Jonas Kaufmann, Juan Diego Flórez, Joyce DiDonato, Mariusz Kwiecien, Jasmine Muhammad Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week
By David SalazarFull disclaimer – this week’s recommendations, with the exception of two works that you can watch right now, all take place between Friday and Sunday (with an emphasis on Friday when half of the recommendations are set to take place). So yes, in many ways this is more of a weekend edition of streams.
In any case, here are the top 10 operas to stream this week.
Emily D’Angelo in Recital – DC Vocal Arts (NOW)
We kick things off with a special recital experience starring mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as she performs alongside pianist Sophia Muñoz in a program highlighting female composers such as Florence Price, Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel, Missy Mazzoli, Rebecca Clarke, Cecilia Livingston, and Clara Schumann. Additionally, other selections include compositions Copland, Zemlinsky, and Schoenberg.
La Traviata – Opéra Royal de Wallonie (NOW)
The Medium – New Orleans Opera (April 16)
And here come the Friday showcases. Kicking this off is “The Medium” from New Orleans Opera. The Menotti opera will be directed by James Mavel and conductor Robert Lyall leading The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. The cast is comprised of Victoria Livengood as Madame Flora, Sarah Jane McMahon as Monica, Carlo Barrera as Toby, Amy Pfrimmer as Mrs. Gobineau, Kathryn Frady as Mrs. Nolan, and Dennis Jesse as Mr. Gobineau. This is for opera fans seeking out some 20th century activity to break up their forays into the standard repertory.
Zemlinskys Zimmer – little OPERA theater of ny (April 16)
The little OPERA theater of ny will present a unique showcase spotlighting the music of Austrian composer Alexander Zemlinsky, including scenes from his opera “Eine Florentinische Tragödie.” The performance will feature soprano Katy Lindhart, baritone Eric McKeever, and tenor Nicholas Simpson. Catherine Miller will act as music director and pianist for the showcase. If rare opera gems are your thing, then this is one performance you don’t want to miss.
We Need to Talk – Opera Philadelphia (April 16)
If checking out brand new works is your thing, then you can’t go wrong with Caroline Shaw’s “We Need to Talk” over at Opera Philadelphia.
The composition, based on a poem by celebrated poet Anne Carson, will feature Ariadne Greif in a film by award-winning director Maureen Towey and Philadelphia-based Four/Ten Media. Greif will be accompanied by and in conversation with a choral track of Shaw’s own voice and recitation of the poem by Carson herself. Additional electronic composition and sampling of old film scores create an environment filled with tension and energy.
Charlie Parker’s Yardbird – Pittsburgh Opera (April 16)
Sticking with the theme of newer works, Pittsburgh Opera will showcase this modern classic. Antony Walker will conduct the work which is set to star Martin Bakari, Jasmine Muhammad, Yazid Gray, Véronique Filloux, Maire Therese Carmack, Madeline Ehlinger, and Chrystal E. Williams.
Don Carlo – San Francisco Opera (April 17-18)
Now we can jump into some of the standard repertory, starting with San Francisco Opera’s epic stream of Verdi’s “Don Carlo.” “Don Carlo” is a massive undertaking for any company, and what really makes this production appointment viewing is its cast that features Michael Fabiano, Ana María Martínez, René Pape, Nadia Krasteva, and Mariusz Kwiecien.
Thaïs – Theater an der Wien (April 18)
Over in Vienna we have two major streams to take stock of. First off is a production of Massenet’s “Thaïs” starring Nicole Chevalier, Josef Wagner, Roberto Saccà, Carolina Lippo, Sofia Vinnik, Günes Gürle, and Samuel Wegleitner. Leo Hussain conducts the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien in the production by Peter Konwitschny.
Parsifal – Vienna State Opera (April 18)
And then there’s this one from the Vienna State Opera. This “Parsifal” production, which stars Jonas Kaufmann, Ludovic Tézier, Elīna Garanča, and Georg Zeppenfeld, was originally scheduled for April 1, but was filmed on April 11 and will now be available to stream this Sunday.
La Cenerentola – Metropolitan Opera (April 18)
And we close things off with a fun comedy by Rossini. The Met Opera’s production features mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and tenor Juan Diego Flórez in the classic fairy tale, truly the funniest opera experience on offer for the whole family this week.
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