Criticism on Fridays: Opera As a Part Of Political Strategy?

https://operawire.com/criticism-on-fridays-opera-as-a-part-of-political-strategy/

Just before the New Year celebration, the Lithuanian capital was seething with indignation and anger : one of the most famous Lithuanian singers in the world, Kristian Benedikt, had participated in the Christmas concert at the Bolshoi Theatre in Minsk. It was not the most understandable and logical decision on the part of the Lithuanian tenor, especially at a time {…}

News

Obituary: Eastman School of Music Professor Carol Webber Passes

https://operawire.com/obituary-eastman-school-of-music-professor-carol-webber-passes/

(Credit: J. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester) Vocal Professor Carol Webber has died. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory, Webber was a member of Bach Aria Group from 1986 to 1991. She went on to record on Musical Heritage and had a 24-year career performing with companies such as the Metropolitan Opera, Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Miami, and numerous regional opera {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Soprano Aleksandra Kurzak on ‘Tosca,’ Dream Roles & Performing with Roberto Alagna

https://operawire.com/q-a-soprano-aleksandra-kurza-on-tosca-dream-roles-performing-with-roberto-alagna/

Aleksandra Kurzak’s early singing career saw her perform as a specialist in lyric and coloratura soprano roles before moving into heavier roles in 19th-century Romantic and verismo operas. The 2004-05 season saw her have two hugely successful debuts, at the Metropolitan Opera House and the Royal Opera House. She has since sung many leading roles in opera houses throughout the {…}

Special Features

Best of 2022: OperaWire’s Staff on the Best Performances of the Year

https://operawire.com/best-of-2022-operawires-staff-on-the-best-performances-of-the-year/

It’s that time of the year. A time when we can look forward to what’s to come, but also a moment to reflect on all we’ve experienced. And as has become the tradition here at OperaWire, we have asked our writers to select their choices for the opera performances that truly marveled them in 2022. So without further ado, we’ll {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Donizetti Festival 2022 Review: L’aio nell’imbarazzo

https://operawire.com/donizetti-festival-2022-review-laio-nellimbarazzo/

(Credits Gianfranco Rota) This year’s edition of the Donizetti Opera Festival is yet another perfect example of how much diversity there can be in the repertoire of one great Italian composer. As with every previous year, as I looked at the line-up of three operas chosen for the festival, I was left wondering which one was going to be the {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Metropolitan Opera 2022-23 Review: Rigoletto

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2022-23-review-rigoletto/

(Credit: Curtis Brown) In a recent interview with OperaWire, composer Lori Laitman noted that Verdi’s “Rigoletto” was among her favorite operas. “Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ is one of my favorites and the use of music to reveal the horrific fact that the Duke is still alive is so chilling,” she noted. Taking in the work on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 for the {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Annalisa Stroppa on ‘La Favorite,’ Bergamo & the Donizetti Opera Festival

https://operawire.com/q-a-annalisa-stroppa-on-la-favorite-bergamo-the-donizetti-opera-festival/

(Credit: Michele Monasta) On Nov. 18, the Donizetti Opera Festival will open its 2022 festival with “La Favorite.” The opera is rarely performed but has been a showcase for many mezzo-sopranos in the history of opera. For this new production, Annalisa Stroppa will return to Bergamo and make her role debut as Léonor. The mezzo, who first sang with the {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Emerging Artists Theatre 2022 Review: Felix Jarrar’s Halloween One-act Opera Festival

https://operawire.com/emerging-artists-theatre-2022-review-felix-jarrars-halloween-one-act-opera-festival/

It’s that spooky time of the year with Halloween around the corner, and never one to pass up presenting holiday specials, composer/pianist Felix Jarrar put on an extravaganza of creepiness with his Halloween One-act Opera Festival, which took place at Emerging Artists Theatre on Oct. 21, 2022. Jarrar showcased three of his most macabre operas, with two inspired by the {…}

News

Central City Opera Guild to Hold 2022 ‘L’Esprit de Noël Holiday’ Home Tour

https://operawire.com/central-city-opera-guild-to-hold-2022-lesprit-de-noel-holiday-home-tour/

The 46th Annual L’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour is set to return in-person after two years as a virtual event. This much-anticipated walking tour will be held on Nov. 18 and 19, 2022at the Glenmoor Country Club neighborhood. Co-Chairs Louise Atkinson and Katie Grassby, longtime Central City Opera Guild members, are expecting a big turn out this year. In {…}

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Criticism on Fridays: Opera As a Part Of Political Strategy?

Obituary: Eastman School of Music Professor Carol Webber Passes

Q & A: Soprano Aleksandra Kurzak on ‘Tosca,’ Dream Roles & Performing with Roberto Alagna

Best of 2022: OperaWire’s Staff on the Best Performances of the Year

Donizetti Festival 2022 Review: L’aio nell’imbarazzo

Metropolitan Opera 2022-23 Review: Rigoletto

Q & A: Annalisa Stroppa on ‘La Favorite,’ Bergamo & the Donizetti Opera Festival

Emerging Artists Theatre 2022 Review: Felix Jarrar’s Halloween One-act Opera Festival

Central City Opera Guild to Hold 2022 ‘L’Esprit de Noël Holiday’ Home Tour