https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-elizabeth-deshong/
This week, the Teatro San Carlo will open a new production of Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.” The production will feature numerous debuts, including a major role debut. Among the debutants is Elizabeth DeShong. DeShong will make two debuts, her house debut at the San Carlo and her role debut as Ulrica. Over the years, DeShong has been a leading {…}
https://operawire.com/anita-rachvelishvili-joins-inart-management/
Anita Rachvelishvili has joined InArt Management. The mezzo-soprano is one of the leading artists of our day and is well known for her interpretation of “Carmen,” which she has performed all over the world. Her repertoire includes the music of Verdi, Mascagni, Saint-Saëns, Mussorgsky, Cilea, and Ponchielli. She has also performed at many of the leading theaters including the Teatro {…}
https://operawire.com/obituary-famed-production-designer-gianni-quaranta-dies-at-82/
On Sept. 14, 2025, production designer and art director Gianni Quaranta died at the age of 84. Born in Milan on August 30, 1943, Quaranta was best known for his work in “A Room with a View,” for which he won the Oscar in 1986. He also received Oscar nominations for his work on Verdi’s “La Traviata,” directed by Franco {…}
https://operawire.com/finn-sagal-joins-img-artists-for-general-management/
(Credit: Kirstine Walton) Baritone Finn Sagal has joined IMG Artists for general management. Sagal will be represented by Executive Vice President and Global Head of Vocal, Matthew Horner. The baritone has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pasadena Symphony, and with the Merola Opera Program in San Francisco. He is a recipient of the 2025 Sara Tucker Study Grant from the {…}
https://operawire.com/obituary-legendary-conductor-christoph-von-dohnanyi-dies-at-95/
On Sept. 6, 2025, Christoph von Dohnányi died at the age of 95. Recognized as one of the great conductors of his generation, he died two days before his 96th birthday. Born on Sept. 8, 1929, in Berlin, Germany, he was the grandchild of pianist and composer Ernst von Dohnányi. Throughout his childhood, his father, uncle and other family members {…}
https://operawire.com/bayreuth-festival-2025-review-lohengrin/
(© Enrico Nawrath) A well-loved conductor at the Bayreuth Festival, Christian Thielemann, who made his début on the Green Hill in 2000 overseeing a dynamic performance of “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg,” served Bayreuth as its music director from 2015 to 2020. Therefore, it is good to see him back this year conducting “Lohengrin” which he originally took charge of in {…}
https://operawire.com/festival-aix-en-provence-announces-cast-change-for-la-forza-del-destino/
(Credit: Fay Fox) The Festival Aix-en-Provence has announced a cast change for its concert performance of “La Forza del Destino” on July 20, 2025. The company noted that Russell Thomas will replace Brian Jagde in the role of Alvaro. Thomas has performed the role at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Paris Opera. He is well-known for his Verdi interpretations {…}
https://operawire.com/former-kennedy-center-president-deborah-rutter-honored-with-mid-atlantic-symphony-orchestras-legacy-award/
On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra (MSO) honored two major cultural leaders with its 2025 Legacy Awards at a sold-out Gala Dinner in Easton, Maryland. Now in its 27th year, the MSO presented its National Legacy Award to Deborah Rutter, former President of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and its annual Legacy Award to Maestro {…}
https://operawire.com/q-a-rachel-willis-sorensen-on-winning-the-beverly-sills-award/
(Credit: Jonathan Tichler / Met Opera) In 2006, the Beverly Sills Award was established to help further the careers of rising stars by providing additional funding for vocal coaching, language study, travel costs, and other professional expenses. Sills was well-known as a supporter and friend to developing young artists, and the award was meant to honor her legacy as an {…}