(Credit: Marco Brescia & Rudy Amisano) To close out the 2018-19 season, the Teatro alla Scala decided to present its first-ever production of R. Strauss’ “Die ägyptische Helena,” which was created between “Intermezzo” and “Arabella.” It was a work in which Strauss turned his focus back toward Greek myths, with the huge orchestrations that he had employed in “Elektra” and {…}
(Credit: John Rogers) Tyshawn Sorey has been named Opera Philadelphia’s New Composer-in-Residence. His residency, which is set to begin in Nov. 2019, will be the first of a new phase of the company’s renowned program. In his residency, Sorey will work with a wide range of singers in different phases of their respective careers in order to develop his understanding {…}
Tanglewood has announced its 2020 slate, which is, as per usual, filled with some of the most recognized artists on the planet. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on opera related programming. Angel Blue will make her company debut in the Opening Night at Tanglewood concert alongside the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the musical direction of Ken-David {…}
The Canadian Children’s Opera Company has announced that Katherine Semcesen will be taking on the role of Executive Director with the company starting on Dec. 16, 2019. “Katherine brings many years of management experience working in the arts and culture sector, most recently at @Canadian Opera,” the company’s official tweet of the announcement noted. Semcesen was a board member for {…}
(Credit: Oleg Rostovstev) Singing a recital in New York City is a rare occasion for an artist of any caliber. So, it is understandable that when a major opera star gets a chance to perform in one of the city’s hallowed halls, their choice of repertory would truly highlight their vocal and interpretative prowess. The idea of programming a recital {…}
(Credit: László Emmer, Zsófia Pályi) The Hungarian State Opera will present a gala on Dec. 9, 2019 to celebrate mezzo Ildikó Komlósi’s 35 years with the company. The gala event, which will be held at the Erkel Theatre, will highlight two of the mezzo’s major roles with the company. The first of these is Amneris in “Aida,” where she will {…}
(Credit: Jason Homa) On some weekend’s our recommendations tend to favor operas you’ve rarely seen or had the opportunity to see. But once in a while, we hone in on repertory staples getting unique revivals, whether on stage or in concert. This is one such weekend. The Consul – Baltimore Concert Opera The Baltimore Concert Opera will continue its season {…}
The Donizetti Opera Festival has announced its 2020 season. Artistic director Francesco Micheli and music director Riccardo Frizza announced that the 2020 festival will include “Marino Faliero” in an edition by Maria Chiara Bertieri and “La Fille du Régiment” in a new edition by Claudio Toscani in collaboration with Casa Ricordi. Micheli announced the news during the 2019 festival which {…}
This weekend its all about star performances, repertory staples, new productions and a season opening. Check out what we believe you need to see. Eugene Onegin Wiener Staatsoper, Austria Marina Rebeka continues the run in her first Tatiana alongside a star cast that includes Boris Pinkhasovich in the title role, Pavol Breslik as Lenski and Ferruccio Furlanetto as Gremin. The {…}
Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble has announced its 2020 Festival, which will feature two operas under the theme of “Love For Truth.” The first opera of the festival will be “Juana,” which will be directed by Rod Gomez with Christ Fecteau as conductor and music director. This series of perfomrances will represent the East Coast premiere of the opera by composer Carla {…}
Long Beach Opera has announced that Yuval Sharon will be the company’s Interim Artistic Advisor for the 2021 season. Sharon will not only curate the 2021 season, but will also direct one of the productions. He founded and serves as Artsitic Director for The Industry in Los Angeles, a company that is dedicated to new and experimental opera. Sharon also {…}