Q & A: Mezzo-Soprano Susan Graham On Schumann’s ‘Frauenliebe un -leben: Variations,’ The Power of Love & Malcolm Martineau’s Genius

https://operawire.com/q-a-mezzo-soprano-susan-graham-on-schumanns-frauenliebe-un-leben-variations-the-power-of-love-malcolm-martineaus-genius/

(Photo: Dario Acosta) Mezzo-soprano Susan Graham has had an enviable career, winning such prestigious awards as a Grammy, an Opera News Award, and Musical America’s Vocalist of the Year. As a champion of the French repertoire, the French government honored her with the title of “Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur.” Her roles span four centuries, singing in operas from Monteverdi’s {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Baritone Malcolm MacKenzie On The Verdi Chorus, Playing Villains & The Loss of Listening Skills

https://operawire.com/q-a-baritone-malcolm-mackenzie-on-the-verdi-chorus-playing-villains-the-loss-of-listening-skills/

(Credit: Matthew Staver) Baritone Malcolm MacKenzie loves playing the bad guys. On his website he notes that Scarpia, the villainous police chief who sexually harasses Tosca before being murdered, is his favorite role. Another of his favorites is the conniving Iago and he was even the first man to take on the role of the vengeful Roger Chillingworth in the {…}

IndieOpera

Felix Jarrar & Miguel Ángel Vásquez to Present ‘Prelude to Pride: A Queer Recital’

https://operawire.com/felix-jarrar-miguel-angel-vasquez-to-present-prelude-to-pride-a-queer-recital/

Felix Jarrar and Miguel Ángel Vásquez are joining forces for “Prelude to Pride: A Queer Recital.” Set for May 31, 2024, at 9 West 8th Street in New York City, the program includes music by Iain Bell, Jarrar, and other works in English. “There will be a few fun surprises to be heard and seen in this eclectic song cycle {…}

News

Metropolitan Opera Cuts One Production for 2024-25 Season & Decreases HDs

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-cuts-one-production-for-2024-25-season-decreases-hds/

The Metropolitan Opera’s 2024-25 season was announced but due to financial constraints, the company delayed one major production previously announced. In an interview with The New York Times, the company noted that Claus Guth’s production of Händel’s “Semele” will be delayed for a future season. The company also noted that previously delayed stagings on track for future seasons include Bellini’s {…}

News

Peter Gelb Pivots Metropolitan Opera Strategy Again; Company Withdraws $40 Million from Endowment

https://operawire.com/peter-gelb-pivots-metropolitan-opera-strategy-again-company-withdraws-40-million-from-endowment/

(Credit: Jonathan Tichler / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera has withdrawn $40 million from its endowment for additional emergency funds. According to a New York Times article, the funds were withdrawn to “survive one of the most trying periods in its 141-year history.” This is the second time that the company has withdrawn from its endowment in a year. Last {…}

Special Features

Best of 2023: OperaWire’s Top 11 Singers of 2023

https://operawire.com/best-of-2023-operawires-top-11-singers-of-2023/

It’s time of the year. The moment we wrap up the year and look back at our favorite moments. After releasing our favorite performances of 2023 and showcasing our rising stars of the year, it’s time for OperaWire’s annual tradition of naming our top 11 singers of the year, performers that we thought stood out and had major breaks or performances. So {…}

Interviews

Q & A: Nancy Fabiola Herrera on ‘Florencia en el Amazonas,’ Zarzuela & the Importance of Bringing Opera to the Hispanic Community

https://operawire.com/q-a-nancy-fabiola-herrera-on-florencia-en-el-amazonas-zarzuela-the-importance-of-bringing-opera-to-the-hispanic-community/

(Credit: Joaquín Fuentes) In 2005, Nancy Fabiola Herrera made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Suzuki in “Madama Butterfly.” Since then she has been a frequent presence at the Met singing works by Verdi, Strauss, and Bizet, among others. She has also made an important career in Spain where she has delved into dramatic operas and also made a career singing {…}

Interviews

Q & A: Soprano Ailyn Pérez on ‘Florencia en el Amazonas’ & the Importance of Spanish-Language Opera

https://operawire.com/q-a-soprano-ailyn-perez-on-florencia-en-el-amazonas-the-importance-of-spanish-language-opera/

(Credit: Paola Kudacki / Met Opera) On Nov. 16, the Metropolitan Opera will make history by presenting only the third Spanish-language opera in the company’s trajectory. Additionally, the work in question, “Florencia en el Amazonas,” will be the very first Latin American opera presented by the company. For the massive milestone, the company brought together a mixed cast that includes {…}