Weekend Preview (4/7-9) – USA: Anna Netrebko, Lawrence Brownlee & Eric Owens Lead Busy Weekend Which Features Performances in Memphis, Nashville, Tampa & Palm Beach Among Others

https://operawire.com/weekend-preview-47-9-usa-anna-netrebko-lawrence-brownlee-eric-owens-lead-busy-weekend-which-features-performances-in-memphis-nashville-tampa-palm-beach-among-others/

It is going to be a busy opera weekend around the US with a plethora of companies, both large and small, giving new productions and old. Opera Memphis will showcase three works throughout the weekend including Peter Hilliard’s “Blue Viola” on Friday and Saturday, Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers” on Saturday,” and John Musto’s “Later the Same Evening” on Saturday. Palm {…}

On This Day, Special Features

Watch Julia Migenes Star in Film & TV After Her Famed ‘Carmen’ Movie

https://operawire.com/watch-julia-migenes-star-in-fim-tv-after-her-famed-carmen-movie/

Filming “Carmen” with Francesco Rosi and Plácido Domingo was a major moment in the career of Julia Migenes, potentially career defining. The American mezzo, born on March 13, 1949, had already put together a solid career prior to the 1984 film, starring in a film version of “Eine Nacht in Venedig” and the original Broadway production of “Fiddler on the {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Rusalka: Mary Zimmerman, Kristine Opolais & Company Take Us On Dramatically Rich Journey To Find Operatic Identity

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2016-17-review-rusalka-mary-zimmerman-kristine-opolais-company-take-us-on-dramatically-rich-journey-to-find-operatic-identity/

We acknowledge that OperaWire is late to the “Rusalka” party, but here is our review for the performance on Feb. 17, 2017, the fifth performance of this run. Antonín Dvorák’s “Rusalka” is the epitome of a metaphorical operatic identity crisis. The opera, which is a grim version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” follows the story of a water {…}

Black History Month, Special Features

Black History Month 2017 Part 3: Historical Black Singers That Changed the Opera World

https://operawire.com/black-history-month-2017-part-3-historical-black-singers-that-changed-the-opera-world/

For the past two weeks we have honored the black singers making strides in today’s diverse opera world. But unfortunately, as has been the case in many social situations, the opera world was not always that diverse and the black community was not always a lock for representation on the biggest stages. But throughout the years major operatic pioneers manage {…}

Special Features

9 Famous Filmmakers Who Have Directed Opera

https://operawire.com/9-famous-filmmakers-who-have-directed-opera/

Opera has been used in the mainstream throughout history with many film directors like Martin Scorsese, Tom Ford, Francis Ford Coppola and Joe Wright inserting the art form into their films for crucial scenes. Some, like James Gray, have even been influenced by the art form and have made films that evoke opera. Gray’s “The Immigrant,” was made after he saw {…}

Black History Month, Special Features

Black History Month 2017 Part 2 – Exploring More Black Singers Making Opera Waves Right Now

https://operawire.com/black-history-month-2017-part-2-exploring-more-black-singers-making-opera-waves-right-now/

In our first article on black history month we took a look at the opera stars making their mark in the biggest of ways, the singing actors taking headlines at the biggest houses in the world. As we continue to celebrate black history month OperaWire will recognize other black singers making waves in the opera world, many of them rising {…}

DVD and CD Reviews, Reviews

‘Turandot’ DVD Review: Berio’s Ending in La Scala Release Brings Out The Best in Nina Stemme, Aleksandrs Antonenko & Maria Agresta

https://operawire.com/turandot-dvd-review-berios-ending-in-dc-la-scala-release-brings-out-the-best-in-nina-stemme-aleksandrs-antonenko-maria-agresta/

The ending of Puccini’s “Turandot” is one of opera’s great tragedies. The composer, at the peak of his power, had composed his most musically daring work to date with some of his most phenomenal strokes of dramatic genius alongside some of his most riveting and enduring melodies. And yet, when he was ever so close to completing it, he hit {…}

News

Everything You Need to Know About the Opera National de Paris’ 2017-18 Season

https://operawire.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-opera-national-de-paris-2017-18-season/

The 2017-18 season announcements just keep on coming in. After Washington National Opera, Los Angeles Opera and Festival d’Aix-en-Provence announced their upcoming schedules, the Paris National Opera has finally unveiled its hotly anticipated season. In sum there are a grand total of 21 operas to see, including nine new productions. Opening Night “The Merry Widow” kicks off the proceedings on {…}