) “At Home With… ” is a series collaboration between OperaWire and photographer Frances Marshall of Marshall Light Studio, combining original photography with insightful interviews. Between New York City and the stunning scenery of England’s Surrey Hills, a rumble like a temblor traveled across the Atlantic. On the Surrey side was the renowned bass, Brindley Sherratt. After the {…}
Soprano Angel Blue has become an operatic sensation. She recently had a stellar turn as Bess in the Metropolitan Opera’s 2019-20 season opener of “Porgy and Bess”. This year the recording won a Grammy for Best Opera Recording, with Angel Blue giving the acceptance speech onscreen. A natural on camera, she has also launched and hosted an online chat show {…}
