Richard Wagner might just be the greatest composer in opera history. That, of course, depends on how you view the likes of Mozart and Verdi. But Wagner is easily in the top three in any discussion, his works revolutionizing the entire artform. Born on May 22, 1813, Wagner lived a tumultuous life created by his own very unstable personality. But {…}
The Komische Oper in Berlin has soared in reputation under the leadership of Barrie Kosky for its innovative programming. It is regarded as the destination in town for rarely-performed opera works. Scheduling an opera trip in Berlin is full of challenges and my maiden journey to the Komische was for the altogether familiar “Eugene Onegin” by Tchaikovsky on Saturday night {…}
James Conlon has been named “Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana” by Italy’s president. The honor is one of the highest granted directly by the President through the Order of Merit, established in 1951, and the highest Order of the Italian Republic. The title was granted to acknowledge “merits achieved for the nation in the fields of literature, arts, economics, and in the fulfillment {…}
Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov have received two prestigious awards from the Republic of Azerbaijan. Eyvazov announced via Instagram that he had been awarded the “People’s Artist of Azerbaijan” by president Ilham Aliyev and the vice president. Meanwhile, Netrebko received the “Order of Friendship” by the President who signed the order. According to the order, Netrebko was awarded for her contribution to {…}
On May 18, 2018, bass-baritone Kyle Albertson had one of the most surprising experiences of his career. Albertson, who is currently covering the role of Wotan at the San Francisco Opera, was asked on short notice to sing a concert performance of the role with the Dallas Symphony. After saying yes, Albertson took the first flight to Dallas and arrived {…}
Canadian mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta is the latest singer to be featured in a hair commercial. The winner of the 2018 Young Singer of the Year award is being featured in a commercial for John Frieda’s hair-care products. In the commercial Giunta shows off her already iconic red locks and talks about the importance of her hair in a performance. John Freida’s {…}
On Friday May 18, 2018, Kyle Albertson replaced Matthias Goerne in a highly anticipated performance of Wagner’s “Die Walküre.” The bass-baritone, who is currently covering the role of Wotan at the San Francisco Opera, agreed to perform on a short notice. However, Goerne canceled six hours before the performance prompting the Dallas Symphony to scramble for a replacement. As a result, Kyle {…}
Thea Musgrave is one of Britain’s most distinguished composers known for more than 160 pieces, including 13 operas, 11 choral works, and 21 orchestral works. Her work has been performed all over the world and she has garnered great respect in the classic musical world. And this week, she celebrates her prolific 70-year career with her 90th birthday. After a remarkable {…}
This Thursday, May 24, 2018, the Vienna State Opera showcases a production of Strauss’ late work “Capriccio” via its famed live streaming service. Per the official website, the showcase stars Anna Gabler, Markus Eiche, Michael Schade, Adrian Eröd, Wolfgang Bankl, and Angelika Kirchschlager among its cast members with Michael Boder conducting the performance. The performance kicks off at 7 p.m. {…}
It is now 50 years since the celebrated Italian conductor Tulio Serafin passed away. During an illustrious career that lasted over 70 years, he had a significant impact on the world of opera and on music in general. Probably he is now most clearly remembered for his association with the work of Maria Callas, and in particular their landmark recordings, {…}
He was wonderful. He sang with artistry. He sang with heart. He made you feel as if you understood even more than the words, as if you understood worlds when mainly you were listening to a foreign tongue, written by a composer of 70 years before, writing from within a worldview that hardly now exists. Jonas Kaufmann was at the {…}