Leontyne Price, born on Feb. 10, 1927, is undeniably one of the greatest sopranos to ever grace any opera stage. There is also no doubt that despite her international feats, her exploits at the Metropolitan Opera are easily her most renowned. And that is the subject of our latest opera quiz. As always, have fun!
The Pacific Opera is set to present the Canadian première of the comedic opera “Flight” starting on Feb. 20 at the Royal Theatre, 805 Broughton Street, Victoria. The opera by Jonathan Dove and April De Angelis is inspired by the true story of a refugee who lived in an airport for 18 years and a group of strangers stuck in an airport {…}
(Photo: Frank Wartenberg) Last December OperaWire reviewed an impressive production of Vivaldi’s “La Fida Ninfa” at the repertory theatre in Regensburg. In the central role of Morastro was the young German-Spanish soprano Sara-Maria Saalmann, whose performance was dramatically intense, but beautifully sung. Working for a repertory company often means a heavy and varied schedule, yet Saalmann is still keen to {…}
(Credit: Marty Sohl / Metropolitan Opera) The operas of Handel are not necessarily standards at the Metropolitan Opera. And to a certain extent, that is understandable. They are rather expansive in runtime with ample casts and a musical style that doesn’t always suit the cavernous hall. But the reality is that these operas, while dating to the 18th century, are {…}
(Credit: Chris Terry) The Miller Theatre is set to showcase Dai Fujikara as part of its Composer Portraits on March 5, 2020. The showcase, which will feature prominent works by the composer, including “Minina,” “silence seeking solace,” “secret forest,” and “abandoned time,” will also present the world premiere of “Gliding Wings,” which was commissioned by the Miller Theatre. Soprano Alice {…}
(Credit: Yan Bleney) Canadian baritone Étienne Dupuis will replace Polish singer Mariusz Kwiecień for the final three performances of Mozart and Da Ponte’s opera “Le Nozze di Figaro” at the Metropolitan Opera House, according to the official statement on the company’s website. Kwiecień has withdrawn from the production due to illness. Dupuis will perform the role of Count Almaviva on {…}
Opera in the Heights is set to present the world premiere of “Yeltsin in Texas” this February in Houston, Texas. The first performance is set for Feb. 22, 2020 with a subsequent showcase set for March 1, 2020. The opera, which will open the company’s New Works Festival, is a comedic opera by Evan Mack and Josh Maguire that showcases {…}
(Credit: Ruth Walz) This weekend is all about new productions, a rarely performed work and an acclaimed run of performances in Paris. Here is what we recommend. Viva La Diva – Salzburg Landsteater, Austria Adrian Kelly conducts Stephen Medcalf’s production of the rarely performed work by Donizetti and librettist Gilardoni. The opera stars Anne-Fleur Werner, Raimundas Juzuitis,Hazel McBain, George Humphreys, {…}
The Brooklyn Art Song Society is set to present the final performance of its 2019-20 Home Series on March 6, 2020 at the Brooklyn Historical Society. The performance will shine a spotlight on the music of Edvard Grieg and Jean Sibelius with such performers as soprano Kristina Bachrach, soprano Sarah Brailey, contralto Sara Couden, baritone Brian Mextorf, and pianists Michael {…}
The good news – there is a lot of good opera going around North America throughout the weekend. As such, this weekend’s top picks were not easy to come by or select. But the curation came down to a number of unique new operas and rarely performed gems of old with star-studded casts stretching from the east all the way {…}
The Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has received a $45 million bequest from Life Board Member Phyllis Brissenden. The gift, the largest in the company’s history and one of the largest in the history of any American opera company, will provide the company for financial stability as it heads into its 50th anniversary. Brissenden was born on March 31, 1933 {…}