https://operawire.com/30-fun-facts-about-soprano-nadine-sierra/
Nadine Sierra is enjoying one of the most spectacular careers in the opera world. On this day, May 14, 2018, she turns 30, already having managed a historic career by modern standards. So in celebration of the big 3-0 we look at 30 fun facts on Sierra. 1. She is a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 2. Sierra trained at {…}
https://operawire.com/the-metropolitan-opera-announces-final-nine-for-the-mets-national-council-auditions/
The Metropolitan Opera has announced the nine finalists of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2018 National Council Auditions. The selected finalists were chosen by a panel of experts from the classical music industry and will compete on the Met stage on Sunday, April 29 at 3 p.m. The winners will receive individual cash prizes of $15,000 and the prestigious title of National Council {…}
https://operawire.com/juan-diego-florez-anna-netrebko-nina-stemme-to-be-featured-in-vienna-state-operas-2018-19-season/
The Vienna State Opera has announced the 2018-19 season, which is incidentally the company’s 150-anniversary year. The season will include six new productions, including a world premiere production. Here is a breakdown of what’s to come. New Productions (In Order of Opening) Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” will be the first new production, starting on Oct. 14, 2018. David McVicar directs while {…}
https://operawire.com/fun-facts-about-sergei-leiferkus-met-opera-career/
Russian Baritone Sergei Leiferkus, born on April 4, 1946, is recognized for his unique vocal quality. If you haven’t heard him before, then you should, because he has one of the most individual sounds you’ll ever hear. In fact, here’s an excerpt from a role we will talk about in a bit. In any case, the baritone enjoyed a solid {…}
https://operawire.com/opera-profile-verdis-ernani/
Verdi’s “Ernani” is one of his early masterworks that remains at the forefront of the repertory. The work, which premiered on March 9, 1844, isn’t performed nearly as some of the later and more popular works, but it is a massive showcase for the four lead singers, particularly the tenor. The work itself represented the first time that the “Verdi {…}
https://operawire.com/placido-domingo-angela-gheorghiu-rolando-villazon-headline-semperoper-dresdens-2018-19-season/
(Credit: © Semperoper Dresden/Klaus Gigga) The Semperoper Dresden has announced its 2018-19 season featuring a number of superstars and nine new productions of operettas, chamber opera, and grand opera. As always, the following will only cover the operas that will be shown next season and not the ballets that were also included in the season announcement. New Production Arnold Schönberg’ {…}
https://operawire.com/a-look-at-four-operas-by-franz-schubert/
Franz Schubert, born on Jan. 31, 1797, is universally hailed for his incredible ability to write for the voice. His song cycles are among the most beloved in the entire repertoire, championed by the world’s greatest singers. But Schubert also composed opera, though to this day, none have managed to establish a foothold in the standard repertoire. Here is a {…}
https://operawire.com/piotr-beczala-signs-exclusive-contract-with-pentatone/
Pentatone has signed an exclusive contract with Polish tenor Piotr Beczala. In a press release, the tenor noted, “I truly look forward to a new challenge and to this collaboration with PENTATONE – a company with a glorious past that now seems ready for a bright future. I look forward to working with an enthusiastic team that understands the modern {…}
https://operawire.com/opera-stars-celebrate-bernsteins-centennial-with-heartfelt-concert/
On Jan. 21, 2018, fans of Leonard Bernstein gathered in The Greene Space of Lower Manhattan for a night of songs and celebration in honor of the 100th birthday of the great composer. Hosted by WQXR’s Elliott Forrest, the event was equal parts reminiscence and reverie, in large part due to pianist Laura Downes, who performed much of her upcoming {…}