Bass William Thomas will no longer perform the final two performances of the “Les Troyens” tour. The bass who was performing the role of Narbal will no longer perform at the Berlin Philharmonic Hall on Sept. 1 nor at the BBC Proms on Sept. 3. As a result, he will be replaced by Alex Rosen, who was already performing the {…}
(Photo: © Ruth Walz) A couple of weeks ago, I had a lovely conversation with one of the dramaturgists of Salzburg Festival’s production of Verdi’s “Falstaff.” He pinpointed how strange it is for a dramaturg to hear that the staging for this production did not work, but the music did. To him, music and theater are part of the same {…}
This week audiences will get a chance to hear a new album by a great tenor and complete operas by Mozart, Donizetti, Moniuszko, and Gluck. Romances Star tenor Piotr Beczala presents a selection of romances by Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, together with the acclaimed accompanist Helmut Deutsch. In a statement, Beczala noted, “When I first began to study singing at the Katowice Academy of {…}
For the Berkshire Opera Festival’s first “La Bohème,” OperaWire interviewed two of the leads, Yongzhao Yu (Rodolfo) and Véronique Filloux (Musetta). The festival, not far from the historic site of Tanglewood, has over the years gained a reputation for exciting and powerful productions. It is also known for spotting rising talent poised to reach an ever wider audience around the globe. {…}
Lise Davidsen is set to release a “Christmas From Norway” via Decca Classics on Nov. 10, 2023. The new album is being described as a “delightful and personally-selected collection” of traditional Norwegian Christmas music and classic festive favorites. For this album, the soprano draws inspiration from the classic albums of iconic predecessors on Decca Classics, such as Kirsten Flagstad and {…}
The Opéra Comique has announced a cast change for its production of “Macbeth Underworld.” The company said that Jean-Sébastien Bou, who was initially planned in the role of Macbeth, will not be able to take part in the production for health reasons. As a result, Jarrett Ott will take over the role. Ott has previously performed with the Opéra Comique in {…}
The Royal Stockholm Philharmonic is set to open its 2023-24 season on Sept. 7, 2023, with a Swedish program. The concert will feature Sven-David Sandström’s “The High Mass,” with soloists Marisol Montalvo, Elin Rombo, Jeannette van Schaik, Paula Murrihy, Emma Sventelius, and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir. In a statement, Chief Conductor Ryan Bancroft said, “I am delighted to begin {…}
The Brooklyn Art Song Society is set to open its 14th season on Oct. 6, 2023 with “Circles I: Clara, Robert, and Johannes.” The concert is the first installment of a six-part series exploring the musical and social connections between composers throughout music history. This first installment will center on the complex relationship between Johannes Brahms, Clara Schumann, and Robert {…}
The Royal Danish Opera has announced a cast change for its Sept. 1, 2023 performance of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company said that Judit Kutasi will sing the role of Amneris replacing Nora Sourouzian. Kutasi also took to social media and said, “Jumping in tonight as Amneris at the Royal Danish Opera in their production of Aida! Didn’t think will be {…}
(Credit: Kristin Hoebermann) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its performance of Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” on Sept. 6, 2023. The company said that Brenda Rae will sing the role of Amina replacing Pretty Yende. Rae has previously performed the opera at the Oper Frankfurt during the 2017-18 and 2014-15 seasons. This season she is set to appear {…}
© feastcreative The English Touring Opera has announced that its upcoming autumn tour will include new productions of Monteverdi’s “The Coronation of Poppea” and Rossini’s “Cinderella.” The first tour to be programmed by General Director Robin Norton-Hale since taking up the role in January this year, explores the overlaps of love and power. This season brings fresh perspectives to these {…}