Luciano Pavarotti, Malin Byström, Karita Mattila, Irene Theorin, Charles Castronovo, Sara Jakubiak Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week
By David SalazarThis week’s streaming slate features a number of major operatic gems from the romantic and modern repertory. There is also a unique recital experience courtesy of one of the U.S.’s most renowned opera companies.
Without further ado, here we are the top 10 operas to stream this week.
Tosca – Royal Swedish Opera (NOW)
For those who want some star power, soprano Malin Byström brings it in this recent performance of “Tosca.” Byström has quietly become one of the most exciting opera stars of today and this performance undeniably attests to her raw vocal intensity. She is joined by Daniel Johansson as Cavaradossi and Lukasz Golinski as Baron Scarpia.
Yerevan to Montreal – Orchestre Classique de Montréal (March 9)
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal will present a unique concert experience of Armenian music, titled “From Yerevan to Montreal.” The showcase will be led by Maestro Boris Brott and features Armenian-Canadian soprano Aline Kutan. The program is comprised of works from Armenian composers Armen Tigranian and Kevork Andonian, as well as two works by composer and OCM founder Alexander Brott. There will be arias from Tigranian’s opera, “Anoush,” as well as the world premiere of Andonian’s composition, “Revival.”
Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk – Opéra National de Paris (March 10)
For those seeking out a modern classic, the Opéra National de Paris is presenting Shostakovich’s masterpiece in a production starring Aušrinė Stundytė in the role of Katerina Lvovna Ismailova, Pavel Černoch as Sergey, Dmitry Ulyanov as Boris Timofeevich Ismailov, and John Daszak as Zinovy Borisovich Ismailov. The cast also includes Sofija Petrovic, Wolfgang Ablinger-Sperrhacke, Oksana Volkova, and Alexander Tsymbalyuk.
Ingo Metzmacher conducts the Orchestre de l’Opéra National de Paris in the production by Krzysztof Warlikowski. The opera was filmed on April 16, 2019.
20 Shots of Opera – OperaVision (March 12)
In case you missed out on it the first time, OperaVision is offering up a chance for audiences to check out the Irish National Opera’s unique project which features 20 short operas with wide-ranging themes and ideas. When the series originally premiered in 2020, OperaWire’s Alan Neilson had the opportunity to take the journey through the 20 works, ultimately finding the experiment innovative” and “excellent.”
Jack Swanson in Live from The Cullen – Houston Grand Opera (March 12)
Houston Grand Opera continues its “Live from The Cullen” series with a recital starring tenor Jack Swanson. The tenor will be accompanied by Richard Bado, HGO Director of Artistic Operations and Choirmaster. Swanson is a bel canto specialist, so expect some vocal fireworks as part of the program of this recital.
La Bohème – Irish National Opera (March 13)
For those seeking out a seminal work, you can do no wrong with the Irish National Opera’s production of “La Bohème,” which stars Celine Byrne as Mimì, Anna Devin as Musetta, Merūnas Vitulskis as Rodolfo, David Bizic as Marcello, Ben McAteer as Schaunard, and John Molloy as Colline.
Andrea Chénier – Metropolitan Opera (March 13)
The Met Opera is dedicating its streaming slate this week to Verismo operas. And while there are a number of major productions to check out, including “Fedora” headlined by Mirella Freni, our choice is “Andrea Chénier.” Why? Luciano Pavarotti. The tenor is as passionate and riveting as you might hope for in this seminal verismo classic. He’s also joined by Maria Guleghina and Juan Pons, both at the height of their respective vocal powers.
Die Walkure – San Francisco Opera (March 13-14)
San Francisco Opera will continue its Ring Cycle with “Die Walküre,” headlined by Irene Theorin, Greer Grimsley, Karita Mattila, and Jamie Barton, among others.
Hershey Felder Puccini – Opera San Jose (March 14)
Opera San José will present a unique experience led by Hershey Felder. Filmed in Puccini’s birthplace in Lucca, Italy, Felder was joined by guest artists such as baritone Nathan Gunn, soprano Gianna Corbisiero, and tenor Charles Castronovo. The story will see a young artist, enamored with the operas of Puccini, encounter the composer and gain a deeper understanding of his world.
Francesca da Rimini – Deutsche Oper Berlin (March 14)
Zandonai’s verismo masterwork will be presented in a production headlined by American soprano Sara Jakubiak, Jonathan Tetelman as Paolo il Bello, Alexandra Hutton as Samaritana, and Samuel Dale Johnson in the role of Ostasio. The cast also includes Ivan Inverardi, Charles Workman, Meechot Marrero, Mané Galoyan, Arianna Manganello, Karis Tucker, Amira Elmadfa, Andrew Dickinson, Dean Murphy, Patrick Cook, and Thomas Lehman. Carlo Rizzi will conduct the production by Christof Loy.