Baritone Samuel Schultz has accused David Daniels and husband Scott Walters of rape, though the couple has denied allegations. In a report by the New York Daily News, the baritone claims that the countertenor and his then-boyfriend drugged and raped him in a hotel room. According to the report, after meeting “Daniels and Walters at a closing night party on {…}
Throughout history, many opera stars have managed to make the crossover to Broadway and musical theatre, enjoying successful careers in both. Most recently, Renée Fleming earned raves for her work in “Carousel” on Broadway. Paolo Szot is another in recent years who has also managed a successful development in both arenas as well. Coloratura soprano Meghan Picerno is another taking {…}
Tenor Peter Hofmann was a rock star. Literally. The tenor, born on August 22, 1944, in Marienbad, German Sudetenland, actually started his musical career as the singer in a rock band. It would prove to be prophetic. He would go on to serve in the West German Armed Forces for seven years. Once he was honorably discharged, he went on {…}
Claude Debussy, born on August 22, 1862, is one of France’s greatest composer. For many, he is the face of the impressionist movement, even though he himself rejected the term. Debussy was not born into wealth or music, but he had the gift as early as the age of 10, entering the Conservatoire de Paris. He studied music there before {…}
Hans Werner Henze’s opera “The Bassarids” received its first performance at the Salzburg Festival on August 6, 1966. At the premiere, Christoph von Dohnanyi conducted the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. English-American poet W.H. Auden and his partner Chester Kallman wrote the libretto based on Euripides’ “Bacchae,” one of the last tragedies of the great Greek dramatist. Within weeks, the opera was {…}
The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is gearing up for its 2018-19 season. In doing so, the company is looking at bringing in families through a discount attached to its “Bring the Family to the Opera” program. Per a press release, audiences can receive up to 40 percent off tickets rates for the Oct. 28 performance of Bellini’s “Norma” {…}
Two releases this week will celebrate Leonard Bernstein. The first is a compilation of opera overtures conducted by the legendary conductor/composer and the other will showcase the debut album of soprano Nadine Sierra, who celebrates the composer’s centennial in her first recorded set. Overture Sony Classical is set to release a compilation of opera overtures conducted by Leonard Bernstein. The CD {…}
Newsday once described Aprile Millo as “the high priestess of that old time operatic religion.” Indeed, Millo is still one of the few remaining divas of the past who continues to thrill audiences with her passionate and intense voice and whose sheer honesty continues to bring audiences back to a different time in the opera chronology. A huge exponent of {…}
On August 24, 2018, soprano Nadine Sierra’s upcoming debut album “There’s a Place for Us,” will be released through Deutsche Grammophon and Universal Music Group, via their Decca Gold record label. More than just her debut album, the recording carries deep meaning for Nadine Sierra, as she uses her artistry to convey a message of love and inclusion for people {…}
Mention the name Antonio Salieri and one can’t help but to imagine the rivalry with Mozart portrayed in the film “Amadeus,” creating an image of a composer less-favored or even cast aside. While Salieri did enjoy a successful career during his lifetime, even directing the operas of the Habsburg court, his works have unfortunately not lasted well to the present {…}
Malin Byström made an unexpected return to the Salzburg Festival this past weekend. The Swedish soprano replaced Asmik Grigorian at last minute in the title role of Strauss’ “Salome” when Grigorian canceled due to illness. Byström had previously performed the title role at the Royal Opera House earlier this season to rave reviews and made her role debut at the Dutch National {…}