Ana Cernicova, Nicoleta Maier, Stefan von Korch, Cosmin Marcovici, Diana lonescu Star in Iaşi National Opera’s ‘The Merry Widow 2.0’

Iaşi National Opera is set to present “The Merry Widow 2.0.” Sopranos Ana Cernicova and Nicoleta Maier take on the title role in Lehar’s “The Merry Widow,” on Feb. 6 and 7, respectively. The cast is rounded out by sopranos Diana lonescu and Angelica Solomon, countertenor Alexandru Savin, tenors Cosmin Marcovici, Andrei Lazăr, and Stefan von Korch, and basses Andrei {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Diane Warren Speaks Out Against Cutting Songs From Oscars Broadcast

Diane Warren is hitting back at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for excluding three songs from the Oscars broadcast. On Jan. 30, in a letter sent to all music nominees and obtained exclusively by Variety, the Academy announced that only two of the songs nominated for Best Original Song would be performed. The broadcast would include “Golden” {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Kennedy Center to Close for Two Years for Renovation

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is set to close for two years. President Donald J. Trump released a statement via Truth Social noting stating that he had made the decision after one year of review. He said, “Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, I have determined that the fastest way to bring {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Houston Grand Opera & Amanda Forsythe Win Big at Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards were announced on Feb. 1, 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Best Opera Recording winner was Heggie’s “Intelligence” which featured Kwamé Ryan, Jamie Barton, J’Nai Bridges and Janai Brugger. The recording was produced by Blanton Alspaugh. In the process, Ryan became the first Black conductor to win in the Best Opera Recording category. The {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Cast Change: Iwona Sobotka Steps Into ‘Der fliegende Holländer’ at Teatro Principal de Palma

The Teatro Principal de Palma has announced a cast change for its production of “Der fliegende Holländer.” The production, which is set to be performed on Feb. 18, 20 and 22, will see Iwona Sobotka step in as Senta replacing soprano Gabriela Scherer, who was initially announced but was forced to cancel due to an illness. Sobotka has performed with {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Composer & Conductor Frédéric Chaslin Appears in Hundreds of Epstein Files

Editorial note: The emails included in this article are presented exactly as they were in the files, typos and all. All referenced files are linked. Following the release of 3.5 million Epstein files, it was revealed that conductor Frédéric Chaslin was in contact with the child sex offender, serial rapist, and human trafficker for several years. Van Magazine first reported {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Johann Kalvelage Taken to Hospital in the Middle of ‘Don Giovanni’ Performance at Theater Chemnitz

During the opening night performance of “Don Giovanni” at the Theater Chemnitz, Johann Kalvelage experienced health problems and was taken to the hospital. The opera company released a statement noting, “the singer Johann Kalvelage required medical attention after the first act of Mozart’s opera ‘Don Giovanni.’ He had been playing the role of Leporello. In the second part of the {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Teatro Municipale di Piacenza 2025-2026 Review: Don Giovanni

(Credit: Gianni Cravedi / Teatro Municipale di Piacenza) The great collector of women arrived in Emilia-Romagna, specifically at the Teatro Municipale di Piacenza, before moving on to Modena, as part of a co-production between the two cities’ theaters. The scenic concept was devised by Andrea Bernard. A statement of his opens the program booklet, in which he explains that he has {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Q & A: Prof. Mark Tucker & Prof. Isolde Kittel-Zerer on Reviving Hasse’s ‘Artaserse’ at Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg

Prof. Mark Tucker is a distinguished interpreter of the Baroque repertoire with a prestigious career performing and recording under conductors such as Sir John Eliot Gardiner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and René Jacobs. For over 20 years, he has taught at Hochschule für Musik und Theater (HfMT) Hamburg, specializing in Italian vocal repertoire from 1600 to 1800 within the Historical Performance Practice {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Cameron Arens Named Opera & Casting Director at Theater Basel

Cameron Arens has been named Opera and Casting Director at Theater Basel. Arens will begin his tenure during the 2026-7 season. he will succeed Jean Denes, who will be moving to the Grand Théâtre de Genève following six years with the company. In his new positions Arens will work with the administrative management of the opera department, casting, and in {…}

Feb 1, 2026

Christina Pier & Benjamin Appl Lead Sun Valley Music Festival’s 2026 Season

The Sun Valley Music Festival has announced its 42nd Summer Season. The festival will be held between July 27 and August 20, 2026. Here is a look at the vocal performances: The Brahms’s “A German Requiem” will be conducted by Alasdair Neale and will star Christina Pier and Benjamin Appl. Performance Date: August 9, 2026 Christina Pier and Benjamin Appl {…}