Ildar Abdradazakov has released an explanation for his recent cancelation at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. After canceling performances at the Lyric Opera of Chicago in the title role of “Don Giovanni” slated to open Nov. 14 before taking over the title role of “Prince Igor” at the Paris Opera, Abdrazakov has announced that his wife is pregnant. The bass {…}
The Semperoper Dresden has announced a cast change for Verdi’s “Nabucco.” The company announced via social media that Iulia Maria Dan will sing Anna on Nov. 8, 10 and 16, replacing Birgit Fandrey while Sejong Chang will sing Oberpriester des Baal on Nov. 8 & 10, replacing Alexandros Stavrakakis. Dan was originally scheduled to sing “La Traviata” during that period but {…}
(Credit: Shirley Suarez) The Semperoper Dresden has announced cast changes for its revival of Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The company announced that Katerina Tretyakova will sing Violetta on Nov. 9, 15, 20, 22 and 27, replacing Iulia Maria Dan. Meanwhile, Menna Cazel will sing Annina on Nov. 9 and 15, replacing Birgit Fandrey while Sejong Chang will sing Marchese d’Obigny on {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its HD performance of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” The company announced that Bruce Sledge will sing Pinkerton in the Nov. 9 performance replacing Andrea Carè, who is ill. Sledge will make his Met Opera HD debut. He made his Met debut in 2003 in “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” and has performed in productions {…}
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal is set to showcase the first-ever performance of Handel’s “Messiah” at the Crypt of Saint-Joseph’s Oratory. The performance, set for Dec. 8, 2019, will feature soprano Aline Kutan, mezzo-soprano Annamaria Popescu, tenor Zachary Rioux, and baritone Gregory Dahl. Kutan teaches Montréal’s Conservatoire de Musique in addition to enjoying an international career onstage. Rioux is currently {…}
(Photo: Paula Malone) Rossini’s one act farsa, “L’inganno felice,” premiered in 1812 at Venice’s Teatro San Moise and was an instant success for the young, 19-year-old composer. However, along with most of his other operas, it faded from view following his death in 1868. Even the renewed interest in Rossini’s work following the Second World War has done little to {…}
The Eurasia Festival will present the latest edition in its Park Avenue Concert Series on Nov. 16, 2019. The concert, which is set to take place at the Eurasia Cultural Center at 8 p.m. will star six singers in wide-ranging repertory. Among the artists are soprano Gianna Barone, mezzo-soprano Rachel Deatherage, mezzo-soprano Eugenia Forteza, soprano Ana Maria Gelovani, soprano Lauren {…}
On Nov. 7, the White Light Festival in Lincoln Center will present the U.S. premieres of James MacMillan’s widely acclaimed “Stabat Mater” and “Miserere” as part of the 10th anniversary of the festival. Harry Christophers, music director and founder of The Sixteen choir, will lead both works alongside the Britten Sinfonia ensemble. It’s a big year for Christophers, who is celebrating the {…}
Some of legendary opera star Dame Eva Turner’s garments are being auctioned in Salisbury, U.K. The great diva is best-known for having performing the role of Puccini’s “Turandot” in 1926. During her time she earned the reputation of being a definitive interpretor of the role. Per a press release, three 19th century Chinese robes and a circular peacock feather fan {…}
The GAFA Arts Collective, London and Europe’s first Samoan arts collective, is set to showcase the concert “Siegfried the Wagner Blade” at St. Marys in Putney on Nov. 23, 2019. The cast features three Samoan artists including Sani Muliaumaseali’i, a tenor, who will take on the title role alongside his brother, bass-baritone Toto Muliaumaseali’i, in the role of the Wanderer. {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is 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 features Taika Watiti’s “Jojo Rabbit.” On first instance, “Jojo Rabbit” is as weird a film as its title suggests. We are following around a young boy Jojo as he tries to make his way into the Nazi ranks. Goading him on his imaginary friend Hitler, a cartoony, fun-loving, father figure to the inexperienced boy. Nazis and their rules and regulations are {…}