Matthew Polenzani Cancels First ‘Iolanta’ Due To Illness

https://operawire.com/matthew-polenzani-cancels-first-iolanta-due-to-illness/

Matthew Poelnzani has canceled the opening night performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta.” The tenor announced via social media that he was ill and therefore would have to cancel. “I am sorry to let you know that I have to cancel tonight’s performance of Iolanta at the Met due to illness,” he said. “I wish all of my colleagues a beautiful opening and {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Maestro Henrik Nánási on Met Opera’s ‘Iolanta’ & ‘Bluebeard’s Castle’

https://operawire.com/q-a-maestro-henrik-nanasi-on-met-operas-iolanta-bluebeards-castle/

Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta” and Bartók’s “Bluebeard’s Castle” will return to the Metropolitan Opera as a double after a successful run a few seasons ago. On first look, it seems like a strange combination with the composers’ styles rather different overall. It takes a truly strong maestro to move from Tchaikovsky’s lush lyrical qualities to Bartók’s challenging harmonic structures. Hungarian maestro Henrik {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Chicago Opera Theatre 2018 Review: Iolanta

https://operawire.com/chicago-opera-theatre-2018-review-iolanta/

Tchaikovsky’s final opera, “Iolanta,” sung in Russian with English supertitles, received a heartfelt and naturalistic production by the Chicago Opera Theater on November 11, 2018, at the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, Chicago. With a libretto by the composer’s brother, Modest, “Iolanta” is a 85-minute opera with four scenes presented seamlessly in one act. It explores themes of {…}

Opera Wiki

Opera Profile: Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta

https://operawire.com/opera-profile-tchaikovskys-iolanta/

First premiering on December 18, 1892, “Iolanta” is the final opera composed by Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky. The libretto was penned by his brother, Modest Tchaikovsky, and adapts a German play by Henrik Hertz known as “King Rene’s Daughter.” First reading the play in an issue of The Russian Messenger, Tchaikovsky found himself enamored with the originality of the plot and {…}

News

Johan Reuter, Susan Bullock, Natalya Romaniw, Elisabet Strid, Ricarda Merbeth & Russell Thomas Lead Finnish National Opera’s 2025-26 Season

https://operawire.com/johan-reuter-susan-bullock-natalya-romaniw-elisabet-strid-ricarda-merbeth-russell-thomas-lead-finnish-national-operas-2025-26-season/

The Finnish National Opera has announced its 2025-26 season. Premieres Engelbert Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” will get a new production by Richard Jones and will be presented for the first time since 1996. The new Finnish translation by Mikko Koivusalo will star Tommi Hakala, Samuli Takkula, Tuija Knihtilä, Maiju Vaahtoluoto, Elli Vallinoja, Polina Liiv, Suvi Väyrynen, Emma Mustaniemi, Dan Karlström, and Roland Liiv. Antony Hermus conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. {…}

News

Sonya Yoncheva Hints at Some New Roles

https://operawire.com/sonya-yoncheva-hints-at-some-new-roles/

Sonya Yoncheva is previewing roles she is looking forward to singing. The soprano told Bachtrack that she is looking to sing such roles as “La Vestale” and “Rusalka.” In the interview, she said, “I’ll be taking on Spontini’s ‘La Vestale.’ I would love to explore more Gluck, if I can, and ‘Anna Bolena.’ These are tough roles. I will also {…}

News, Streaming

Molly Noori & Cristina Jones Launch ‘Disabled Divas Podcast’

https://operawire.com/molly-noori-cristina-jones-launch-disabled-divas-podcast/

Mezzo-soprano Molly Noori and soprano Cristina Jones have announced that their new podcast,”Disabled Divas Podcast” will air on April 1. The co-hosts will interview artists of varying backgrounds and abilities about their work, the art form they are a part of, the unique demands on their bodies, as well as some of the misunderstandings others have on their disability as {…}

Special Features

3 Christmas-Themed Operas From Around the World

https://operawire.com/3-christmas-themed-operas-from-around-the-world/

Photo Credit: Hindemith Foundation/Blonay, Switzerland Christmas is a time of celebration for many people for many different reasons. Whether someone is religious or not, the Holiday season is a great time to connect with many of classical music’s absolute seasonal favorites like Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet, ‘The Nutcracker,’ Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors,’ and Handel’s ‘Messiah.’ It is also, however, {…}