Artist Of The Week: Layla Claire Makes Her Long Anticipated Debut As ‘Alcina’

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-layla-claire-makes-her-long-anticipated-debut-as-alcina/

Layla Claire has become one of the most promising lyric sopranos of her generation. Throughout the past years, she has specialized in the works of Mozart and Handel as well as Britten. And this week she will add yet another major role to her repertory, “Alcina.” After canceling her highly anticipated debut in the role earlier this year at the {…}

Artist of the Week, News

Artist of the Week: Pavel Černoch To Open New ‘Damnation de Faust’ Production in

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-pavel-cernoch-to-open-new-damnation-de-faust-production-in/

This week marks the opening of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and with it, a new production of “La Damnation de Faust.” Headlining the cast will be burgeoning tenor Pavel Černoch. The tenor, just 43, hails from the Czech Republic and had his first big break when he debuted at the Bavarian State Opera in Munich in 2009 as Števa {…}

On This Day, Special Features

Surveying the Two Distinct Periods of Sesto Bruscantini’s Career

https://operawire.com/surveying-the-two-distinct-periods-of-sesto-bruscantinis-career/

Sesto Bruscantini was a consummate shapeshifter as an opera singer. Born on Dec. 10, 1919, Bruscantini enjoyed a lengthy 45-year career filled with performances at some of the most famous houses on the globe including La Scala, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Rome Opera, Metropolitan Opera, Glyndebourne, the Vienna State Opera, and Salzburg Festival, among others. He was a unique breed {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Soprano Joelle Harvey on Mozart, Motherhood, and ‘The Marriage of Figaro’

https://operawire.com/q-a-soprano-joelle-harvey-on-mozart-motherhood-and-the-marriage-of-figaro/

From November 4th – 12, Pittsburgh Opera will be performing Mozart’s comedic opera “The Marriage of Figaro.” This production will feature not only many of Pittsburgh Opera’s veteran performers, but a number of singers making their debuts with the company, such as bass-baritone Tyler Simpson in the role of Figaro, and soprano Joelle Harvey in the role of Susanna. OperaWire {…}

News

Obituary: Famed Director Sir Peter Hall Dies At 86

https://operawire.com/obituary-famed-director-sir-peter-hall-dies-at-86/

Sir Peter Hall has died at the age of 86. The legendary theater director died on Sept. 11, 2017, at the University College Hospital, London, surrounded by family. The director had not been in the public eye since 2011 when he was diagnosed with Dementia and, as a result, retired. Although he started his career in theater and directed many {…}

On This Day, Special Features

The Career Milestones of Superstar Soprano Kathleen Battle

https://operawire.com/the-career-milestones-of-superstar-soprano-kathleen-battle/

Kathleen Battle is one of the greatest opera stars of all time. Everyone knows that her career was one of many ups and downs, the latter ultimately cost her years of her prime, but while she was at the summit of the opera world, there were few anywhere near her. Battle, born August 13, 1948, had simply too many milestones {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

CD/DVD -Week of July 24: Paul Appleby & Anna Pirozzi Lead New Releases

https://operawire.com/cddvd-week-of-july-24-paul-appleby-anna-pirozzi-lead-new-releases/

This week we see two DVDs from last year’s European festivals. One comes from Macerata, while the other comes from Glyndebourne. One of the works on display is a repertory staple while the other is not as famous. Both DVDs star established and up and coming singers. A New Trovatore Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” is arguably one of the most popular {…}

Cardiff Singer of the World, News

BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Round 3 Winner Announced [Spoilers]

https://operawire.com/bbc-cardiff-singer-of-the-world-round-3-winner-announced-spoilers/

English soprano Louise Alder is moving on to the final round of the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition. The soprano performed “Da tempeste il legno infranto” from Handel’s “Giulio Cesare,” “Je suis encore tout étourdie” from Massenet’s “Manon,” and “No word from Tom” from Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress.” Alder entered the competition as one of the most experienced {…}