In honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s 25 years on the United States Supreme Court, Cedille Records has launched their album “Notorious RBG in Song.” The album, which was released on June 8, 2018, touches not only on Justice Ginsburg’s professional life, but her family life as well. Soprano Patrice Michaels, who studied under Dominick Argento, has composed a song cycle {…}
This week, four rarely performed works get new releases. Naxos, Dynamic, and Opus Arte are pulling the stops on showcasing some of the greatest works in the repertoire that need more visibility. Here is a look. Le Comte Ory Naxos will release a new production of Rossini’s final comedy. The production from the Malmo Opera stars Leonardo Ferrando in the {…}
Jonas Kaufmann is THE tenor of the 21st century. Born on July 10, 1969, in Munich, he began his vocal training at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich. During the time of his studies, Kaufmann sang smaller roles at the Bayerische Staatsoper. He graduated in 1994 with a promising career on the horizon. Then crisis struck in 1995 {…}
Dangerously close to the genre of farce, Verdi’s “Falstaff” almost lifts the burden of tough singing from its players. Centered on a large ensemble cast to which – with the exception of the titular protagonist – the vocal challenges are doled out almost equally, its arias are largely scant. Transferring the setting from 15th-century London to a fanciful, blown-up and {…}
Stephen Costello has long been one of the leading lyric tenors of his generation. His vocal beauty and stage presence have brought great acclaim and his vast repertoire has also shown his virtuosic power. This week Costello makes a major house debut, as well as a big role debut that will once again show the diversity that Costello has to {…}
Nic McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra (PBO) have accomplished a plethora of amazing experiences together. McGegan, who has been the music director of the orchestra, since 1985, has made numerous recordings with the organization, particularly of early works including Handel’s “Messiah,” “Dido and Aeneas,” and the concertos of Corelli, among many others. But McGegan and his orchestra may have topped {…}
Last year, Francesca Zambello went in depth about her work at the Glimmerglass Festival and her position at Washington National Opera, roles that require tremendous dedication on the iconic director’s part. Her busy slate makes it essential that she have a strong team surrounding her to provide strong support. Enter Eric Sean Fogel. He’s worked as choreographer on a number {…}
The Salzburg Festival has announced that 13 singers from 12 European nations shall take part in the Young Singers Project. Per a press release, the ensemble hails from Great Britain, Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, South Korea, France, Belgium, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Austria, Romania and Poland. “The director of the Young Singers Project, Evamaria Wieser, a member of numerous juries herself, selects young {…}
The Portland Opera has announced a plethora of free, family events for the summer of 2018. The events include a Cinderella Sing-a-Long celebration on July 18, 2018. Those that attend will also receive complimentary ice cream. The event takes place at Director Park. On July 25, 2018, the company will offer a live outdoor simulcast of Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” outside {…}
Any time an opera production begins with non-textual lines, especially in a language different to the libretto, alarm bells ring louder the tubular Grail chimes in “Parsifal.” Such was the case in Davide Livermore’s new staging of “Manon Lescaut” for the Gran Teatre del Liceu which had already been seen in co-production with the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. Instead of {…}
Tenor Jonathan Tetelman will replace Piotr Beczala in “La Bohème” at Tanglewood. Beczala was supposed to take on his signature role alongside soprano Kristine Opolais but opted for performing in “Lohengrin” at the Bayreuth Festival when Roberto Alagna stepped down from the production. Tetelman sang his first performances of Rodolfo in the Puccini masterpiece at the Fujian Grand Theatre in {…}
