Renée Fleming, Julia Bullock, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Lawrence Brownlee, Nadine Sierra Headline Top 10 Operas to Stream This Week
By David SalazarFour operas. Three recitals. One oratorio. The first installment of a song cycle series. And a whole new operatic experience.
This week’s recommendations span the range of the vocal experience, allowing listeners and viewers an opportunity to delve into some of the great classics as well as some unique new works.
Modulation – Los Angeles Opera (NOW)
The LA Opera is now streaming “Modulation,” a user-led online experience that features new commissions from 13 composers. Audience members can choose how and when they engage with the different works, allowing for a unique operatic experience unlike any other you are likely to have this week.
Don Carlo – Vienna State Opera (Jan. 11)
The Vienna State Opera will showcase a 2015 production of Verdi’s “Don Carlo” from 2015 . The showcase was conducted by Marco Armiliato and starred Stefano Secco, Ferruccio Furlanetto, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Maria Pia Piscitelli, and Béatrice Uria-Monzon.
Watch it here.
Myths and Hymn – Master Voices(Jan 13)
MasterVoices debuts its “Myths and Hymns” series based on Adam Guettel’s song cycle “Myths and Hymns.” The first six songs of the series will be unleashed under the first installment entitled “Chapter One: Flight.” This first set will feature a wide range of international superstars of opera, pop, and other musical genres including Daniel Breaker, Julia Bullock, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Renée Fleming, Joshua Henry, Cheyenne Jackson, Capathia Jenkins, Mykal Kilgore, Norm Lewis, Jose Llana, Kelli O’Hara, Nicholas Phan, and Elizabeth Stanley, among others.
Select Arias from “Girls of the Golden West” – Cal Performances (Jan. 14)
For those who want a recital experience, and one full of more contemporary music, soprano Julia Bullock and pianist Laura Poe will team up for music from John Adams’ recent work. Bullock, of course, was among the cast members of the world premiere performances in 2017 and has been a champion of Adams’ music in such works as “Doctor Atomic” and “El Niño.”
Armida – Metropolitan Opera (Jan. 14)
The Met Opera’s streaming slate focuses on the artistry of Renée Fleming. And while the other choices throughout the week are quite fantastic (and some are likely more iconic performances than this one), there is no doubt that this is a rare opportunity to experience this unique Rossini work with not only Fleming, but a slew of top-notch tenors including Lawrence Brownlee, John Osborn, Barry Banks, and Kobie van Rensburg. Riccardo Frizza conducts the 2010 showcase.
Linda de Chamounix – Maggio Musicale Fiorentino (Jan. 15)
Those seeking out some bel canto thrills of a different variety can check out this production of Donizetti’s opera, which will be presented in collaboration with Naxos, Operabase, and Takt1. The opera is set to star Jessica Pratt in the title role, Francesco Demuro, Michele Pertusi, Teresa Iervolino, Vittorio Prato, Fabio Capitanucci, Marina De Liso, and Antonio Garès. Michele Gamba conducts the new production by Cesare Lievi.
The Ulster County Songbook – The Jarrar Ensemble (Jan. 15)
Composer/pianist Felix Jarrar is set to showcase the virtual Boston premiere of his song cycle, “The Ulster County Songbook” alongside his new ensemble, The Jarrar Trio, which includes Jarrar, tenor Fran Daniel Laucerica, and baritone Gray Leiper.
Passion de Simon – OperaVision (Jan 16)
Anne Sofie von Otter will join forces with the Royal Swedish Opera Chorus and Orchestra for a unique performance of Kaija Saariaho’s oratorio. This presents a unique opportunity for listeners to become acquainted with one of the essential opera composers of today.
Watch it here.
Winterreise – Brooklyn Art Song Society (Jan. 16)
Schubert’s “Winterreise” is one of the great masterpieces of all vocal literature, making it essential listening at all times. But this one is particularly special as it continues Brooklyn Art Song Society’s digital season, which has been dedicated to the music of Schubert. In this concert showcase, audiences will get a chance to hear baritone Steven Eddy alongside pianist Michael Brofman.
Roméo et Juliette – San Francisco Opera (Jan. 16, 17)
The free streams from the San Francisco Opera continue with Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette.” The 2019 presentation stars Pene Pati as Romeo and Nadine Sierra as Juliette. The cast also includes Lucas Meachem, James Creswell, and Timothy Mix. Yves Abel leads the San Francisco Opera Orchestra.
