Remembering Montserrat Caballé’s Unique Artistry

https://operawire.com/a-glance-at-montserrat-caballes-unique-artistry/

Montserrat Caballé was one of the great sopranos of the 20th century. For many, she was the iconic opera superstar with a powerful artistry that was only matched by her renowned generosity and kindness as a person. She sang with almost all of the great artists of the second half of the 20th century and left a plethora of recordings. {…}

Special Features

Analysis: 2018 Leyla Gencer Voice Competition Istanbul

https://operawire.com/analysis-2018-leyla-gencer-voice-competition-istanbul/

Opera aficionados d’un certain âge remember Leyla Gencer with almost idolatrous admiration and no small degree of reverence. With the passing of time, most younger devotees of the lyric theatre have about as much knowledge of “La Diva Turca” as they do Maria Reining or Toti dal Monte. Born Ayshe Leyla Ceyrekgil in Istanbul sometime between 1918-1928, Gencer enjoyed a {…}

Special Features

Tenor Brian Jagde’s Four Favorite Interpreters of ‘Tosca’s’ Cavaradossi

https://operawire.com/tenor-brian-jagdes-four-favorite-interpreters-of-toscas-cavaradossi/

Brian Jagde is one of today’s rising stars in the opera world and his powerful tenor has obtained raves. Today he is in high demand around the world and one of the roles that he has garnered him attention is that of Cavaradossi. Currently starring in San Francisco Opera’s new production of “Tosca,” Jagde will break the record this season {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Metropolitan Opera 2018-19 Review: Aida

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2018-19-review-aida/

Verdi’s “Aida” is the quintessential opera in so many ways. It features a larger than life story in an exotic world alongside some of the greatest music ever written. In a house like the Met Opera, this work is also featured in an impressive and immersive set tailored to bringing us to some version of Ancient Egypt. This current production {…}

Opera Wiki

Artist Profile: Alessandro Corbelli, One of the Great Comic Baritones Of the Late 20th Century

https://operawire.com/artist-profile-alessandro-corbelli-one-of-the-great-comic-baritones-of-the-late-20th-century/

Comedy is often said to be much harder than tragedy. Of course, this would posit that for any artist, making a career out of the former is a truly treasured gift. Baritone Alessandro Corbelli, born on Sept. 21, 1952, has this very gift. The baritone was born in Turin and studied with legendary artist Giuseppe Valdengo. While his debut as {…}

Opera Wiki

Artist Profile: The Tragic Tale of Tenor Salvatore Licitra

https://operawire.com/artist-profile-the-tragic-tale-of-tenor-salvatore-licitra/

Tenor Salvatore Licitra was one of the great losses of the 21st century. The tenor, born on August 10, 1968, in Switzerland to Sicilian parents, grew up in Milan. He actually didn’t have any intention of being a singer, reportedly lacking confidence in his vocal abilities. Instead, he started off his career as a graphic artist for Vogue. He would {…}

News

Anna Netrebko & Yusif Eyvazov Cancel ‘Adriana Lecovreur’

https://operawire.com/anna-netrebko-yusif-eyvazov-cancel-adriana-lecovreur/

Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov have withdrawn from the Baden Baden festival’s production of “Adriana Lecovreur.” The festival announced that due to a virus both singers have been forced to cancel the two performances scheduled for July 20 and 23. As a result, the Baden Baden Festival was able to recruit Tatiana Serjan in the title role and rising star tenor Migran {…}

News

Obituary: Baritone Claudio Desderi Passes Away

https://operawire.com/obituary-baritone-claudio-desderi-passes-away/

Italian baritone Claudio Desderi has passed away. The baritone, known for his buffo roles, was the son of Italian composer Ettore Desderi and came to fame after his 1969 debut at the Edinburgh Festival in Rossini’s “Il Signor Bruschino.” From there he became a fixture at Salzburg, Glyndebourne, and Pesaro in Mozart and Rossini roles. However, he would have his biggest breaks {…}