Q & A: Composer Matthew Peterson on Creating ‘Voir Dire’ & the Challenges of Academic Training

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 {…}

Nov 12, 2020

Q & A: Lawrence Brownlee & Michael Spyres on Rossini, New ‘Amici e Rivali’ Album, Theatre Closures, and the Road Ahead

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, {…}

Nov 10, 2020

At Home With – Soprano Danielle de Niese in Glyndebourne

(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 {…}

Nov 6, 2020

Q & A: Carrie-Ann Matheson on Salzburg Festival, Europe & Her New Position at the Merola Opera Program

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, {…}

Nov 6, 2020

Q & A: John Osborn on ‘I Puritani,’ Hopes & Fears In COVID-19 World

(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 {…}

Nov 2, 2020

Q & A: Elīna Garanča on the Challenges COVID-19 Presents for the Opera World Faces

(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 {…}

Nov 2, 2020

Q & A: Alžběta Poláčková On The Brno Janacek Festival, ‘Osud’ & Establishing A Successful Career In The Czech Republic

The Brno Janacek Festival 2020 kicked off with a performance of one of Janacek’s lesser known works, his semi-autobiographical opera “Osud,” with the Czech soprano Alžběta Poláčková in the lead female role of Mila. It would be a fair description to refer to Poláčková as one of the stars of the Czech National Opera, and no surprise that it was {…}

Oct 28, 2020

Restoring a Classic – How Opera Ritrovata Created a Critical Edition for Joseph Bologne’s ‘L’Amant Anonyme’

Back in the 18th century, Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges was one of the great figures of his day. He was a notable composer, violinst, and famed swordsman, with even Mozart having had great admiration for his talents. But a racist history would conspire to ultimately send him and his work into relative obscurity to the point that today, only {…}

Oct 27, 2020

Q & A: Leo Nucci on COVID-19, His Return to the Stage & the Teatro alla Scala

Leo Nucci is one of the most famous baritones in the world. During his career, he has performed dozens of roles, but the one for which he is certainly most famous is that of Rigoletto. He has performed his signature role more than 500 times all over the world including Teatro alla Scala, Arena di Verona, Opernhaus Zurich, Teatro Regio {…}

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