Next to William Shakespeare, Richard Wagner is one of the most written about figures in human history. His enigmatic qualities coupled with his unquestionable genius make him someone who fascinates as much as he bewilders and antagonizes. Volumes have been written about the composer from virtually every conceivable angle, whether it be his family, his adventures, his psychology, his philosophy, {…}
Every year, one superstar rises above the rest to become one the centerpieces of a particular Teatro alla Scala season. This season, OperaWire pointed out five major artists that are poised to make high profile debuts or returns or headline major productions that are sure to see their profiles surge. Saioa Herenandez The Spanish soprano is set to make her {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced its 2018-19 season featuring a number of new productions and operatic classics. The season will once again include a number of Italian operas continuing the theater’s initiative to bring back Italian opera. Here is a look! Productions The season opens with a new production of Verdi’s “Attila” starring Ildar Abdrazakov. David Livermore directs the {…}
The Opera de Lille has announced its 2018-19 Season featuring a number of opera staples and rarely performed works. The season will include a number of ballets and concerts, but for this season announcement we will only concentrate on the operatic highlights. Productions The season opens with Handel’s “Rodelinda” featuring Jeanine De Bique in the title role. The cast also includes Tim {…}
You might have heard of the famed George London Foundation, which is renowned for providing support for young singers. That Foundation was established in 1971 by the great bass-baritone George London, who was born on May 30, 1920. London grew up in Los Angeles, California, and had his big break in 1945 when he was called upon by Antal Doráti {…}
It all started with national pride. When Bedrich Smetana met with Viennese conductor Johann von Herbeck, he heard a comment that immediately inspired him. The composer reportedly stated that the Czechs were incapable of creating their own music, which prompted the composer to set out on a mission to create a voice for his nation. It would take the composer {…}
Soprano Meghan Picerno will make her debut at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. The company announced that Picerno will replace Kathryn Lewek in the role of Cunegonde in Bernstein’s “Candide.” Picerno recently performed the role with the San Francisco Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. She also performed the role with the New York City Opera where she received raves {…}
The Indianapolis Opera has announced its 2018-19 season featuring five concerts and productions. The season will also showcase some of today’s rising stars as well as old repertoire classics. Productions The season opens with Puccini’s timeless “La Bohème” performed at the Tarkington at The Center for the Performing Arts. Performance Dates: Sept. 14, 15, 16, 2018 The company will also hold the {…}
Rachel Willis-Sørensen is set to perform for Prince Charles’ 70th Birthday on May 29, 2018. The soprano announced the news via Instagram stating “Tonight I have the huge honor of singing for Prince Charles‘ 70th Birthday at Buckingham Palace! I will be singing two of The Four Last Songs by Strauss. Simon Russell Beale narrates and Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the {…}
The American Society is set to present the U.S. Premiere of Daniel D’Adamo’s first opera, “Kamchatka.” The opera, in collaboration with the Centro de Experimentación del Teatro Colón, is set to be performed at Dixon Place. Based on the eponymous novel by Marcelo Figueras, “Kamchatka,” Figueras prepared the adaptation of his text and entrusted it to the France-based Argentine composer Daniel {…}
The Italian soprano Francesca Aspromonte has already attracted significant attention, within the field of Early Music, for her stunning performances on the opera stage and in the concert hall. With the release, earlier this month, of her first solo CD entitled “Prologue,” she takes the next step in cementing her already blossoming reputation. From opera’s very beginnings, and lasting around {…}