A Whole Universe – Joe Davies on Performing Mahler’s ‘Symphony No. 8’ With the Leamington Sinfonia Orchestra

(Photo: Chris Tribble) “Try to imagine the whole universe beginning to ring and resound. There are no longer human voices, but planets and suns revolving” wrote Gustav Mahler, commenting on his 8th Symphony. On 16th May, the majestic, (if not suitably astronomical), Coventry Cathedral hosted a remarkable and rarely performed work that received a rapturous reception at its cessation, much {…}

Jun 8, 2026

‘Suddenly Last Summer’ to Make World Premiere at Bard SummerScape

Fisher Center LAB is set to present the world premiere of Courtney Bryan’s “Suddenly Last Summer,” co-produced by Opera Philadelphia. The opera will be presented between June 25 and July 19 at the Fisher Center, as part of Bard SummerScape 2026. The opera is composed by Bryan and features a libretto by Fisher Center Artistic Director and Chief Executive Gideon {…}

Jun 7, 2026

Deutsche Oper Berlin 2025-26 Review: Götterdämmerung

(Photo Credit: Bernd Uhlig) After a disappointing “Die Walküre” and a terrible “Siegfried,” my hopes for a stimulating ending of Stefan Herheim’s production of Deutsche Oper Berlin’s “Ring” were near non-existent. Fortunately, life is full of surprises; what started as a provocative, irreverent take on Wagner’s tetralogy in a first-rate staging of “Das Rheingold” and deteriorated into tedious attempts at {…}

Jun 7, 2026

Nina West Joins Opera Columbus’ ‘Pirates!’ Production

Opera Columbus and CAPA have announced that Columbus native, entertainer, actor, and drag icon Nina West will star as Ruth in “Pirates!,” a fresh new take on Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance” by Rupert Holmes. West is known to audiences across the country for her appearances on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Broadway’s “Hairspray,” and numerous television and film projects. In {…}

Jun 7, 2026

Deutsche Oper Berlin 2025-26 Review: Siegfried

(Photo Credit: Bernd Uhlig) Deutsche Oper’s Ring Cycle started promisingly with an original staging of “Das Rheingold,” with provocative ideas, irreverence and even humor. However, unfortunately it continued with a constant rehashing of ideas, which proved inadequate for the gigantic enterprise that is Wagner’s “Ring.” After a vocally satisfactory but scenically uninspired “Die Walküre,” matters deteriorated considerably on May 29 {…}

Jun 6, 2026

Wagner’s ‘Die Walküre’ Set for Performances at Viking King’s Hall in Lejre

Wagner’s “Die Walküre” will take the stage at Kongehallen, the Viking King’s Hall in historic Lejre, starting on June 7, 2026. The opera uses the edition prepared by composer Jonathan Dove and director Graham Vick for Birmingham Opera Company, with costumes crafted using traditional Viking techniques. Ensemble Storstrom will provide orchestral support under the baton of conductor James Sherlock, with {…}

Jun 6, 2026

Deutsche Oper Berlin 2025-26 Review: Die Walküre

(Photo Credit: Bernd Uhlig) I had high expectations for this production, following the previous evening‘s “Das Rheingold,” as director Stefan Herheim had plenty of ideas for “The Ring‘s” first installment. Sadly, his ideas could not sustain the dramatic textures of “Die Walküre,” as it is replete with long narrative dialogues and less action. Herheim’s tools, the traveling refugees, the suitcases {…}

Jun 6, 2026

Zagreb Academy of Music Launches Milka Trnina International Singing Competition

The Zagreb Academy of Music’s inaugural Milka Trnina International Singing Competition will take place June 15-19 in Zagreb. The competition is established in honor of Croatian opera artist Milka Trnina. Its aim is to discover and support exceptional young vocal talents, while also providing professional and educational guidance for the development of vocal artistry and preparation for a professional career. {…}

Jun 6, 2026

500 Students Accept Riccardo Muti’s Invitation to Tour with Orchestra Giovanile Luigi Cherubini

Approximately 500 students have responded to Riccardo Muti’s invitation to take part in the summer tour with the Orchestra Giovanile Luigi Cherubini. The student who are aged between 14 and 33 come from Tuscany, Campania and Apulia. The responses come after the launch of the initiative in recent months. Muti said in a statement, “My invitation goes to Italy at {…}

Jun 6, 2026

Auditorio de Zaragoza Announces 2026-27 Season

The Auditorio de Zaragoza in Spain has announced its 2026-27 season. These are the two vocal performances announced. Adam Fischer conducts the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra in Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 featuring the Amici Musicae. Performance Date: Oct. 19, 2026 Cecilia Bartoli and Lang Lang join forces for a recital. Performance Date: Nov. 26, 2026 The season will also include the {…}

Jun 6, 2026

Deutsche Oper Berlin 2025-26 Review: Das Rheingold

(Photo Credit: Bernd Uhlig) Stefan Herheim’s take on “The Ring” promises to be an interesting one: original, irreverential and, most of all, not trying to shock for the sake of it. This is my impression based on “The Ring’s” first installment. The imagery and the cultural references are approachable and familiar to the average German operagoer: Loge, who dominates this {…}