Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Werther: Brilliant Grigolo, Leonard & Powerful ‘Werther’ Production Will Leave You Emotionally Enriched & Exhausted

This review is for the performance on Feb. 20, 2017. Taking in the experience of Massenet’s “Werther” is a rather fascinating one. Not because the music is without a doubt the composer’s finest creation or because the Metropolitan Opera’s production is a dramatic home run (more on that later). It has to do with audience interaction and engagement. Who would {…}

Feb 21, 2017

Cathartic Trauma – How Susan Graham Overcame the Emotional Challenges of Performing ‘Dead Man Walking’

Overcoming a traumatic experience is an arduous task that really never goes away. It leaves its mark, the smallest stimulus bringing it back with greater potency. Artists don’t always have the luxury of running away from trauma. They not only have to portray it but live it time and time again. And in the case of opera singers, they might {…}

Feb 21, 2017

Jamie Barton To Sign Copies Of ‘All Who Wander’ At the Met Opera Shop

Fans will get a chance to meet mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton at the Metropolitan Opera Store on Feb 23 at 3 p.m. Barton will sign copies of her new album “All Who Wander,” which includes music from Sibelius, Dvorak and Mahler. Upon release OperaWire said, “Barton’s voice is delicate throughout, a sound that the audiences are not accustomed to hearing in the opera house where {…}

Feb 21, 2017

Floyd’s ‘Prince of Players’ To Receive New York Premiere At The Little Opera Theatre

On Feb. 23, Carlisle Floyd’s opera, “Prince of Players” will have its New York premiere. The opera will be presented by the Little Opera Theatre in New York. The work was commissioned for the Houston Grand Opera and had its world premiere last March where critics raved and said it was an intimate and moving work. The opera tells the {…}

Feb 20, 2017

Operatic Presidents: The US Commanders-in-Chief That Have Been Portrayed in Opera

Opera is laden with historical figures of the past, many often showcased in a mythological light. The same goes for American Presidents, which have been given the operatic treatment on several occasions. As we celebrate Presidents Day in the United States, here is a look at which of our leaders have been showcased in operas. Third US President Thomas Jefferson {…}

Feb 20, 2017

CD/DVD Releases -Week of Feb. 20: Diana Damrau Leads New Releases In Bizet

It isn’t a particularly busy week in terms of releases, but there are some gems that people will undeniably want to check out. Here is a look at the French and German offerings you can find available for home release. Damrau in Bizet One of the major highlights of the Met Opera’s 2015-16 season was Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles.” {…}

Feb 20, 2017

Artist Of The Week: John Holiday Is A Countertenor On The Rise

John Holiday is one of the most promising countertenors of his generation. Holiday’s star is rising and this week he will once again have a chance to prove it at the Bruce R. Foote Foundation Concert. The tenor, who is a recipient of the Bruce R. Foote award, will perform a concert that will show his talent in distinct repertoire, which {…}

Feb 19, 2017

Editorial: Why We Must Heed Peter Gelb’s Warning & Demand Continued Government Support For the Arts

During this weekend’s broadcast of “I Puritani,” Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb was given the floor to talk about the company’s upcoming 2017-18 season, which was announced this past Wednesday. But instead of launching into his offerings, Gelb moved in a different direction, turning his attention toward the social-political challenges facing arts institutions. “I think it’s really important that {…}

Feb 19, 2017

Palacio De Bellas Artes Opens Its 2017 Season With ‘Lucia Di Lammermoor’ And Ramon Vargas

The Palacio de Bellas Artes will inaugurate its season on Feb. 19, 2017 with Donizetti’s “Lucia de Lammermoor.” The company will premiere a new production by Enrique Singer. Famed Mexican tenor Ramon Vargas will sing for the role of Edgardo for the first time in his native country, despite the fact that the role has been in his repertoire for years. It {…}

Feb 19, 2017

Peter Gelb Cancels A Major New Production And Announces Two New Productions For The Metropolitan Opera In Future Seasons

The Metropolitan Opera has cancelled plans to stage Damiano Micheletto’s version of Saint-Saens’ “Samson et Dalila.” According to the AP, Gelb said, “Michieletto is a very talented director, however, this production of ‘Samson’ just didn’t click with the Parisian public.” As a matter of fact the production was booed when opened last year at the Opera de Paris. Michieletto restructured {…}

Feb 19, 2017

On This Day: 5 Essential Roles in Vittorio Grigolo’s Career

Vittorio Grigolo is one of the most acclaimed tenors of his generation and has already been hailed as the successor to Luciano Pavarotti, his greatest qualities including his rampant energy and charisma on stage. On Feb. 19 Grigolo celebrates his 40th birthday and as a result OperaWire takes a look at some his most acclaimed roles The Duke in “Rigoletto” Vittorio Grigolo {…}