Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Werther: Brilliant Grigolo, Leonard & Powerful ‘Werther’ Production Will Leave You Emotionally Enriched & Exhausted

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2016-17-review-werther-brilliant-grigolo-leonard-powerful-werther-production-will-leave-you-emotionally-enriched-exhausted/

This review is for the performance on Feb. 20, 2017. Taking in the experience of Massenet’s “Werther” is a rather fascinating one. Not because the music is without a doubt the composer’s finest creation or because the Metropolitan Opera’s production is a dramatic home run (more on that later). It has to do with audience interaction and engagement. Who would {…}

IndieOpera

Floyd’s ‘Prince of Players’ To Receive New York Premiere At The Little Opera Theatre

https://operawire.com/floyds-prince-of-players-to-receive-new-york-premiere-at-the-little-opera-theatre/

On Feb. 23, Carlisle Floyd’s opera, “Prince of Players” will have its New York premiere. The opera will be presented by the Little Opera Theatre in New York. The work was commissioned for the Houston Grand Opera and had its world premiere last March where critics raved and said it was an intimate and moving work. The opera tells the {…}

Special Features

Operatic Presidents: The US Commanders-in-Chief That Have Been Portrayed in Opera

https://operawire.com/operatic-presidents-the-us-commanders-in-chief-that-have-been-portrayed-in-opera/

Opera is laden with historical figures of the past, many often showcased in a mythological light. The same goes for American Presidents, which have been given the operatic treatment on several occasions. As we celebrate Presidents Day in the United States, here is a look at which of our leaders have been showcased in operas. Third US President Thomas Jefferson {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

CD/DVD Releases -Week of Feb. 20: Diana Damrau Leads New Releases In Bizet

https://operawire.com/cddvd-releases-week-of-feb-20-diana-damrau-leads-new-releases-in-bizet/

It isn’t a particularly busy week in terms of releases, but there are some gems that people will undeniably want to check out. Here is a look at the French and German offerings you can find available for home release. Damrau in Bizet One of the major highlights of the Met Opera’s 2015-16 season was Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles.” {…}

Artist of the Week, News

Artist Of The Week: John Holiday Is A Countertenor On The Rise

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-john-holiday-is-a-countertenor-on-the-rise/

John Holiday is one of the most promising countertenors of his generation. Holiday’s star is rising and this week he will once again have a chance to prove it at the Bruce R. Foote Foundation Concert. The tenor, who is a recipient of the Bruce R. Foote award, will perform a concert that will show his talent in distinct repertoire, which {…}

Editorials

Editorial: Why We Must Heed Peter Gelb’s Warning & Demand Continued Government Support For the Arts

https://operawire.com/editorial-why-we-must-heed-peter-gelbs-warning-demand-continued-government-support-for-the-arts/

During this weekend’s broadcast of “I Puritani,” Metropolitan Opera General Manager Peter Gelb was given the floor to talk about the company’s upcoming 2017-18 season, which was announced this past Wednesday. But instead of launching into his offerings, Gelb moved in a different direction, turning his attention toward the social-political challenges facing arts institutions. “I think it’s really important that {…}

On This Day, Special Features

On This Day: 5 Essential Roles in Vittorio Grigolo’s Career

https://operawire.com/on-this-day-5-essential-in-vittorio-grigolos-career/

Vittorio Grigolo is one of the most acclaimed tenors of his generation and has already been hailed as the successor to Luciano Pavarotti, his greatest qualities including his rampant energy and charisma on stage. On Feb. 19 Grigolo celebrates his 40th birthday and as a result OperaWire takes a look at some his most acclaimed roles The Duke in “Rigoletto” Vittorio Grigolo {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Rusalka: Mary Zimmerman, Kristine Opolais & Company Take Us On Dramatically Rich Journey To Find Operatic Identity

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2016-17-review-rusalka-mary-zimmerman-kristine-opolais-company-take-us-on-dramatically-rich-journey-to-find-operatic-identity/

We acknowledge that OperaWire is late to the “Rusalka” party, but here is our review for the performance on Feb. 17, 2017, the fifth performance of this run. Antonín Dvorák’s “Rusalka” is the epitome of a metaphorical operatic identity crisis. The opera, which is a grim version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” follows the story of a water {…}

On This Day

On This Day: 35 Fun Facts About Isabel Leonard

https://operawire.com/on-this-day-35-fun-facts-about-isabel-leonard/

Isabel Leonard turns 35 on Saturday Feb. 18. The singer’s stature has grown over the past few years as the artist, so beloved around the United States, has seen her profile grow ever greater around the world. She is coming off major turns as Adalgisa in “Norma” and Charlotte in “Werther,” which she is currently performing at the Metropolitan Opera. {…}

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