https://operawire.com/obituary-soprano-rachel-yakar-dies-at-87/
French soprano Rachel Yakar passed away at the age of 87 on June 24, 2023. Yakar was born March 3, 1936 in Lyon. She studied with Germaine Lubin at the Paris Conservatoire and in 1963 made her debut at the Strasbourg opera. Yakar was known for performing Mozart roles such as Donna Elvira in “Don Giovanni” and First Lady in {…}
https://operawire.com/lise-davidsen-thomas-hampson-jeanine-de-bique-magdalena-kozena-lead-bbc-proms-2023-season/
The BBC Proms has announced its 2023 season. Here is a look at the vocal performances. Paul Lewis, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and Dalia Stasevska perform the first night of Proms. Performance Date: July 14, 2023 Early music vocal ensemble Stile Antico explores the many facets of William Byrd. Performance Date: July 15, 2023 Soprano Rainelle {…}
https://operawire.com/robin-ticciati-to-leave-deutsche-symphonie-orchester-berlin-in-2025/
Robin Ticciati is set to leave his post as Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Symphonie-Orchester Berlin during the 2024-25 season. The conductor will leave after eight years, a period that surpasses his three predecessors – Kent Nagano, Ingo Metzmacher, and Tugan Sokhiev. Ticciati began his term in 2017 and has performed a wide range of repertoire ranging from baroque works {…}
https://operawire.com/bayerische-staatsoper-announces-cast-change-for-tristan-und-isolde/
(Credit: Neda Navaee) The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its April 6 “Tristan und Isolde” performance. The company said that Nina Stemme will sing the role of Isolde, replacing Elena Pankratova. Stemme is one of the great Wagnerian sopranos of her generation who has performed the role of Isolde around the world including at the Metropolitan Opera {…}
https://operawire.com/theatre-des-champs-elysees-announces-cast-change-for-i-bellini/
The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées has announced a cast change for its performance of Bellini’s “I Puritani” on April 1. The company said that “Xabier Anduaga, who is ill, will be replaced by Levy Segkapane in the role of Arturo in ‘I Puritani’ with the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris” Segkapane made his debut last season in “La Cenerentola.” The South {…}
https://operawire.com/2023-bbc-cardiff-singer-of-the-world-participant-withdraws/
The BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition has announced the withdrawal of Filipe Manu. The competition said, “we regret to announce that Filipe Manu has had to withdraw from the competition for personal reasons. His place will be taken by Croatian bass, Toni Nežić.” New Zealand-Tongan tenor Manu is a graduate of the Jette Parker Young Artist program at {…}
https://operawire.com/derek-welton-joins-tact-international-art-management/
(Credit: Simon Pauly) Derek Welton has joined TACT International Art Management for General Management. Welton is described as “mightily imposing” and “noble sounding,” and is a noted interpreter of Wagner’s music. He has performed such roles as Figaro, Il Conte, Don Giovanni, through Pandolfe, Don Pizarro to Orest, Wanderer, and Wotan. He has performed at some of the most prestigious {…}
https://operawire.com/countertenor-daniel-john-taylor-earns-major-distinction-in-canada/
Choral Director, University Professor of Singing, and Countertenor Daniel John Taylor has been awarded the inaugural National Medal of Music. Established in 2023, the distinction is Canada’s highest honor in the Arts. Per an official press statement, “it will be awarded every year to two outstanding leaders who have had a major and positive influence on the cultural life and {…}
https://operawire.com/q-a-annabel-arden-on-aida-the-royal-danish-opera/
On March 2, the Royal Danish Opera is set to open a new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The production by British director Annabel Arden is set to highlight the personal story of the captured Aida, who falls in love with her enemy. Arden will bring the story to modern times and showcase two neighboring countries at war, which is very {…}