We are proud to introduce “Opera Meets Film,” a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment {…}
María José Siri is about to make history in the title role of “Madama Butterfly” when she sings the 1906 version of the opera at the Macerata Opera Festival on July 22, 2017. The soprano will become the first soprano since Rosina Storchio, who created the role, to sing the “standard 1906 version” after performing the original 1904 version. Siri made {…}
“The Rake’s Progress,” an opera in three acts and an epilogue by Igor Stravinsky, was one of the six operas performed at this year’s Festival International d’art Lyrique d’Aix-en-Provence. Although relatively modern, compared to the classical opera repertoire (it premiered on 11 April 1951), Simon McBurney’s visually striking and infinitely creative staging gives it an additional innovative edge. English actor, {…}
Operalia, The World Competition, is set to kick off its 2017 edition in just a matter of days. And as we prepare to look at what the new generation of singers has in store for us, it might be just as useful to get to know the local where the event will take place. Most of the sites of the {…}
One of the greatest achievements of general manager Peter Gelb’s tenure is his Live in HD series, which has enabled audiences from around the world to experience opera in movie theaters. That undertaking has generated a tremendous following that has resulted in home video releases and encore performances, which are slated to take over coming weeks around the world. With {…}
Portland Opera’s dedication to breaking new ground continues this coming week with the West Coast premiere of a double bill of two contemporary works, “The Difficulty of Crossing a Field” and Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Little Match Girl Passion” on July 28, 2017. The two operas will be showcased for a total of four performances on July 30, August 3, and 5. {…}
Maria Agresta has pulled out of two concert performances of Verdi’s “I Due Foscari” as she undergoes an operation. In her stead, audiences will hear Chinese soprano Guanqun Yu. Yu placed second in the 2012 Operalia Competition and has showcased her talents around the world. In 2017-18 she is slated to take on the role of Liù in “Turandot” at {…}
Frontier Touring has announced a modification in the date and venue of the Melbourne concert for the Australian debut tour of soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Yusif Eyvazov. Originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Plenary, the Melbourne performance will now take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017, at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. The change of venue was in response to fans lobbying {…}
It is arguably the event of the summer. It certainly will be one of the most talked about in the world. We are referring to the world premiere of “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.” Anytime anything regarding former Apple CEO happens, it demands attention. He needs no introduction as his iRevolution has essentially altered the way people today live their {…}
In a time when Tito Gobbi and Ettore Bastiani reigned supreme, Aldo Protti wasn’t quite given all that much appreciation. The baritone, born on July 19, 1920, has since retained his place in the history books. And while he is not universally hailed as the greatest, or even of the greatest of all-time, Protti retains the stature of being one {…}
Opera Parallèle has announced its 2017-18 season. The season opens on Oct. 11 with an Up Close and Parallèle Annual Gala entitled “Make Our Garden Grow.” The gala will honor Carey Perloff, Artistic Director, American Conservatory Theater, Opera Parallèle Advisory Council Board Member, and Champion of the Arts. It will be followed by a production of Academy Award nominee Rachel Portman’s {…}