Embracing Tradition & Moving Beyond It – Tenor Russell Thomas On ‘Don Carlo,’ ‘Otello,’ & How To Learn From Artists & Audiences Of The Present & Past

This Saturday, March 3, 2018, the Washington National Opera will be staging a four-act version of “Don Carlo” with a superstar cast. While many might turn to the likes of Leah Crocetto, Jamie Barton, or Eric Owens, for the star power, tenor Russell Thomas is poised to have a big night in his Washington National Opera debut. Thomas recently spoke {…}

Mar 3, 2018

Opera Quiz: Which ‘Carmen’ Character Best Defines Your Personality?

Is Bizet’s “Carmen” the most famous opera in the entire universe? That is certainly a valid question given the fact that almost no opera company in the world can live without the perennial favorite in a single season of programming. While it’s rich and evocative melodies are certainly one of the major reasons for its enduring popularity, there is no {…}

Mar 3, 2018

The Major Opera Recordings of Florence Quivar

Florence Quivar, born on March 3, 1944, is one of the great American mezzos of her time. She first came to love opera upon hearing the Met Opera on tour and then eventually launched on a mission to become a great opera singer in her own right. Her journey took her through the Julliard School, Philadelphia Academy of Music, and {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Anthony Roth Costanzo, David Daniels & Layla Claire Headline Boston Baroque’s 2018-19 Season

The Boston Baroque has announced its 2018-19 season featuring some of the greatest baroque artists of our generation. As with our past season announcement articles, we will focus solely on the vocal elements of the season. The company will celebrate the holiday season with Handel’s Messiah featuring the Boston Baroque orchestra and chorus, with the debuts of soprano Layla Claire, {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Obituary: Conductor Jesús Lopez Cobos Dies, Age 78

Famed conductor Jesus Lopez Cobos has passed away today, March 2, 2018, in the city of Berlin; the cause of death is given as complications due to cancer. Throughout his career, Cobos was music director with a number of prominent orchestras, such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with which he would become their Conductor Emeritus; Deutsche Oper, where he served {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Elizabeth Caballero Replaces Sonya Yoncheva in ‘La Bohème’

Sonya Yoncheva has canceled tonight’s performance of “La Bohème.” The Metropolitan Opera announced on Twitter that due to illness Yoncheva would not sing the performance. As a result, Elizabeth Caballero will sing Mimì. Caballero made her Met debut as Frasquita in 2009 in “Carmen” and recently sang Donna Elvira in “Don Giovanni” at the Seattle Opera, a performance of Carmina {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Elektra: Yannick Nézet-Séguin Steals The Show In Strauss’ Most Violent Work

Richard Strauss’ “Elektra” returned to the Metropolitan Opera on Thursday, March 1, 2018, in a hotly anticipated revival of Patrice Chéreau’s production. Last time out, the production was a smash hit, its stripped-down sets allowing for the audience to focus on the violent drama put before us. It continues to work in that vein, though its overall stillness might not {…}

Mar 2, 2018

The Defining Roles of Simon Estes’ Metropolitan Opera Career

Simon Estes, born on March 2, 1938, did not have an easy career path. While the bass-baritone succeeded in Europe in his early years, the United States didn’t take too well to him. He was only accepted for minor roles at most prominent theaters and it wasn’t until 1981, 16 years after his professional debut, that the Metropolitan Opera offered {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Top 6 Operas to See This Weekend – International (3/2-4): Matthew Polenzani, Dmitry Korchak & Markus Werba Headline Weekend Of Rarities

This weekend is filled with rarities around the world featuring some of today’s greats. The list includes Bel Canto, French, and modern works that are sure to delight every type of audience. Le Domino Noir – Opera Royal de Liege Wallonie, Belgium Auber’s rarely performed work gets its final performance with Patrick Davin conducting an ensemble cast that includes Anne-Catherine Gillet, Cyrille {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Opera Vision 2017-18 Preview: National Theatre Prague Presents Martinu’s “Michelle’

Opera Vision will start streaming “Michelle” from the National Theatre Prague starting on March 3, 2018. The work by Martinu will feature Alzbeta Polackova, Peter Berg, Ondrej Koplik, Petr Levicek, Yevhen Shokalo, and Michael Zajmi, among others. Jaroslav Kyzlink will conduct the National Theatre Prague Orchestra. The stream kicks off at 7 p.m. local time. That’s around 2 p.m. EDT {…}

Mar 2, 2018

Top 5 Operas of the Weekend – North America (3/2-4): ‘Faust,’ ‘Don Carlo’ & Other Repertory Favorites Dominate Weekend

It’s a big weekend around the United States with two high-profile opera companies showcasing the debut of major productions. In this week’s picks, you will see a mix of major stars and big companies with up-and-comers at smaller organizations. Here are our top five picks in alphabetical order by company. Faust – Lyric Opera of Chicago Superstar soprano Ailyn Pérez {…}