Jonas Kaufmann, Joyce DiDonato, Carmen Giannattasio, Waltraud Meier, Marina Poplavskaya Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week
By David SalazarThis week’s offerings feature not only a lot of repertory favorites, but performances by some of the greatest opera stars in the world.
So without further ado, here is a breakdown of our top 10 operas to stream this week.
Die Walküre – Vienna State Opera (Jan. 25)
The Vienna State Opera will kick off its week with the second installment in Wagner’s epic tetralogy. The cast from this 2013 production features a number of stars including Tomasz Konieczny, Norbert Ernst, Jochen Schmeckenbecher, Herwig Pecoraro, Michaela Schuster, Caroline Wenborne, Christopher Ventris, Ain Anger, Waltraud Meier, and Linda Watson.
The Twilight of Dreams – Teatro Massimo di Palermo (Jan. 26)
The Teatro Massimo di Palermo will present a site-specific opera opera starring soprano Carmen Giannattasio, baritone Markus Werba, and bass Alexandros Stavrakakis. The showcase will feature music by Claudio Monteverdi, Henry Purcell, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Gioachino Rossini, Franz Schubert, Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi, Modest Musorgskij, Arrigo Boito, Richard Strauss, Erich Korngold, Werner Richard Heymann, Leonard Bernstein, and Chava Alberstein.
Pelléas et Mélisande – Opéra de Rouen Normandie (Jan. 26)
Debussy masterpiece will be streamed from France with a cast featuring Huw Montague Rendall as Pelléas, Adèle Charvet in the role of Mélisande, and Nicolas Courjal as Golaud. The cast also includes Jean Teitgen, Lucile Richardot, Anne-Sophie Petit, and Richard Rittelmann. Pierre Dumoussaud conducts Orchestre de l’Opéra de Rouen Normandie in the production by Éric Ruf. Costumes by Christian Lacroix.
La Clemenza di Tito – Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège (Jan. 27)
Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” stars Patrizia Ciofi in the role of Vitellia, Anna Bonitatibus as Sesto, Veronica Cangemi as Servilia, Cecilia Molinari in the role of Annio, and Markus Suihkonen as Publio. Thomas Rösner conducts the production by Julien Lubek. The opera was filmed on May 15, 2019.
Faust – Metropolitan Opera (Jan. 27)
For those who just want some superstar power, we can think of no better recommendation this week than the Met Opera’s “Faust.” The production is undeniably controversial (and not necessarily to my personal liking), but there is no doubt that Jonas Kaufmann is at his very best in one of his defining turns on the Met stage. He is joined by René Pape and Marina Poplavskaya, both at the peak of their respective powers.
Duets and Drinks – Toledo Opera (Jan 29)
For those seeking out something more relaxed for their operatic diet, you can do no wrong with this unique concert experience which will showcase opera stars (and real-life husband and wife) Kathryn Lewek and Zach Borichevsky in popular opera arias and duets. Apparently, the duo also has a nice surprise for those logged on to their performance.
Fall of the House of Usher – Boston Lyric Opera (Jan. 29)
For those seeking out something new and unique, Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) full-length animated presentation of Philip Glass and Arthur Yorinks’ “Fall of the House of Usher” is just the thing for you. The filmed opera was directed by James Darrah, in collaboration with Spanish screenwriter Raúl Santos and was created using hand-drawn and stop-motion animation along with curated artistic footage, the film uses Glass’ complete score and Yorink’s full libretto.
The Impresario and the Dueling Divas – Christmas Opera Company (Jan. 29)
Christman Opera Company is set to present the newest work from composer Theodore Christman, which focuses on two divas in direct competition for a major role with only an impresario able to manage the situation. The cast includes soprano Teresa Castillo as Heidi Highmore, mezzo-soprano Madison Marie McIntosh as Lola Lowell, and tenor John Viscardi as Derek Schaus; pianist Eve Queler provides the previously recorded accompaniment.
The Turn of the Screw – OperaGlass Works (Jan. 30)
OperaGlass Works will present a filmed version of Britten’s chamber opera featuring a cast of rising stars including Robert Murray as Quint and the Prologue, Rhian Lois as the Governess, Gweneth Ann Rand as Mrs. Grose, Francesca Chiejina as Miss Jessel, Alys Mererid Roberts as Flora, and Leo Jemison as Miles. John Wilson conducts the Sinfonia of London, which recorded at Cadogan Hall.
I Capuleti e i Montecchi – Opernhaus Zürich (Jan. 30 & 31)
Capping off this week’s recommendations is a now-legendary showcase of Bellini’s operatic gem featuring the superstar power of Joyce DiDonato in the role of Romeo, Olga Kulchynska as Giulietta, Benjamin Bernheim in the role of Tebaldo, Alexei Botnarciuc as Capellio, and Erik Anstine as Lorenzo. To top off the 2015 showcase, audiences get to see Opernhaus Zürich’s General Music Director Fabio Luisi conduct the production by Christof Loy.
