An Unusual Start – How Soprano Iwona Sobotka Transitioned Into the Opera World After Turning It Down

https://operawire.com/an-unusual-start-how-soprano-iwona-sobotka-transitioned-into-the-opera-world-after-turning-it-down/

Most opera singers can’t wait to rush in and sing their dream roles. In fact, in today’s world, with the high demand for singers to mature at an earlier age, a lot of young singers start young and end young, the pressure simply too great to sustain a lasting and healthy career. Iwona Sobotka was privy to this scenario early {…}

On This Day, Special Features

5 Major Differences Between Both Versions of Verdi’s ‘Macbeth’

https://operawire.com/5-major-differences-between-both-version-of-verdis-macbeth/

On March 14, 1847, Giuseppe Verdi premiered his version of “Macbeth” to roaring disapproval. It would take another two decades to premiere an updated version of an opera he deemed among his finest accomplishments. While the changes are nowhere near as wild as those for “Don Carlo,” “Simon Boccanegra” or even “La Forza del Destino,” there are a few major {…}

Black History Month, Special Features

Black History Month 2017 Part 3: Historical Black Singers That Changed the Opera World

https://operawire.com/black-history-month-2017-part-3-historical-black-singers-that-changed-the-opera-world/

For the past two weeks we have honored the black singers making strides in today’s diverse opera world. But unfortunately, as has been the case in many social situations, the opera world was not always that diverse and the black community was not always a lock for representation on the biggest stages. But throughout the years major operatic pioneers manage {…}

News

International Opera Awards Nominations 2017: Anna Netrebko, Lawrence Brownlee, Eric Owens and Riccardo Chailly Among Nominees

https://operawire.com/international-opera-awards-nominations-2017-anna-netrebko-lawrence-brownlee-eric-owens-and-riccardo-chailly-among-nominees/

The International Opera Awards have announced its annual nominees with many of the greatest stars, companies and conductors getting nominated for the prestigious prize. This year Anna Netrebko and Anita Rachvelishvili will compete for the Best Female Singer award with Maria Bengtsson, Stéphanie d’Oustrac, Christiane Karg and Daniela Sindram. Netrebko’s nominations marks her third time she is up for this award. She was previously {…}

News

Weekend Preview – International (2/3- 2/5): Anna Netrebko And Roberto Alagna Headline A New Production Of ‘Il Trovatore’

https://operawire.com/weekend-preview-international-23-25-anna-netrebko-and-roberto-alagna-headline-a-new-production-of-il-trovatore/

The weekend kicks off with numerous companies performing some of Verdi’s timeless classics. There will also be Mozart, Wagner and some rare gems by Weill and Heggie. Check out what’s playing near you! Austria At the Vienna State Opera Puccini’s “Tosca” kicks off with Sae-Kyung Rim in the title role alongside Aleksandrs Antonenko and Marco Vratogna. On Saturday the company will {…}

Black History Month, Special Features

Black History Month 2017: The Black Singers Dominating the Opera World Today

https://operawire.com/black-history-month-2017-the-black-singers-dominating-the-opera-world-today/

It is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of the black community and how they have affected change around the world in all areas. The opera world is no exception with many great black artists dominating around the globe in the biggest theaters there are. As a month-long celebration, OperaWire will provide weekly features that embrace the {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Committing Murder to Create Life – Bass Andrea Mastroni On Playing the Evil Sparafucile & Moving Beyond Italian Repertoire [Exclusive]

https://operawire.com/committing-murder-to-create-life-bass-andrea-mastroni-on-playing-the-evil-sparafucile-moving-beyond-italian-repertoire-exclusive/

This article was a joint collaboration between David & Francisco Salazar. “I like playing the villain.” That quote, as generic as it is, has been uttered in some variation by numerous actors throughout history. There is an excitement that comes with being the bad guy or girl. Of committing acts onscreen or onstage that you could never imagine doing out {…}

Special Features

‘Don Carlo’ Or ‘Don Carlos’ – What is the Best Version of Verdi’s Titanic Masterwork?

https://operawire.com/don-carlo-or-don-carlos-what-is-the-best-version-of-verdis-titanic-masterwork/

Verdi’s “Don Carlo” makes its return to La Scala for the first time in decades in its five act version. For many this is the best version of the opera, but the bottom line is that there is no such thing as a real version of the opera with differing versions having different strengths. The work premiered in 1867. Heavy {…}