Q & A: Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Hankey on Her Vocal Technique in the Role of Donna Elvira & Her Own Evolution as an Opera Singer

https://operawire.com/q-a-mezzo-soprano-samantha-hankey-on-her-vocal-technique-in-the-role-of-donna-elvira-her-own-evolution-as-an-opera-singer/

(Photo credit: Faymous) From the title role in “Carmen,” one of the most coveted mezzo roles, to Dorabella in “Cosi fan tutte,” a traditional soprano role, mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey sings it all. In her interview with OperaWire, Hankey discussed her nonconformist approach to repertoire and the technique behind her success. Hankey will be singing the role of Donna Elvira in {…}

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Jonathan Tetelman Jumps in for Joseph Calleja for Nacionaline Philharmonija Concert

https://operawire.com/jonathan-tetelman-jumps-in-for-joseph-calleja-for-nacionaline-philharmonija-concert/

(Credit: Ben Wolf) The Nacionaline Filharmonija of Vilnius, Lithuania has announced a cast change for its closing concert on June 20, 2025. The organization revealed that tenor Jonathan Tetelman will headline the concert, taking over for an ill Joseph Calleja. The program, conducted by Modestos Pitrėnas, will feature music by Puccini, Massenet, Sibelius, Ponchielli, Tosti, and Lara. The concert kicks {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Q & A: Stuart Skelton on ‘Tristan un Isolde,’ Longevity as a Heldentenor & his Philadelphia Orchestra Debut

https://operawire.com/q-a-stuart-skelton-on-tristan-un-isolde-longevity-as-a-heldentenor-his-philadelphia-orchestra-debut/

On June 1 and 8, the Philadelphia Orchestra will present Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” with Yannick Nezet-Seguin conducting the opera for the first time. The conductor has lined up an all-star cast of Wagner titans who have performed the work on numerous occasions. Among them is Stuart Skelton, who is recognized as one of the great Heldentenors of his generation. {…}

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Obituary: Soprano Edith Mathis Dies at 86

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On Feb. 9, 2025, Swiss soprano Edith Mathis died at the age of 86. Born Feb. 11, 193,8 in Lucerne, Mathis made her operatic debut in 1956 as the second boy in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and continued performing in Switzerland for the next three years. The soprano made her international debut in 1959 at the Cologne Opera and in the {…}

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Obituary: Renowned Opera Director Otto Schenk Passes at 94

https://operawire.com/obituary-renowned-opera-director-otto-schenk-passes-at-94/

Renowned director Otto Schenk has passed away. He was 94. Born in Vienna, Schenk studied acting at the Max Reinhardt Seminar and then commenced his career at the Theater in der Josefstadt and Wiener Volkstheater. He shifted into directing in 1953, his first projects taking place at the Burgtheater, Munich Kammerspiele, and Salzburg Festival. In 1957, he directed “The Magic {…}

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Opéra de Paris Announces Cast Change for ‘Rigoletto’

https://operawire.com/opera-de-paris-announces-cast-change-for-rigoletto/

(Credit: Emil Matveev / Askonas Holt Official Website) The Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its Dec. 22 performance of “Rigoletto.” The company said that Kristina Mkhitaryan will sing the role of Gilda stepping in for an ill Rosa Feola. In a statement via social media Feola said, “Dear all, unfortunately, I had to cancel my performance {…}

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Obituary: German Opera Director Dr. Peter Brenner Passes at 94

https://operawire.com/obituary-german-opera-director-dr-peter-brenner-passes-at-94/

German opera director Dr. Peter Brenner passed away on Sept. 16, 2024 in Rommersheim. Originally born Peter Felsenstein on May 8, 1930 in Freiburg, he studied law at the University of Vienna and music at the State Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna. From there, he would take on the role of assistant director to Günther Rennert at {…}

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Obituary: American Soprano Christine Weidinger Dies at 78

https://operawire.com/obituary-american-soprano-christine-weidinger-dies-at-78/

On August 24, 2024, American soprano Christine Weidinger died at the age of 78. Born on March 31, 1946, in Springville, New York, Weidinger grew up in New York and Arizona. She went to singing with Marlene Delavan at Grand Canyon University, Richard Dales at Arizona State University, David Scott at San Fernando Valley State College, and Margaret Harshaw at {…}

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Obituary: Baritone Siegfried Lorenz Dies at 78

https://operawire.com/obituary-baritone-siegfried-lorenz-dies-at-78/

On August 24, 2024, German baritone Siegfried Lorenz died at 78. Born in East Berlin, Lorenz studied voice in his hometown at the Hochschule für Musik from 1964 to 1969 and was a master student of Alois Orth. He went on to win several international singing competitions and was contracted by the Komische Oper Berlin in 1969. In 1973, he {…}

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Q & A: Mezzo-Soprano Samantha Hankey on Her Vocal Technique in the Role of Donna Elvira & Her Own Evolution as an Opera Singer

Jonathan Tetelman Jumps in for Joseph Calleja for Nacionaline Philharmonija Concert

Q & A: Stuart Skelton on ‘Tristan un Isolde,’ Longevity as a Heldentenor & his Philadelphia Orchestra Debut

Obituary: Soprano Edith Mathis Dies at 86

Obituary: Renowned Opera Director Otto Schenk Passes at 94

Opéra de Paris Announces Cast Change for ‘Rigoletto’

Obituary: German Opera Director Dr. Peter Brenner Passes at 94

Obituary: American Soprano Christine Weidinger Dies at 78

Obituary: Baritone Siegfried Lorenz Dies at 78