Piotr Beczala has withdrawn from the second performance of “Carmen” on Jan. 3, 2024, at the Metropolitan Opera. The company said, “Tenor Rafael Davila will sing the role of Don José in Bizet’s ‘Carmen,’ replacing Piotr Beczała, who has withdrawn due to illness.” Davila sang the first performance on Dec. 31, 2024. Since his Met debut in 2017 as Don José, {…}
On Dec. 16, 2023, Soprano Orianna Santunione died at the age of 89. Born on Sept. 1, 1934, the Italian soprano was known for her Italian lyric and spinto repertoire and was widely recognized in Italy. She went on to perform at the Teatro alla Scala and Arena di Verona and internationally was known for her performances at the Paris {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced two cast changes for “La Fanciulla del West.” The company revealed that Carlo Rizzi will be conducting the entire run of the opera on Jan. 7, 10, 12, and 15 in lieu of Simone Young. Additionally, Roberto Frontali will sing the role of Jack Rance, replacing the originally scheduled Carlos Álvarez. Frontali and Rizzi {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced a cast change for its performance of “Die Fledermaus.” The company has revealed that Maria Nazarova will be performing as Adele in the final performances of the opera, taking over for Regula Muehlemann, who initiated the run and has withdrawn due to illness. Muehlemann noted on social media that “Dear all. I am very {…}
Called “one of the most promising stars on the 21st opera scene” by WQXR/Q2’s Olivia Giovetti, David T. Little has made his mark on the art form in quite a few ways. He has six operas to his name of his “Dog Days” was commissioned by Carnegie Hall and Beth Morrison Projects and has received performances not only at the {…}
The Young People’s Chorus of New York City is teaming up with the Yale Glee Club to presente a special performance in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 14, 2024. The free concert will be headlined by baritone Lester Lynch. On the program will be works by Ricky Ian Gordon, as well as other songs arranged by Lynch {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has announced a cast change for its production of “Carmen.” The company said that for the Jan. 3 performance (Liceu Under35) and next Sunday, Jan. 7, the titular role will be played by the mezzo Rinat Shaham. She will replace Varduhi Abrahamyan who is indisposed. Shaham is a mezzo who has performed in Vienna, Rome, {…}
Happy New Year! With 2024 in full swing, OperaWire is breaking down 10 opera productions that are must-sees for all opera lovers from around the world for the winter and spring season. Ali – La Monnaie – April 21, 2024 La Monnaie continues bringing new operas to the world and this year the company will bring the true story of {…}
Several major opera figures received distinctions as part of the King’s New Year’s Honours 2024. Among the honored musicians included Judith Weier who received a damehood and Stuart Murphy who received a CBE. Laurence Cummings, Alex Reedijk, Carolyn Sampson, and Emma Wilson all received OBEs. Meanwhile, Sir Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera became Commander of the Royal {…}
Long Beach Opera is set to present the world premiere of “ISOLA,” a prismatic meditation on time, mental health, and isolation by composer Alyssa Weinberg with a text by poet J. Mae Barizo. The production, which will be performed on Feb 3, 10, and 11, 2024, will be designed as both an opera and an art installation: a visual and sonic intimate {…}
The Osterfestspiele Salzburg has announced a cast change for its performances of Verdi’s Requiem. The festival said, “As Jonas Kaufmann would like to concentrate fully on his three performances and his scenic role debut as Enzo Grimaldi in ‘La Gioconda,’ he has expressed the wish to resign his participation in our Choral Concert – Verdi’s Messa da Requiem.” As a {…}