CD Review: Paterson and Cote’s ‘Three Way’ Not Your Usual Sex Opera
Is it possible to create something risqué yet non-controversial at the same time? Something that tackles sexually-charged topics such as the LGBTQ community, dominatrices, couple swapping and the role of artificial intelligence in relationships? Can all of this be depicted in a way that isn’t preachy or pejorative in these polarizing times? Nobody probably asked themselves these questions but if {…}
The Irish National Opera Names Artistic Director
The new Irish National Opera company has named Fergus Sheil its artistic director. Conductor and opera producer Sheil was formerly artistic director of Wide Open Opera and Opera Theatre. He will be joined by executive director, Diego Fasciati, who has worked with Boston Lyric Opera, Opera Theatre Company, the Arts Council and Rough Magic Theatre Company. The new company was {…}
Festival d’Aix-En-Provence Announce 2018 Season
The Festival d’Aix-en-Provence has announced its 70th anniversary season. This season the company will present six full-scale opera productions with a number of international artists from July 4 to July 24, 2018. Among those productions are two new world premieres. The first “Orfeo & Majnun,” which opens on June 24. The opera will be sung in English, French, and Arabic by {…}
Central City Opera Announces New Board Members
Central City Opera has announced the election of four new members of the board of directors. General and Artistic Director Pelham Pearce said in a statement, “It will be an honor to work with such an esteemed group of leaders, as these individuals are a testament to Central City Opera’s strong impact on the community. I look forward to working with each one of {…}
Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Live Stream: Willy Decker’s ‘Lulu’ To Be Streamed Around the Globe
The Vienna State Opera’s live streaming series continues on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, with a performance of Alban Berg’s “Lulu.” The new production, directed by Willy Decker, will be conducted by Ingo Metzmacher and features a cast that includes Agneta Eichenholz in the title role, Angela Denoke, Bo Skovhus, Herbert Lippert, and Franz Grundheber. The stream kicks off at 6:30 p.m. {…}
Richard Tucker Gala 2017 Review: Stephanie Blythe & Ailyn Perez Shine As Nadine Sierra Shows Promise
Every year the Richard Tucker Foundation awards a promising young American opera singer with the annual Richard Tucker Award. The award comes with a star-studded gala that showcases the victorious artist alongside some of the greatest singers in the world, many of which are also previous winners. This year Nadine Sierra was given the award and headlined the gala at {…}
Diana Damrau Cancels Final Two Performances In Munich
Diana Damrau has canceled the final two performances of “Lucia di Lammermoor” at the Bayerische Staatsoper. The company announced via Twitter that Damrau would not be able to sing the final two performances on Dec. 12 and 15 due to illness. As a result, Olga Pudova will take over the run. Pudova has been acclaimed as one of the promising coloratura {…}
A Survey of Berlioz’s Operas
Hector Berlioz has always stood as a controversial figure in the world of classical music. Born on Dec. 11, 1803, his legacy has been one of confusion for many artists. On one hand, he is seen as an incredible genius, whose music is among the richest ever written, his orchestration revolutionary. Others find his music ambiguous in quality, with only {…}
6 Fun Facts About the Career of Giacomo Lauri-Volpi
Giacomo Lauri-Volpi is one of the most celebrated tenors in history, encompassing a wide-ranging repertoire and lengthy career. Lauri-Volpi, born on Dec. 11, 1892, was born in Lanuvio, Italy and found himself an orphan at just 11 years of age. From there he would build himself up under baritone Antonio Cotogni, and eventually find international acclaim. His career is one {…}
Pacific Opera Project 2017-18 Review – La Bohème / The Hipsters: An Intelligent Adaptation of the Puccini Classic Set in the 21st Century
On December 8, 2017, Pacific Opera Project presented its version of Giacomo Puccini’s “La bohème,” called “The Hipsters.” Artistic Director and Company Co-Founder Josh Shaw defines “hipsters” as twenty to thirty-year-old well-educated members of a subculture that values independent thinking, an appreciation of art, creativity, intelligence, and the witty banter of well-educated young adults, many of whom have liberal arts {…}