During the later 1900s, there were a few baritones associated with the repertoire of Verdi – the so-called “Verdi baritones.” While many might immediately turn toward Leo Nucci, Renato Bruson, or Piero Cappuccilli as the big Verdi baritones of the time, Giorgio Zancanaro was undeniably among the elites. The baritone, born on May 9, 1939, studied in his native Verona, {…}
The Connecticut Lyric Opera and the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra will present Verdi’s “Aida” throughout the state. The company will showcase the Verdi masterpiece with an international cast that includes Israeli Soprano Frederique Bosz and Lithuanian Jūratė Svedaite as Aida, Daniel Juarez as Radames, Russian contralto Galina Ivannikova as Amneris, Metropolitan Opera star Stefan Szkafarowsky and Steven Fredericks as Ramfis, Ivan Conrad {…}
Latvian soprano Kristine Opolais has withdrawn from the role of Elsa in The Royal Opera’s new production of “Lohengrin.” The soprano withdrew to ensure her full recovery from a routine abdominal medical procedure. In a statement, Opolais said, “I withdraw from Lohengrin at the Royal Opera House with a heavy heart. I am incredibly sorry to disappoint my fans in {…}
On June 28, 2018, the Pacific Opera Project will present the west coast premiere of Giacomo Rossini’s rarely performed “La Gazzetta.” “La Gazzetta” premiered in Naples in 1816, ran for 21 performances and was revived once, in 1928. It was not seen on stage again until England’s Garsington Opera presented it in 2001, followed by 2005 productions at the Rossini Festival {…}
Minnesota Opera has announced the hiring of Priti Gandhi in the newly created position of chief artistic officer. The position, which will be effective on July 2, 2018, will see Gandhi come to Minnesota Opera from San Diego Opera, where she is currently the artistic administrator. “On behalf of the entire team at Minnesota Opera, I am thrilled to welcome Priti {…}
The week sees a number of high profile releases including a world premiere, an exciting role debut, a rarely performed gem, and an innovative production from one of the world’s greatest filmmakers. L’Invisible The world premiere recording of Albert Reimann’s new opera “L’Invisible” will be released by Oehms Classics from the Deutsche Oper Berlin. The new CD, which was recorded from {…}
The scene is set: a masked ball, set into the morning audience of King Gustavo III of Sweden – scarlet taffeta capes and gowns, coal-black hats and boots, creme and black masks. Donald Runnicles’, Music Director of the Deutscher Oper Berlin, lifts his baton with the brisk and lively overture to Verdi’s “Un Ballo In Maschera” and the curtain rises. {…}
Tenor Michael Fabiano, born on May 8, 1984, has fashioned a major career for himself in the modern opera world. To this point, he has established a foothold at all the major opera houses around the globe, including the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Teatro Real, Paris Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Canadian Opera Company, among others. The tenor was {…}
With the New York Opera Fest 2018 officially underway, OperaWire will be showcasing small previews for each major participant at the festival, as we did during last year’s event. However, we are doing things a bit differently this year and giving the floor directly to each company to speak to you, the reader, directly. Enjoy! Ever wish that opera wasn’t {…}
Opera Ithaca has announced its 2018-19 season, its 5th edition. The season will showcase four productions, including a world premiere. Thomas’ “Hamlet” opens the season, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the work’s Paris Opera premiere in a production by director/designer Zachary James. Conductor, Keith Chambers leads a cast that includes Garrett Obrycki as Hamlet, Holly Flack as Ophelie, Leah Marie {…}
Dell’Arte Opera Ensemble has announced its 2018 summer festival dedicated to works by Mozart and Salieri. Starting on August 11, 2018, and running until August 26, the festival will feature 13 performances of two fully-staged operas, a scenes program, and an intimate recital to be presented in the intimate black-box space of La MaMa Theatre. Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” opens the festival {…}