The Washington National Opera (WNO) has announced that American soprano Leah Crocetto will sing the title role of “Aida” in performances on September 10, 15, and 17 replacing American soprano Amber Wagner, who has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons. WNO Artistic Director and Aida director Francesca Zambello said, “We are incredibly fortunate that an artist of the caliber {…}
Maria Agresta has withdrawn from the San Francisco Opera’s upcoming production of Puccini’s “Turandot” due to illness. The company announced that American soprano Toni Marie Palmertree will sing Liù, replacing Agresta and will now perform in all six September performances. Palmertree scored a triumph last season when she substituted for an ailing colleague on two hours’ notice as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” {…}
Walter Scott, born on August 15, 1771, is among the most important English-language writers, his works essential parts of the literary canon. In fact, he created some true masterpieces that would go on to inspire some of the greatest opera composers as well. Here is a look at the important operas based on the works of Scott. Ivanhoe Scott’s most {…}
“Dream of the Red Chamber,” commissioned by San Francisco Opera from Chinese-American composer Bright Sheng with a libretto by Sheng and playwright David Henry Hwang, will tour to the People’s Republic of China in September 2017. In a press conference, it was unveiled that “Dream of the Red Chamber” will travel to three Chinese cities in six performances. The tour {…}
Of course, it is impossible – to rewrite, even for opera, Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It is untouchable, even if the Bard wouldn’t have sized up the various Folios and Quartos and come up with a right-as-rain manuscript. But, for Ambroise Thomas, in 19th century France, (1868) to tackle the probing young man and make him sing for his supper – well, {…}
After showcasing a wide range of repertoire that will be showcased this fall in the United States, it’s time to look at the European theaters. With hundreds of houses around the world opening at the same time, it was challenging to put together this list. But after looking through several theaters, OperaWire has curated the must-see operas for this fall {…}
Ailyn Pérez is one of today’s rising stars in the opera world. She has slowly built her career with a varied repertoire that has shown her versatility and acting chops. In celebration of her birthday on August 15, 1979, OperaWire takes a look at some of the soprano’s milestones thus far. Operalia and Competitions While Pérez did not win the {…}
Opera continues to break records with this weekend’s ratings of Verdi’s “Aida.” According to ORF, the TV screening of “Aida” from the Salzburg Festival took a 17 percent market share this weekend. The reports noted that there were an estimated 473,000 viewers. The production starred reigning diva Anna Netrebko, Francesco Meli, Ekaterina Semenchuk and Luca Salsi. Riccardo Muti conducted the Vienna Philharmonic {…}
On Wednesday, August 16 the NY Choral (New York Choral Society) continues its Summer Sings Open Readings of beloved choral masterworks. This time it will present Mendelssohn’s “Elijah,” a beloved masterwork. The reading will feature Conductor Michael Ciavaglia with a distinguished cast of soloists. Hannah Spierman will take on the soprano role while Michael Kuhn will take on the tenor part {…}
Most people tend to have fairly firm stances on opera: they either love it or they just don’t relate to it. In part, this is because the style of music and performance can be an acquired taste. But it may also be because operas don’t tend to revolve around well-known tales. Ordinary musicals tend to be a little more recognizable. {…}
If you’re looking for multiple releases this week, only one major opera will come out. That, of course, will be a re-release that is considered a modern classic. Tosca Back in 2001 award-winning filmmaker, Benoit Jacquot, directed a cinematic version of “Tosca” with Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, and Ruggero Raimondi. The film was a success and became one of the {…}
