Artist Of The Week: Michael Fabiano To Fill Aix-En-Provence Festival With Intensity As He Debuts Don José In ‘Carmen’

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-michael-fabiano-to-fill-aix-en-provence-festival-with-intensity-as-he-debuts-don-jose-in-carmen/

Ten years ago Michael Fabiano announced himself as one of the most promising tenors of his generation. The tenor was competing for the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was also part of the class that was filmed in the movie “The Audition.” His strength and intensity and his strong stage presence made him a sensation with the judges and {…}

On This Day, Special Features

Five Amazing Things About Thomas Hampson You Didn’t Know

https://operawire.com/five-amazing-things-about-thomas-hampson-you-didnt-know/

Thomas Hampson, born on June 28, is one of the great American singers of the past few decades. He has dominated many of the famed baritone roles, constantly expanding his own limits of what many have thought possible. But Hampson’s career has not been limited to what he can do in the opera house or concert hall. He has sought {…}

Special Features

All Over the Map – Opera’s Most Famous Fathers

https://operawire.com/all-over-the-map-operas-most-famous-fathers/

Happy Father’s Day! Fathers are those we turn to in moments of need, who set great examples by which we can live by and, the best, seek out ways to enrich our lives every day. Opera has quite the list of famous fathers, and unlike the mothers, who are often portrayed negatively, fathers come in all shapes and sizes. So {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q&A: Maria Agresta Talks Verdi, The Royal Opera House’s ‘Otello’ & Her Upcoming ‘Il Trovatore’ At The Met

https://operawire.com/qa-maria-agresta-talks-verdi-the-royal-opera-houses-otello-her-upcoming-il-trovatore-at-the-met/

Maria Agresta has quickly risen to fame in the opera world. She has made debuts in all the great theaters including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, and Royal Opera House. She has also become the go-to soprano for the Verdi repertoire singing roles in “I Due Foscari,” “Il Trovatore,” “I Masnadieri,” “La Traviata” and “Simon Boccanegra.” This month she {…}

DVD and CD Releases, News

Elina Garanca’s ‘La Favorite’ Arrives on DVD

https://operawire.com/elina-garancas-la-favorite-arrives-on-dvd/

Donizetti’s “La Favorite” has been announced for release on Deutsche Grammophon. The recording comes from the Bayerische Staatsoper and stars Elina Garanca, Mariusz Kwiecien, and Matthew Polenzani. Staged by Amelie Niermeyer, the production debuted earlier this fall and received rave reviews. Critics said, “Elīna Garanča as the nominal protagonist of the opera carried out her role driving the whole ensemble and {…}

Pride Month, Special Features

Pride Month 2017: Remembering the Great LGBT Composers of the Past

https://operawire.com/pride-month-2017-remembering-the-great-lgbt-composers-of-the-past/

This week we continue our celebration of pride month. We’ve now looked at some of the most popular LGBT operas and commemorated Harvey Milk and Stonewall. Now OperaWire looks at some of the legendary composers in opera and classical music who were part of the LGBT community. Some of these composers were unfortunately never able to be open about their {…}

Behind the Scenes, Interviews

Q&A: Will Crutchfield on His Journey With Bel Canto, His Final Season at Caramoor & His New Program, Teatro Nuovo

https://operawire.com/qa-will-crutchfield-on-his-journey-with-bel-canto-his-final-season-at-caramoor-his-new-program-teatro-nuovo/

It’s a big year at Caramoor for Will Crutchfield. For the last 20 years, Crutchfield has been a leader in reviving a number of Bel Canto works at the festival through his program “Bel Canto at Caramoor.” It is a program that has showcased some rarities and has shown the conductor’s expertise in the repertoire. However, this year Crutchfield is {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Two Paths Cross – Tony Award Winner Paulo Szot On Balancing Opera With Broadway & Cabaret

https://operawire.com/two-paths-cross-tony-award-winner-paulo-szot-on-balancing-opera-with-broadway-cabaret/

How do you balance a career in opera with a high-profile presence in musicals and cabaret? While crossover is frequent among many artists, it is rare to see a singer split his or her time between opera and musicals. However, that has not been a problem for Polish-Brazilian baritone Paulo Szot, as his work in opera has been met with critical {…}