Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra Appoints Sir Mark Elder as Principal Guest Conductor

https://operawire.com/bergen-philharmonic-orchestra-appoints-sir-mark-elder-as-principal-guest-conductor/

The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway has appointed British Sir Mark Philip Elder as Principal Guest Conductor, from August 1, 2022, to July 31, 2025. Elder was knighted in 2008 and an Oliver Award in 1991 for his outstanding work at the English National Opera. In addition to his work as music director of ENO, Elder has also been a {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q & A: Mark Elder on Donizetti, ‘Il Paria,’ Rare Works & his Tenure with Opera Rara

https://operawire.com/q-a-mark-elder-on-donizetti-il-paria-rare-works-his-tenure-with-opera-rara/

For eight years, Sir Mark Elder has been the Artistic Director of Opera Rara, a London-based opera company and recording label specializing in recording and performing forgotten operatic repertoire. In this capacity, Elder has discovered new pieces and has recorded and performed such works as Donizetti’s “Dom Sebastien,” “Imelda di Lambertazzi,” “Linda di Chamounix,” “Maria di Rohan,” “Les Martyrs” and {…}

News

Sir Mark Elder Cancels ‘Death In Venice’ At Royal Opera

https://operawire.com/sir-mark-elder-cancels-death-in-venice-at-royal-opera/

The Royal Opera, Covent Garden has announced that Sir Mark Elder has canceled his forthcoming engagement with the company. The ROH announced that due to surgery in the middle of August to release a trapped nerve in his neck, and under medical advice, the conductor will no long conduct the new production of “Death in Venice.” As a result, English {…}

Special Features

The Fascinating Story of Bielefeld Opera and the ‘Bielefelder Opernwunder’ Era

https://operawire.com/the-fascinating-story-of-bielefeld-opera-and-the-bielefelder-opernwunder-era/

(Photo Credit: Bielefeld Marketing GmbH) In the northwest of Germany lies one of the most important venues for operatic history past and present. Situated in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe region of North Rhine-Westphalia, the city of Bielefeld boasts a funny conspiracy theory that the city, in fact, does not exist at all. However, the city does exist, and its cultural history is {…}

News

Stéphane Degout, Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha, Véronique Gens & Danielle de Niese Lead London Philharmonic’s 2025-26 Season

https://operawire.com/stephane-degout-masabane-cecilia-rangwanasha-veronique-gens-danielle-de-niese-lead-london-philharmonics-2025-26-season/

The London Philharmonic has announced its 2025-26 season. Edward Gardner conducts Mahler’s Fourth Symphony with Jennifer France. The program also includes Hans Abrahamsen’s “Let me tell you.” Performance Date: Oct. 3, 2025 Karina Canellakis conducts Stravinsky and L. Boulanger with soloists Véronique Gens, Andrew Staples, and Jean-Sébastien Bou. Performance Date: Oct. 22, 2025 Mark Elder teams up with Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Aigul Akhmetshina on Her Roles & the Experiences It Takes to Grow as a Musician

https://operawire.com/q-a-aigul-akhmetshina-on-her-roles-the-experiences-it-takes-to-grow-as-a-musician/

(Photo: Beata Nykiel) Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina is universally hailed as one of the most exciting opera singers in a generation. Called “The New Netrebko” by renowned critic David Mellor, she is the “Carmen du Jour” and is in demand by opera houses around the world. She sings with a rare, coloratura mezzo voice. A luminary of the Jette Parker {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Royal Ballet & Opera 2024-25 Review: Carmen

https://operawire.com/royal-ballet-opera-2024-25-review-carmen/

(Credit: Mark Brenner) For the second time in only a few months, I find myself reviewing a production I have seen before where I was initially very critical of what I perceived to be a weak production, creatively, but inexplicably having a change of heart the second time around. So as not to face accusations of hypocrisy or worse, senility; {…}

DVD and CD Reviews, Reviews

CD Review: Opera Rara’s ‘Simon Boccanegra’

https://operawire.com/cd-review-opera-raras-simon-boccanegra/

“Simon Boccanegra” – in its standard 1881 revision – is an undisputed, though infrequently performed, masterpiece. But what of its very first iteration from 1857? Its premiere, at Venice’s La Fenice, famously turned into a fiasco. Julian Budden, for example, admitted to the hostility with which the libretto was received, while Verdi himself, in a letter to Giraldoni, wryly picked {…}

News, Season Announcement

Anna Netrebko, Freddie De Tommaso, Marina Rebeka, Bryn Terfel, Aigul Akhmetshina, Lisette Oropesa, Juan Diego Flórez & Pretty Yende Lead Royal Ballet & Opera’s 2025-26 Season

https://operawire.com/anna-netrebko-freddie-de-tommaso-marina-rebeka-bryn-terfel-aigul-akhmetshina-lisette-oropesa-juan-diego-florez-pretty-yende-lead-royal-ballet-operas-2025-26-season/

The Royal Ballet and Opera has announced its 2025-26 season. The season opens with Puccini’s “Tosca” in a new production by Oliver Mears. Anna Netrebko and Aleksandra Kurzak share the title role. Freddie De Tommaso and Gerald Finley also star. Performance Dates: Sept. 11-Oct. 7, 2025 Speranza Scappucci conducts Verdi’s “I vespri siciliani” in a revival of Stefan Herheim’s production. Marina {…}

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