Vocal longevity is a major concern these days for most singers. There was a time when people were entering their prime years in their late 30s or 40s. But the industry has changed and singers are, in many case, forced into the limelight at younger ages. Seeing an international operastar at age 28 was illusory 50 years ago. It’s becoming {…}
Fort Worth Opera has announced a new collaborative partnership with Mexico City-born artist Laura Anderson Barbata, for the world premiere of composer-librettist Rachel J. Peters’s dark comedy, “Companionship.” The renowned Brooklyn-based artist, performer, and author has constructed the world of baker Lesley Sinclair and her dysfunctional family for the upcoming work. In a press release, Barbata said, “I’ve been fortunate to work in {…}
Mozart’s operas are among the most complex, but few have quite the reputation as “Così Fan Tutte,” which is often placed under a very critical lens for its rather questionable treatment of women (which is underlined by its very title). But Skylark Opera Theatre Artistic Director Robert Neu doesn’t feel that the opera warrants such a reputation. In fact, he’s {…}
Dolora Zajick is one of the famed Verdi mezzos of the late 20th and early 21st century. Born on March 24, 1952, Oregon, she actually started off as a pre-med student at the University of Nevada before switching over to voice. She wound up graduating from the University of Nevada with both a Bachelor’s and Master’s music. From there, she {…}
The Nashville Opera has announced its 2019-20 season which will feature four operas. The season opens with Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” featuring soprano Elizabeth Caballero as Cio-Cio San. The performances are set to take place at TPAC Jackson Hall. Performance Dates: Oct. 10, 12, 2019 In time for the holidays, the company will produce “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” with two {…}
Dramatic soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer knows her way around Wagner’s “Ring.” The California native has sung multiple roles in the composer’s epic cycle at some of the most prestigious houses. This spring she’s back at the Met singing in three out of the four operas, performing Freia in “Das Rheingold,” Ortlinde in “Die Walküre,” and Third Norn in “Götterdämerung.” The {…}
You might have heard, but Beniamino Gigli and Lauritz Melchior were born on the same exact day – March 20, 1890. As such, it should not be a surprise that their careers overlapped in some unique ways. They both became major stars at the Met. They both appeared in the movies. They even shared an operatic role. But they also {…}
Opera Rara has released the world premiere recording of Donizetti’s “L’Ange de Nisida.” The new recording was taken from two concert performances of the work in July 2018 at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden with Opera Rara’s Artistic Director Sir Mark Elder leading the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House in his ninth Donizetti title for the company. The new {…}
Jamie Barton has postponed her upcoming recital at the Kennedy Center. The Kennedy Center announced that due to “illness Barton postponed her upcoming Kennedy Center recital on Saturday, March 23, as part of the Renée Fleming VOICES series.” As a result, the performance has been moved to Saturday, May 4, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. in the Family Theater. Barton will appear {…}
“Dreamers,” an oratorio, composed by Jimmy Lopez, Libretto by Nilo Cruz, brought today’s immigration drama to the stage at Cal Performances, UC Berkeley. Composer and Conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen led the Philharmonia Orchestra of London, the UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus, Volti, a professional vocal and new music ensemble, and soprano Ana-Maria Martinez in the world premiere of the work to an {…}
Opera San Jose has announced its 2019-20 season which includes four of the most popular operas in the repertoire. The company has yet to announce casting for its productions. The season kicks off with Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” with Michael Morgan, Music Director of Festival Opera in Walnut Creek conducting the operetta. Marc Jacobs will return to direct this production. Performance Dates: {…}