The last time Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos” was seen at Santa Fe Opera in 1999, the world was on the brink of a new millennium. Nineteen years later, this masterpiece finally saw a brilliant return to the Crosby Theater, in a new production by director Tim Albery and set and costume designer Tobias Hoheisel. Though “Ariadne auf Naxos” is now considered one {…}
Gabor Kali was been chosen as this year’s winner of the Nestle and Salzburg Festival’s Young Conductor award. Of the decision process, chairman of the jury, Dennis Russell Davies, said, “After three exciting concerts with the Camerata Salzburg and an intense discussion among the jury, we have chosen Gábor Káli as the prize winner. We are confident he will enjoy {…}
Opera Naples has announced its upcoming 2018-2019 season, featuring an exciting combination of operas, solo performances, chamber music and special events. The season will mark the fifth season with internationally acclaimed Conductor and Artistic Director, Ramón Tebar. “I’m so excited to present a wonderful and varied season for the Southwest Florida community that encompasses many different styles, genres, and events {…}
This review is for the performance on July 13, 2018. At the Prague Summer Nights Festival, a festival featuring young artists, the first few weeks saw a number of splendid concerts, workshops, and competitions all hosted in a city famous for its musical history. As the festival readied to draw to a close, it would do so by staging some {…}
The Arena di Verona production of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” is set to be televised and released on DVD. The date of its presentation has not been confirmed as of yet. According to Fansdeculture, the production will be out as part of the Arena di Verona’s series with BelAir Classiques. The current production stars Nino Machaidze portraying Rosina, Leo Nucci {…}
The Rossini Opera Festival opens this week and while Juan Diego Florez, Pretty Yende, and Lisette Oropesa are sure to make a splash, there is one tenor that is likely to make headlines – Levy Sekgapane. After winning the Operalia Competition in 2017, the tenor’s status has grown rapidly, performing leading roles in Munich, Barcelona, Riga, and Paris alongside some {…}
“Ricciardo e Zoraide” is set to make its television premiere on Rai5. The opera, which will be presented at the Rossini Opera Festival this season starring tenor Juan Diego Flórez and soprano Pretty Yende, will make its premiere on August 30. The opera will be presented as part of Rai5’s Rossini cycle celebrating the composer and the festival’s 150th anniversary. {…}
Think you know your “Pagliacci” from your “Tosca?” Your “Manon” from your “Rigoletto?” Your “L’Orfeo” from your “L’Amour de Loin?” Show us just how much of an opera buff you are. Finish the title of each opera below and we’ll tell you exactly what percent opera buff you really are. In bocca al lupo…
The calendar year of 2018 is only half-way done, but for Steven LaBrie, it has been quite the ride. A survey of his year has included a plethora of major achievements. He debuted a new album, stepped into new roles for the first time, shared the stage with major stars, and debuted at new theaters as well. And he still {…}
Eleonora Buratto has canceled her recital appearance at the Rossini Opera Festival. The festival announced that the soprano would not be singing the performance scheduled for August 19, 2018. As a result, Yolanda Auyanet will replace Buratto. Auyanet is best-known for her interpretations in operas such as “La Boheme,” “La Traviata,” “Pagliacci,” “I Capuleti e Monetecchi” and “Carmen.” The Spanish soprano {…}
In 2012, a version of Handel’s “Rinaldo,” written for Naples in 1718, was discovered in a castle in England. It is a reconstructed version, by a lesser-known baroque composer, Leonardo Leo, who had also included parts by Vivaldi and numerous other composers. This pastiche is the version that is being performed at the Festival della Valle d’Itria, 300 years after {…}