New York operagoers are growing increasingly familiar with Napoli-native mezzo-soprano Serena Malfi’s Mozartean repertoire. After her 2014 Met debut as Cherubino in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” Malfi returned to the big stage in 2016 as Zerlina in “Don Giovanni,” and as of this writing, she’s back as the country girl taken in by the Don’s deceitful charms. Last year, those {…}
Before his most recent recital performance titled “My Songs Without Words,” world-renowned pianist and vocal collaborator Mark Markham visited with OperaWire about his current season and what has resonated most with him while pursuing a performance career as a visionary pianist and improvisational master. Most notably, his collaborations with leading singers such as the legendary dramatic soprano Jessye Norman, soprano {…}
Gianni Schicchi is one the most famous comedies in the operatic repertoire as it was Puccini’s only one and has become a signature for multiple baritones. Federico Longhi is one of those baritones that has used the role as a vehicle around the world. This week, he returns to the Teatro Carlo Felice to sing in this signature role. Prior {…}
The Bel Canto repertoire is perhaps one of the most extensive in the repertory. Throughout history, only three composers have dominated every major theater and only a fraction of their works have been shown. Thanks to recent discoveries, festivals and solo albums, the works of rare composers like Pacini, Raimondi, and Fioravanti, among others, have come to the forefront. In {…}
Handel’s “Il Trionfo Del Tempo E Del Disinganno” is one of his most unique works as it is his only oratorio and one that in the past years has gained increased recognition. What’s more, this work was written by the composer when he was but 21. Now, for the first time, the work will be presented at the Royal Danish {…}
Last year Lisette Oropesa had one of the most successful years breaking out in the opera world and signaling a new star. The soprano was a sensation in “Lucia di Lammermoor” at the Teatro Real and made stepped in last minute in “Les Huguenots” at the Opera de Paris and opened the Teatro dell’opera di Roma season. She also announced {…}
In 2012, Ailyn Perez was regarded as one of the “next wave” of prominent leading sopranos when she was profiled in OPERA NEWS magazine. She was a relative unknown, despite having already obtained a number of high profile assignments in some of the most prominent festivals and companies in the world. It was her first time on the cover story {…}
Since finishing his ensemble position at the Semperoper Dresden, baritone Zachary Nelson has built a formidable resume making important company and role debuts. Now he adds another major company debut in his favorite Mozart opera, “Le Nozze di Figaro.” The American baritone will make his first appearances with Arizona Opera as the Count in a new production. The season will {…}
It all started in a restaurant. Specifically, the Ristorante di Musica in Santa Monica, California. That’s where the Verdi Chorus could be seen throughout the years since its inception in 1983. As patrons arrived to enjoy their meals, the music of the great opera composers would be just feet away. But the restaurant goers were not the only ones benefiting {…}
Lithuanian tenor Kristian Benedikt made headlines last fall when he replaced Roberto Alagna in the third act of “Samson et Dalila” at the Metropolitan Opera. It was his Metropolitan Opera debut and it came months before he was officially supposed to take the stage of the legendary house. Now he is ready for his official debut where he will perform {…}
Dramatic soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer knows her way around Wagner’s “Ring.” The California native has sung multiple roles in the composer’s epic cycle at some of the most prestigious houses. This spring she’s back at the Met singing in three out of the four operas, performing Freia in “Das Rheingold,” Ortlinde in “Die Walküre,” and Third Norn in “Götterdämerung.” The {…}