A Road Less Traveled – Matthew Curran’s Musical Journey Through Diverse Environments, Genres & Repertoire

https://operawire.com/a-road-less-traveled-matthew-currans-musical-journey-through-diverse-environments-genres-repertoire/

Those two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. Those immortal words by Robert Frost might as well apply to almost anyone who takes on an artistic endeavor. But for bass Matthew Curran, the path to operatic success has been a truly unusual one, as {…}

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 {…}

On This Day, Special Features

On This Day: A Look At The Metropolitan Opera’s 8 Elviras in ‘I Puritani’

https://operawire.com/on-this-day-a-look-at-the-metropolitan-operas-8-elviras-in-i-puritani/

On Jan. 24, 1835 Bellini premiered his final opera, “Puitani.” Despite being beloved for its beautiful melodies and incredible coloratura challenges, the opera is also known for its ludicrous story line. This season the Metropolitan Opera is presenting the work with an all star cast and a new diva. The Met has always used the opera as a showcase for {…}

News

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Preview: Two Radically Different ‘Carmen’ Interpreters Arrive In Sophie Koch & Clémentine Margaine [UPDATE]

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2016-17-preview-two-radically-different-carmen-interpreters-arrive-in-sophie-koch-clementine-margaine/

UPDATE: On Tuesday, Jan. 17 it was announced that Sophie Koch would not be singing the role at the Met and that Clémentine Margaine would be taking over the entire run. For more information, read OperaWire’s coverage on the news. Opera’s most famous gypsy returns to the Metropolitan Opera stage on Thursday, Jan. 19. This year’s run of “Carmen” will {…}

Special Features

‘Don Carlo’ Or ‘Don Carlos’ – What is the Best Version of Verdi’s Titanic Masterwork?

https://operawire.com/don-carlo-or-don-carlos-what-is-the-best-version-of-verdis-titanic-masterwork/

Verdi’s “Don Carlo” makes its return to La Scala for the first time in decades in its five act version. For many this is the best version of the opera, but the bottom line is that there is no such thing as a real version of the opera with differing versions having different strengths. The work premiered in 1867. Heavy {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Metropolitan Opera Review 2016-17 – Nabucco: Placido Domingo, 75, Is Still a Rockstar & So Is the Rest of the Cast

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-review-2016-17-nabucco-placido-domingo-75-is-still-a-rockstar-so-is-the-rest-of-the-cast/

This review is for the performance on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Verdi’s famed overture for his first masterwork “Nabucco” starts off with a few brass calls followed by a massive explosion of sound a few bars later. From there Verdi’s music traverses the contrast between a glorious melody clamoring for peace and one of military drive. It is this contrast between {…}

News

News of the Week (12/5): Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Jonas Kaufmann Cancellations Steal Headlines

https://operawire.com/news-of-the-week-125-dmitri-hvorostovsky-jonas-kaufmann-cancellations-steal-headlines/

The past week was flooded with major news on the international stage. Here is a look back at some of the big headlines, in case you missed them. Major Premieres This week saw a plethora of premieres. The Berlin Staatsoper showcased “Manon Lescaut” which was showcased on online; the same happened for the Bayerische Staatsoper which showcased “Lady Macbeth of {…}

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