Decried, derided, dismissed—such was the fate of verismo opera, viewed through the lens of musicological conservatism, that is. Accused of sordid gutter realism, it tended to be overlooked as the declining, or terminal, chapter in the evolution of Italian melodrama: “Last Acts” (2000) and “The Autumn of Italian Opera” (2007) are but two book titles illustrating this bias—in spite of {…}
Following the news that the union for Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians had authorized the first strike in the ensemble’s 145-year history, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Musicians’ Association, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra Players’ Committee agreed to a 48-hour extension of its current labor agreement. The current extension will be valid until 11:59 p.m. on August 25, 2026. Eunice {…}
The Dallas Opera is set to open its 2026-27 season with a new-to-Dallas production of Gaetano Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love.” The production by Stephen Lawless is set in the post World War II Italy and is inspired by Italian New Wave movies from the 1940s and 1950s. Nemorino becomes a car mechanic, Adina a schoolteacher, and Belcore an American {…}
Shostakovich’s “Cherry Town” is set to be performed at the Dutch National Opera. The new production by Dutch National Opera will be directed by Jakop Ahlbom and will include movement and dance, developed with Marco Gerris, artistic director of ISH Dance Collective and choreographer. The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra will perform under the direction of Bassem Akiki. The cast will star {…}
(Photo Credit: Matthew Placek) The Frick Collection announces its 2026-27 concert season. This article only includes opera performances. Lily Hammond, Linnea Sablosky, Tim Eriksen, and John Taylor Ward with the early music ensemble Ruckus present “American Harmony.” Performance Date: Oct. 25, 2026 Anthony Roth Costanzo presents a program tied to his latest project, “Countertenor.” Dan Schlosberg directs. Performance Date: Nov. {…}
Mezzo-soprano Cashlin Oostindië has joined the roster of TACT Artists Management. Born in Alkmaar, Oostindië trained at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and later continued her studies in Athens. She is currently a member of the International Opera Studio in Zurich, working with Lauren Athey-Janka and Eva-Maria Westbroek. She recently won first prize at the International Milka Trnina Singing Competition. At {…}
Ensemble for These Times (E4TT) is set to present its 19th season. This article only features vocal events. “Exile | Banishment | Home” features sopranos Nanette McGuinness and Carina Kahane and mezzo-soprano Melinda Martinez, with instrumentalists Megan Chartier, Margaret Halbig, Aria Shum, Taylor Robinson, Zoe King, and Eddie Virtgaym, along with narrator Alex Malinas. This concert includes works by Shostakovich, {…}
Welcome back as we explore the latest CD and DVD releases from around the opera world. This week, audiences will get to see a new production of “Nabucco” with a great diva, while another great mezzo releases a new album. There is also a world premiere recording of an opera from the Metropolitan Opera. Here are the new releases of {…}
The Fortas Chamber Music Concerts has announced its fall offerings as part of its 2026-27 season. The concerts will take place in spaces at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at The George Washington University. In a statement Jennifer Koh said, “The Fortas series has always been about bringing the great works of the past into conversation with the {…}
When Maria José Siri sings her performance of “Aida” on Sept. 10, the soprano will have completed 200 performances of the famed Verdi opera. Since 2003, the role has been in Siri’s repertoire. She first sang it in Argentina and would go on to perform it at such major theaters as the Teatro alla Scala, Teatro Massimo, Arena di Verona, {…}
It’s that time of the year again! The 2026-27 season is about to begin and audiences are getting ready to choose performances as they head back to the opera. With so much to choose from, OperaWire is breaking down 10 opera productions that are must-sees. “Lincoln in the Bardo” at the Metropolitan Opera – Oct. 19-Nov. 14, 2026 The Metropolitan {…}