Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Der Fliegende Holländer: Amber Wagner & Michael Volle Deliver Complex Performances In Cathartic Season Send-Off

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2016-17-review-der-fliegende-hollander-amber-wagner-michael-volle-deliver-complex-performances-in-cathartic-season-send-off/

This is a review for the final performance of the run, which took place on May 12, 2017. The first opera I saw during the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016-17 season was Richard Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde.” So it was only fitting that the last one I saw this season was “Der Fliegende Holländer,” the first to truly establish the composer as {…}

Stage Spotlight

Metropolitan Opera 50th Anniversary Celebration: Stories From The New House Told By Opera’s Greatest Stars

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-50th-anniversary-celebration-stories-from-the-new-house-told-by-operas-greatest-stars/

For 50 years, the Metropolitan Opera has made its home in Lincoln Center, creating numerous cathartic and revelatory memories for both audiences and artists alike. In speaking with some of the world’s greatest artists that have performed at the Met, OperaWire has been granted the opportunity to hear some unique, enriching and entertaining stories and experiences that have taken place {…}

News

La Monnaie’s 2017-18 Season Features 8 Opera Productions, Recitals By Dessay, Keenlyside & Degout Among Others

https://operawire.com/la-monnaies-2017-18-season-features-8-opera-productions-recitals-by-dessay-keenlyside-degout-among-others/

La Monnaie announced its 2017-18 season last week. As always, it features a plethora of offerings across opera, ballet, concert and chamber music. Let’s take a look at the offerings for opera lovers. Philippe Boesmans’ “Pinocchio” opens on Sept. 9, 2017, with Stéphane Degout leading the cast. Rossini’s “Tancredi” will appear for just two concert performances on October 11 and {…}

News

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 {…}