(Photo: © Riccardo Sammartini) Dave Monaco is not yet 30, but has already been hailed as a “tenor with exquisite natural vocality but impetuous elegance.” He is one of the most talented singers of the bel canto repertoire, particularly valued for his interpretations of Rossini’s work. Monaco has made a name for himself as a true virtuoso in the world {…}
(Photo: Alan Neilson) The main presentation at this year’s Bayreuth Baroque Festival was a lavish, fully staged production of Francesco Cavalli’s 1666 opera, “Pompeo Magno,” boasting a large cast of high-quality singers and actors. Playing the role of Giulia was the Belgian soprano Sophie Junker, who, since winning both the London Händel Competition in 2010 and Innsbruck’s Cesti Competition in {…}
Franco Fagioli is one of the leading virtuoso countertenors in the world, who has taken his own path in the repertoire and redefined the term countertenor. Having trained in the Italian school, Fagioli has performed works from the Bel Canto repertoire to great acclaim while also performing the baroque repertoire associated with countertenors. He has performed at the major opera {…}
Joyce DiDonato has made a mark in the opera industry as a singer, advocate, and mentor, among many other endeavors the mezzo-soprano has done over the years. But she has also made a mark on the recording industry. Ever since, she has been recording with Warner and Erato, DiDonato has been on a mission to discover works in the modern, {…}
(Photo: Iga Beata Mackiewicz) Countertenor Rafal Tomkiewicz first came to the attention of OperaWire in 2018 at the Innsbruck Early Music Festival, where he was competing in the final of the Cesti Competition. It was an event that proved to be a springboard that launched his international career. Since that time, Tomkiewicz has seen his profile rise and now performs {…}
(Photo by Devon Cass) On August 24, 2025, Ravinia, in collaboration with Haymarket Opera Company, will present a performance of Händel’s “Alcina.” The showcase will be headlined by Nicole Cabell, taking on the title role, the only one by Händel in her repertory. Cabell, the 2005 winner of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, is no stranger to Ravinia, {…}
Soprano Rainelle Krause is a rising star in the opera world for her unflinching ferocity coupled with a deeply truthful humanity on the stage. She has become one of the go-to Queens of the Night, singing the role at the Royal Danish Opera, Dutch National Opera, Staatsoper Berlin Unter den Linden, Nashville Opera, Les Arts, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Theater Basel, {…}
(Photo: Julian Hargreaves) Over the last decade, Anna Pirozzi has established herself as the leading Italian dramatic soprano today, treading the most prestigious Italian and international stages. Her many career highlights include: Maddalena di Coigny in “Andrea Chénier” at the San Francisco Opera and in Bilbao and Turin; the title role in “Turandot,” which she first performed in Israel under {…}
On July 30, 2025, soprano Ana María Martínez returns to Ravinia for a special program with pianist Kevin Murphy. The performance marks the soprano’s third appearance with the festival following two notable showcases, both headed by conductor James Conlon. In 2007, the soprano was featured in a gala alongside famed tenor Plácido Doming and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Three years {…}
Recognised worldwide for his natural ease and extraordinary collaborative spirit, conductor James Gaffigan has attracted international attention for his prowess as a conductor of both symphony orchestras and opera. The mutual trust he builds with artists empowers them to cultivate the highest art possible. Gaffigan is uniquely positioned, with music directorships at two international opera houses. He is the General {…}
(Photo Credit : Jonathan-Tichler) “La Damnation de Faust.” “La Rondine.” “Die Schöpfung.” “In a Grove.” “St. Matthew Passion.” “Antony and Cleopatra.” These are just a few of the many projects that tenor Paul Appleby took on this past season. What stands out in this list is how wide-ranging it is in its artistic exploration. There are several contemporary works, sacred {…}