On Dec. 3, 2020, Opera San José will present an innovative fully staged production of Jake Heggie’s vibrant modern opera, “Three Decembers” via streaming. The production will include Maya Kherani, Efraín Solís, and Susan Graham and was filmed at Opera San José’s Heiman Digital Studio following all safety regulations. At the head of the production was General Director Khor Dastoor, {…}
When the world of opera speaks of its development into the future, that evolution usually centers on conversations taking place in traditional opera settings, including Europe and North America. But the Middle East has not often been a major focal point of that conversation. Paolo Petrocelli, author of “The Evolution of Opera Theatre in the Middle East and North Africa” {…}
(Credit: Gianfranco Rota) For years, audiences who wanted to get a taste of Donizetti’s rarest works presented in a manner of utmost care at the Donizetti Opera Festival had to make the pilgrimage to Bergamo, the composer’s birthplace. But COVID-19 has forced the event to take place via virtual means in 2020. As a result, audiences worldwide will get a {…}
Credit: Froede Wendelbo Swedish-American composer Matthew Peterson is an independent and vital voice in the new opera world. He studied at Gotland School of Music Composition, Indiana University School of Music, and St. Olaf College. Just as his education is varied, this composer’s music defies categorization and encompasses many different genres. His dynamic, socially relevant true-crime opera “Voir Dire (To {…}
On Nov. 13, 2020, renowned tenors Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres are set to release their new album “Amici e Rivali” on Erato. The selections draw from seven of Rossini’s operas, with an approach that not only celebrates his music but pays homage to the artists of the composer’s time who interpreted these works, such as Andrea Nozzi, Giovanni David, {…}
(Credit: Frances Marshall) “At Home With… ” is a brand new series collaboration between OperaWire and photographer Frances Marshall of Marshall Light Studio, combining original photography with insightful interviews. In this first edition, OperaWire spoke with singer, recording artist, television host, and ambassador of the arts, Danielle de Niese. De Niese lives in the main house at Glyndebourne—home of the {…}
In August, the Merola Opera Program named Carrie-Ann Matheson the new Artistic Director succeeding Sheri Greenawald. Her new position will provide artistic and musical leadership for all Opera Center artists and projects, including acting as the primary musical coach for its young artists, overseeing their development, collaborating on recitals, and conducting performances. Matheson began her career at the Metropolitan Opera, {…}
(Credit: Matilde Fasso) ***Note – this interview was conducted many weeks prior to the recent regulations imposed throughout Spain that have effectively forced many theaters, including the Ópera de Oviedo, to alter their schedules. Over the course of his 27-year career, American Tenor John Osborn has been distinguished as one of the top bel canto tenors in the world. With {…}
(Photo: Holger Hage for Deutsche Grammophon) Before answering each question, Elīna Garanča sighed heavily. “It’s difficult,” she said. I was angry at myself — some simple questions would probably improve the situation. And yet, we get what we get: one short call to discuss these tough times with a famous mezzo-soprano. And it was a difficult talk, indeed. It seems {…}