Opera Meets Film: How Straub & Huillet’s ‘Moses und Aron’ Leaves Us to Our Own Interpretative Devices

https://operawire.com/opera-meets-film-how-straub-huillets-moses-und-aron-leaves-us-to-our-own-interpretative-devices/

Despite Arnold Schoenberg’s (1874-1951) widespread popularity as one of the most important ‘fathers of serialism’ and the person almost solely responsible for ushering in the age of dodecaphony (12-tone technique), his four operas are largely unknown. Despite this, it was Schoenberg’s fourth opera, “Moses und Aron,” which would transform opera forever. No longer constricted by the indulgent attitudes of Italian {…}

Editorials

Regietheater or Werktreue – What Should Be the Role of Directors in Opera?

https://operawire.com/regietheater-or-werktreue-what-should-be-the-role-of-directors-in-opera/

In a 2019 article, Lynn René Bayley castigated modern opera for its “bastardization” of its sacred origins. She declared that the post-modernist operatic aesthetic relies too much on brazen sexuality and enigmatic “shock-value,” with such dependencies producing nothing but “gutter trash” performances that are poisoning the artform’s contemporary credibility. After having expressed her disgust at Hans Neuenfels’ laboratory-themed take on Wagner’s {…}

News, Streaming

Kaufman Music Center Announces 2021 Gala Featuring Angel Blue

https://operawire.com/kaufman-music-center-announces-2021-gala-featuring-angel-blue/

Kaufman Music Center (KMC) has announced its 2021 gala honoring Devorah Rose and David Krieger. The event will stream on June 7, 2021, and raise funds for KMC’s music education programs. KMC’s education initiatives serve 3000 children and teens, with the organization investing $6 million annually to support the Special Music School, a New York City-based grades K-12 school where {…}

DVD and CD Reviews, Reviews

Off the Beaten Track: David Hertzberg’s ‘The Rose Elf’ Will Have You Checking Your Bouquets

https://operawire.com/off-the-beaten-track-david-hertzbergs-the-rose-elf-will-have-you-checking-your-bouquets/

Off the Beaten Track is an album review series that takes readers on a cross-disciplinary journey through recordings, spotlighting the cool, the unusual, and the beautiful work created by artists who push boundaries and take the road less traveled. I have a spooky story for you. Ten friends (seven young women and three young men) flee to the countryside to {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

Roberto Alagna, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro & Pedro António Avondano Lead CD/DVD Releases

https://operawire.com/roberto-alagna-emiliano-gonzalez-toro-pedro-antonio-avondano-lead-cd-dvd-releases/

This week, albums of French song, Monteverdi, and two rarely performed works will be made available. Additionally, audiences will get a chance to hear new releases from one of the great tenors and one of the great interpreters of Monteverdi’s works. Here is a look at what you can stream this week. L’Orfeo Naive releases a new recording of L’Orfeo, {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Houston Grand Opera 2019-20 Review: El Milagro del Recuerdo

https://operawire.com/houston-grand-opera-2019-20-review-el-milagro-del-recuerdo/

In December Houston Grand Opera gave the world premiere of Javier Martínez and Leonard Foglia’s new opera “El Milagro del Recuerdo (The Miracle of Remembering).” The opera was billed as a “mariachi opera” and only the third of its kind ever produced by a professional opera company. While “El Milagro” certainly features mariachi music and singing, the work was much {…}

Special Features

10 Contemporary Artists Who Could Breathe New Life Into Opera

https://operawire.com/10-contemporary-artist-who-could-breathe-new-life-into-opera/

As much as I love opera, new operatic compositions, their respective composer haven’t made as big an impact in the collective imaginations as they used to when Händel or Mozart were around. So, in terms of cultural relevancy, influence and fame, I pondered on what the new millennium’s musical equivalent to opera would be? I would surprise no one by {…}

News

Golda Schultz, Julia Bullock & Gustavo Dudamel Headline LA Philharmonic’s 2019-20 Season

https://operawire.com/golda-schultz-julia-bullock-gustavo-dudamel-headline-la-philharmonics-2019-20-season/

The LA Philharmonic has announced its 2019-20 season featuring numerous world premieres and a number of superstars. Here is a look at what the season has to offer. Please note that we have only announced the vocal performances. Julia Bullock headlines a concert that includes Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915,” Gershwin’s Concerto in F, the world premiere of Andre Previn’s {…}