Ermonela Jaho, Sonya Yoncheva, Lawrence Brownlee, Nina Stemme Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week

By David Salazar

This week’s streaming options include two celebrations of legendary artists, a sweet double bill, two powerful modern works, an iconic diva in her signature role, a star-studded Strauss masterpiece, lots of Bel Canto, and a hotly anticipated recital.

Without further ado, let’s jump in.

Beniamino Gigli, 100 Years at the Met – Teatro Grattacielo (NOW)

Nov. 26 marks the 100th anniversary of Beniamino Gigli’s iconic Met debut where he remained a major artist until 1932. To celebrate this momentous event, Teatro Grattacielo put together a video with highlights from “Mefistofele,” the opera of Gigli’s debut. The presentation not only features musical excerpts as performed by Alessandro Tirotta, Francesca Mondanaro, Thomas Massey, and Karolina Pilou, but interviews with some of the legendary tenor’s family.

Watch it here.

Cycles of My Being – Opera Philadelphia (NOW)

For those seeking out a more contemporary experience, Opera Philadelphia presents “Cycles of My Being” starring tenor Lawrence Brownlee alongside composer and conductor Tyshawn Sorey.

“These are divided times, but the goal of ‘Cycles of My Being’ is neither to widen those rifts, nor to re-open old wounds,” Brownlee said. “The goal is to foster mutual respect, understanding, and communication across races and generations. History unfolds in cycles, and with this work, we hope to balance the stark challenges of our present reality with a resolute resilience, and an unwavering hope for a better future.”

Watch it here.

Tristan und Isolde – Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Nov. 24, 25 & 26)

Those seeking out a Wagner kick will be thrilled to see Roma’s “Tristan und Isolde” conducted by Daniele Gatti. The production from 2016-17 stars Andreas Schager (Tristan), Rachel Nicholls (Isolde), John Relyea (Re Marke), Brett Polegato (Kurwenal), and Michelle Breedt (Brangäne).

Madama Butterfly – Greek National Opera (Nov. 25)

For those seeking out a top operatic artist in her signature role, then look no further than Ermonela Jaho in “Madama Butterfly.” The Greek National Opera will present this iconic interpretation on its brand-new platform.

Watch it here.

Die Frau ohne Schatten – Vienna State Opera (Nov. 25)

For those who want a repertory staple, the Vienna State Opera has you covered with this showcase of Strauss’ “Die Frau Ohne Schatten.” The opera stars a superstar cast headlined by Stephen Gould, Camilla Nylund, Evelyn Herlitzius, Sebastian Holecek, Wolfgang Koch, Nina Stemme, and Maria Nazarova.

Watch it here.

Il barbiere di Siviglia – Rossini Opera Festival (Nov. 25, 27, 29)

For those who need some comedy in their lives, the Rossini Opera Festival will present the composer’s iconic “Il barbiere di Siviglia” as conducted by Michele Spotti. The opera stars Juan Francisco Gatell (Count Almaviva), Carlo Lepore (Bartolo), Aya Wakizono (Rosina), Iurii Samoilov (Figaro), Michele Pertusi (Basilio), Elena Zilio (Berta) and William Corrò (Fiorello / Officer).

Watch it here.

Bon Appetit & The Impresario – Houston Grand Opera (Nov. 27)

For those who like their opera streaming experience bite-sized, Houston Grand Opera is offering up a double bill of “Bon Appetit” and Mozart’s “The Impresario.” The operas will be conducted by Eun Sun Kim and directed by Loren Meeker.

Watch them here.

Le Nozze in Villa – Donizetti Opera Festival (Nov. 27)

For those seeking out a rare opera from an iconic composer, the Donizetti Opera Festival will be streaming “Le Nozze in Villa” The opera stars Gaia Petrone, Omar Montanari, Fabio Capitanucci, Giorgio Misseri, Manuela Custer, Claudia Urru, and Daniele Lettieri. Stefano Montanari conducts.

Watch it here.

Sonya Yoncheva in Germany – Metropolitan Opera (Nov. 28)

Look familiar? Yes, we included it in last week’s installment, only for the performance to be postponed due to illness. But the famed soprano is moving forward with the recital this weekend, live from the Baroque library of the Schussenried Cloister, performing alongside pianist Malcolm Martineau. The duo will perform music by Verdi, Puccini, Purcell, Dvorak, Handel, Bellini, and Bizet. Yoncheva is one of the opera world’s most renowned sopranos and this diverse array of repertory should make for an intriguing concert.

Watch it here. (UPDATE: The performance has been postponed until February). 

Kirsten Flagstad Jubilee Concert – OperaVision (Nov. 29)

For those looking to celebrate an iconic opera star, Den Norske Opera & Ballett will present a Kirsten Flagstad Jubilee Concert starring Astrid Nordstad, Birgitte Christensen, Eli Kristin Hanssveen, Elisabeth Teige, Henrik Engelsviken, Marita Sølberg, Renate Ekerhovd, and Yngve Søberg. Kirill Karabits conducts.

Watch it here.

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