Saturday, April 13, 2019 saw the second performance of the Manhattan School of Music’s production of the Springtime favorite, “Albert Herring.” With the production running for three nights, each night featured a different cast, comprised of students from the school’s Senior Opera Theater, headed by conductor Jorge Parodi and director Dona D. Vaughn. This effervescent work, composed by Benjamin Britten, {…}
The Semperoper Dresden has announced a major cast change for its performance of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” on April 20, 2019. Mert Süngü, who was supposed to sing the role of Count Almaviva, will now be replaced by tenor Maxim Mironov. The company made an official announcement of the cast change via social media. Mironov is one of the major {…}
With the Easter weekend upon us, many opera companies have taken a break from performances. This week’s installment, as a result, will be a bit more limited. Don Giovanni – Houston Grand Opera Mozart’s masterpiece opens on Saturday at the Houston Grand Opera with an impressive cast that includes Ryan McKinny, Paolo Bordogna, Ailyn Pérez, Melody Moore, Ben Bliss, Dorothy {…}
The holiday weekend is here and that means many companies are on hiatus. However, there are a number of festivals going on and a number of productions ending runs. Here is a look at some new productions and festival performances we are excited about. Mavra / Iolanta – Bayerische Staatsoper, Germany The Munich opera house presents a new production of a {…}
Soprano Natalie Dessay was likely one of the greatest opera actors that the world has ever known. Born on April 19, 1965, she had always intended to be an actress and ballet dancer, but then turned her attention to singing and studied at the Université de Bordeaux. Thereafter, she won the International Mozart Competition in Vienna and was subsequently engaged {…}
La Monnaie is set to present a new production of Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde.” The new interpretation of the famed opera is set to be directed by filmmaker Ralf Pleger and the visual artist Alexander Polzin. Music director Alain Altinoglu conducts a cast that includes English tenor Christopher Ventris and American Bryan Register sharing the role of Tristan. Isolde’s role will {…}
Tenor Roberto Alagna is set to appear on the stage of the Royal Opera House for the 100th time in his career when he appears in the title role of “Andrea Chénier.” The opening night performance is set for May 20, 2019. Alagna made his debut with the company back in 1992 as Rodolfo in Puccini’s “La Bohème” and has {…}
The White Snakes Projects has announced that it will launch the “SING OUT STRONG” initiative with the intent of cultivating new songs that will serve as complements to the company’s operas. It’s first edition will culminate in the world premiere of “I Am A Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” in late September 2019. This first edition, entitled, “Immigrant Voices,” will {…}
Roberto Alagna has canceled all performances of “Carmen’ at the Opera de Paris. The tenor wrote via social media, “Dear friends, despite 10 days of treatment, time is too short to correctly recover from a severe bronchitis. With all my regrets for those who were awaiting me in this role at the Opéra National de Paris, I have to withdraw. I wish {…}
Florentine Opera has announced its 2019-20 season, which will include three operas and an artist showcase. The first opera of the season will be Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” featuring the debuts of Calvin Griffin in the title role, Abigail Levis as Cherubino, and Alisa Calvin as the Countess, Ariana Douglas as Susanna, and Alexander Dobson as the Count. Shawna Lucey directs {…}
Komische Oper Berlin has announced its 2019-20 season. This season will celebrate Dionysus, the forefather and protagonist of Greek theatre, with new productions reflecting the entire spectrum of musical theatre. Chief Director Barrie Kosky comments, “. . . [O]nce we believe in the power of theatre and music, believe in their intoxicating, seductive, physical, emotional, and ultimately community-building impacts, once {…}