Operas take years to compose as evidenced by some of the greatest works the art form has to offer. But in most cases, audiences don’t hear the opera until it’s finished. Peruvian composer Pauchi Sasaki is taking a different approach to opera creation. Over the last few years, Sasaki has been in the process of creating the multi-platform opera “ARTEMIS” {…}
As a follow-up to OperaWire’s recent interview with Irish soprano Ava Dodd, we thought it would be a bit of fun to ask her a few light-hearted questions that might shed a bit of light on other aspects of her career and personality. OperaWire: What was the first opera you attended? Ava Dodd: “Die Zauberflöte.” OW: What was the last {…}
“We met on the job around 10 years ago, for a few projects over some years. The first time not a word, the second a few, the third ‘Hey, would you like to do a concert program together’ and the fourth… was the last and here we are! It took me many hours in the kitchen, but I got him {…}
(Credit: Vimagazino/Nikos Kokkas) This week the Washington National Opera is set to present a new production of “Roméo et Juliette” with a cast of recognized singers, including rising star Adam Smith. Smith has gradually made a name for himself in the opera world with his passionate singing reminiscent of the golden age. The tenor has performed major roles in both {…}
Elly Kace was in Italy as the pandemic began ripping through the country’s population. She was there to improve her craft as a classical vocalist, taking lessons, and the beauty of her surroundings. When things became dire, she had to leave. People were dying in horrific numbers and lockdowns were closing nations’ borders. Her social media posts’ emotional honesty revealed {…}
Back in 2016, Kirsten C. Kunkle and Sarah Van Sciver worked together for the first time. Kunkle performed as part of The Philadelphia Opera’s Collective, appearing in Van Sciver’s “Shadow House.” However, they never met in person. In fact, their only communication was via social media. But yet, they had a lasting impact on one another that would develop into {…}
(Credit: Daniel Welch) Baritone Johnathan McCullough is no stranger to being a versatile singer. He is a singer who has performed at many of the world’s great stages including Opera Philadelphia, Komische Oper Berlin, English National Opera, Opéra de Lausanne, Portland Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, among others. He is also a director whose “Soldier Songs” {…}
(Photo: Olivia Da Costa) One of Ireland’s most exciting young singing talents is Dublin-born soprano Ava Dodd. At only 25, she already has an impressive biography. Not only has she appeared on the stage in a variety of roles, including Oscar from Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera,” the Waldvögelein from Wagner’s “Siegfried” and Perdita from Goldmark’s “Ein Wintermärchen,” in venues {…}
Lili Elbe’s story is an important one, especially for the Transgender community. Born in 1882, Elbe became a noted painter (known as Einar Wegener) and married Gerda Gottlieb in 1904. By the 1920s, Elbe was presenting herself as a woman and took on the name of Lili and stopped painting. In 1930, she went to Germany for gender-affirmation surgery, changed {…}
(Photo: Maria Rosenblatt) With the start of the Wexford Festival Opera now only a matter of days away, OperaWire has been busy with recent interviews featuring some of the artists involved. One of the more intriguing productions at this year’s festival is “La Ciociara,” set in Italy during the Second World War. Having just interviewed its composer, we thought it {…}
(© Laura Scaccabarozzi) When you talk about Verdi baritones in the modern era, few singers fit the bill quite like Amartuvshin Enkhbat. The Mongolian baritone possesses a potent voice with a confident upper range that can then transform into the most gentle of vocal caresses. His vast vocal palette has made him a go-to in the Italian composer’s iconic roles. {…}