The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change in “Der Rosenkavalier” on Dec. 28, 2019 with conductor Gareth Morrell replacing Sir. Simon Rattle in the performance. Morrell made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1999 in Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and has conducted 21 performances since his debut. He has also led musical performances of “Fidelio,” “Don Giovanni,” “Aida,” “La Bohème,” {…}
On October 26, 2019, Christman Opera Company presented “An Afternoon of Music for HaitiChildren,” a fundraising concert hosted in the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. The program consisted of opera, musical theatre, featuring three new song composed by Theodore Christman from his upcoming musical “Unfolded,” which tells the journey of Susie Scott Krabacher, founder and CEO of HaitiChildren, in her efforts {…}
René Barbera is stepping in for Gregory Kunde at the NDR Elbplharmonie Orchestra. The hall announced that Barbera will sing the tenor role in Verdi’s Requiem for the performance scheduled for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2019. The latter showcase will be live streamed. The tenor will join a cast that includes soprano Angela Meade, mezzo-soprano Daniela Barcellona, and bass {…}
The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its performance of Massenet’s “Werther on Oct. 31, 2019. The theater announced that Ileana Tonca will sing the role of Sophie, replacing Daniela Fally who is ill. Tonca has been a member of the Wiener Staatsoper ensemble since 1999, where she debuted as Jemmy in “Guillaume Tell” and has since performed {…}
Caroline Wenborne made her unexpected debut as Amelia in Verdi’s ‘Simon Boccanegra.’ The soprano announced via social media that on Oct. 29, 2019, she was called in at the Wiener Staatsoper to make her role debut when Marina Rebeka canceled the performance due to illness. Wenborne is an ensemble member at the Vienna house and has performed Fiordiligi in “Così {…}
If stuffy audiences at the Opéra-Comique first attacked George Bizet’s “Carmen” for its offensive content, today the opera runs the risk of seeming antiquated. Much of the music might get your toes tapping, but over-exposure risks making the most popular tunes seem trite or even parodic. Today’s audiences might not appreciate the orientalist take on Spanish culture that was so {…}
This week, three full recordings of popular operas will be released as well as a debut album by one of the most sought-out countertenors in the world. Winterreise Berlin Classics releases Schubert’s song cycle with Xavier Sabata and pianist Francisco Poyato. The debut album for Sabata, who is known for his work in Baroque repertory, makes a unique left turn {…}
My sixth and final day here in Wexford, and there is no let up; events and interviews continue apace. Today stated with a lively and interesting interview with the star of Rossini’s “Adina,” mezzo soprano, Rachel Kelly. She talked about her time here in Wexford and why the festival is so very special to her. There was just time for {…}
(Credit: Courtesy of Expanding Canvas Inc.) The Metropolitan Opera has unveiled a new sculpture by American artist George Condo: Constellation of Voices. The new sculpture will be on view on the Met’s outdoor Terrace facing Lincoln Center Plaza. The new work is part of the Met’s long-running visual arts initiative, Gallery Met and will be open to all guests at {…}
Vancouver Opera general director Kim Gaynor is stepping down from the company. Gaynor decided to step down due to “divergence of opinion” with the board about the future growth of the company. In a statement released Monday, Gaynor said she and the board came to a “mutual decision that it was best to part ways at this time.” she will {…}
(Credit: Novkovic) OperaVision will showcase “Nikola Šubić Zrinjski” live from the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb on Nov. 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. local time. The production of the Ivan Zajc opera will feature Ljubomir Puškarić in the title role, alongside Tamara Franetović Felbinger, Ivana Lazar, Damir Klačar, Ozren Bilušić, Tvrtko Stipić, Ivica Čikeš, Stjepan Franetović, Davor Radić, Neven Mrzlečki, {…}