Prague National Theatre 2017-18 Review – Billy Budd: Britten Masterwork Capsizes In a Sea of Questionable Direction

https://operawire.com/prague-national-theatre-2017-18-review-billy-budd-britten-masterwork-capsizes-in-a-sea-of-questionable-direction/

Herman Melville, E.M. Forster, Eric Crozier and Benjamin Britten all believed that “Billy Budd” was set at sea. Czech theatre director Daniel Špinar thinks otherwise. His new four-act production of Britten’s psychologically fascinating, demonstrably homoerotic and deeply disturbing drama for the National Theatre in Prague had as much to do with HMS Indomitable as “Madama Butterfly” moved to Mozambique. In the {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Royal Opera House 2017-18 Review – Tosca: Pieczonka, Calleja, Finley Don’t Quite Mesh in Revival of Jonathan Kent’s Classic Produciton

https://operawire.com/royal-opera-house-2017-18-review-tosca-pieczonka-calleja-finley-dont-quite-mesh-in-revival-of-jonathan-kents-classic-produciton/

There are instances in which it’s difficult for opera-lovers to remember “Tosca” is no comedy. From that perspective it is easy to recall the legend of a certain prima donna who once bounced back from the trampoline that was supposed to break her fall as Tosca killed herself. Floria Tosca is not one of opera’s most pitiable characters. She is {…}

News

Top 6 Operas to See This Weekend – International (1/5-7): Leah Crocetto, Jonas Kaufmann & Jessica Pratt Headline Weekend

https://operawire.com/top-6-operas-to-see-this-weekend-international-1-5-7-leah-crocetto-jonas-kaufmann-jessica-pratt-headline-weekend/

This weekend opera audiences are in for some classic gems with some rising stars. Jonas Kaufmann also returns to the stage while the Prague National Opera showcases a rare opera two times. “No Man” – Prague National Opera, Czech Republic The Prague National Opera gives audiences a rare chance to see Jiří Kadeřábek’s music drama with an all-Czech cast on {…}

Special Features

11 Anticipated Productions to See in 2018

https://operawire.com/11-anticipated-productions-to-see-in-2018/

With 2018 beginning there is so much to look forward to as many of the greatest stars will take on new roles while others will reprise signature parts in new productions alongside star-studded casts. The following is a look at some of the most anticipated new and revival productions that are all likely to create buzz and conversations around the {…}

Special Features

In Memoriam 2017: Remembering the Major Opera Singers That Passed This Year

https://operawire.com/in-memorium-2017-remembering-the-major-opera-singers-that-passed-this-year/

For many, 2017 was a year to celebrate with many triumphs. It was also a tough year for arts institutions fighting sexual harassment scandals and numerous political issues. And it was also a year that saw many beloved artists and celebrities’ lives come to an end. The opera world was particularly devastated by the loss of many major stars, some of {…}

News

Daniel Barenboim, Barbara Frittoli & Nancy Fabiola Herrera Headline Teatro Colón’s 2018 Season

https://operawire.com/daniel-barenboim-barbara-frittoli-nancy-fabiola-herrera-headline-teatro-colons-2018-season/

The Teatro Colón has announced its 2018 season presenting 11 operas. The season kicks off on March 13, 2018, with “Three Sisters” by Peter Eötvös. The opera based on a play by Anton Chekhov is set to star Jovita Vaskeviciute, Anna Laprovskaja and Elvira Hasanagić. On April 22, 2018, Scarlatti’s “Il Trionfo dell’onore” will be showcased for four performances with Victoria Gaeta, Cecilia Pastawski, Sofía Di Benedetto, {…}

On This Day, Special Features

4 Operas & the Roles James McCracken Sang At Met Prior To & After His Big Break

https://operawire.com/4-operas-the-roles-james-mccracken-sang-at-met-prior-to-after-his-big-break/

James McCracken, born on Dec. 16, 1926, is known today as one of the great American tenors of the 20th Century. Shockingly, he wasn’t always viewed that way. In fact, a great portion of his early career, spent at the Metropolitan Opera, was spent in the shadows of other things. He sang a whopping 596 performances with the company, but {…}

News

Top Five Opera to See This Weekend – International (12/15-17): Vienna State Opera, Royal Opera & Opera Di Roma Highlight Weekend

https://operawire.com/top-five-opera-to-see-this-weekend-international-12-15-17-vienna-state-opera-royal-opera-opera-di-roma-highlight-weekend/

We are in the midst of holiday season and the opera houses in Europe are going as strong as ever. This week, we feature a company opening its season, among many other distinguished performances. Let’s take a look. Der Rosenkavalier – Vienna State Opera On Saturday, opera lovers in Vienna will get a chance to hear the Strauss masterpiece in {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Working With Kings – Countertenor Iestyn Davies on ‘Farinelli and the King’ & Working With Thomas Adès

https://operawire.com/working-with-kings-countertenor-iestyn-davies-on-farinelli-and-the-king-working-with-thomas-ades/

It all started with a phone call. Countertenor Iestyn Davies was just going about his usual business when Claire van Kampen called him up to make an offer. She had been preparing “Farinelli and the King” when she heard a voice on the radio. A countertenor to be sure. The singer in question? Davies. She knew that she had to {…}

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Prague National Theatre 2017-18 Review – Billy Budd: Britten Masterwork Capsizes In a Sea of Questionable Direction

Royal Opera House 2017-18 Review – Tosca: Pieczonka, Calleja, Finley Don’t Quite Mesh in Revival of Jonathan Kent’s Classic Produciton

Top 6 Operas to See This Weekend – International (1/5-7): Leah Crocetto, Jonas Kaufmann & Jessica Pratt Headline Weekend

11 Anticipated Productions to See in 2018

In Memoriam 2017: Remembering the Major Opera Singers That Passed This Year

Daniel Barenboim, Barbara Frittoli & Nancy Fabiola Herrera Headline Teatro Colón’s 2018 Season

4 Operas & the Roles James McCracken Sang At Met Prior To & After His Big Break

Top Five Opera to See This Weekend – International (12/15-17): Vienna State Opera, Royal Opera & Opera Di Roma Highlight Weekend

Working With Kings – Countertenor Iestyn Davies on ‘Farinelli and the King’ & Working With Thomas Adès