Artist Of The Week: Wallis Giunta

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-wallis-giunta/

It’s been a big year for Canadian mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta. Since winning the “Young Singer of the Year” at the Opera Awards, the mezzo has made numerous debuts and has sung at high profile performances including one at the BBC Proms and is slated to make major debuts at the Barbican for the Grange Festival, and at the Royal Opera Muscat. Now {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Dutch National Opera 2018-19 Review: Il Barbiere Di Siviglia

https://operawire.com/dutch-national-opera-2018-19-review-il-barbiere-di-siviglia/

An audience favorite for the ages, Gioachino Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” has seen numerous iterations over the years. The young Dutch director Lotte de Beer’s new production at Dutch National Opera is a French Revolution-themed affair that focuses on the female perspective via Rosina. In the beginning, we see the young Rosina denied a cupcake by Doctor Bartolo in {…}

Opera Wiki

Opera Profile: Flotow’s ‘Martha’

https://operawire.com/opera-profile-flotows-martha/

Premiering on November 25, 1847, “Martha” is adapted from a ballet composed by Friedrich von Flotow titled “Harriette, ou la servant de Greenwiche.” The ballet, which premiered three years earlier at the Paris Opera Ballet, is itself based on a story written by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges. Though not a regular in the repertory of opera houses today, “Martha” has {…}

Opera Quiz

Opera Quiz: Which Iconic Donizetti Character Are You?

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Donizetti, born on Nov. 29, 1797, is one of the major figures of the bel canto era. He is remembered today for a plethora of operas that retain firm standing in the operatic repertory. His music is renowned for its melodious nature but one of the overrated aspects of his works is that they feature rich and iconic characters. We {…}

Opera Wiki

Artist Profile: Legendary Spanish Tenor Alfredo Kraus

https://operawire.com/artist-profile-legendary-spanish-tenor-alfredo-kraus/

Few tenors can boast the vocal technique and agility of Alfredo Kraus. Born on Nov. 24, 1927, in the Canary Islands of Spain, he started piano lessons at age four and was in the school choir at age eight. He started off learning Zarzuela but eventually made his professional debut as the Duke in “Rigoletto” in Cairo in 1956. From {…}

News

Alexander Birch Elliott To Sing Remaining Met Opera ‘Pêcheur de Perles’ Performances

https://operawire.com/alexander-birch-elliott-to-sing-remaining-met-opera-pecheur-de-perles-performances/

The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Alexander Birch Elliott will sing the remaining performances of “Les Pêcheurs de Perles.” Mariusz Kwiecien, who was originally cast, as Zurga will sit out due to illness. Kwiecien reportedly sang the first three performances, but constantly withdrew at the first interval due to his illness. The Polish baritone had sung the original run of {…}

News

Top 4 Operas to See This Weekend – North America (11/23-25)

https://operawire.com/top-4-operas-to-see-this-weekend-north-america-11-23-25/

Where has all the opera gone? Thanksgiving means that most companies are closed for business, leaving few opera options overall. Not everyone is daunted by this, so here is a look at what you can engage with this holiday weekend. Roméo et Juliette – Calgary Opera Association On Friday, Calgary Opera Association will showcase the classic Gounod opera in a {…}

DVD and CD Reviews

CD Review: Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ayre”

https://operawire.com/cd-review-osvaldo-golijovs-ayre/

Toronto-based chamber opera company Against the Grain Theater has launched a new record label. I can’t think of better start to such a venture than this recording of Osvaldo Golijov’s song cycle, “Ayre.” The work captures some of the company’s central ideals: beauty, relevance, and innovation. This ravishing live recording by soprano Miriam Khalil and a top-notch group of soloists {…}

Opera Meets Film, Special Features

Opera Meets Film: Vivica Genaux Provides A Moment of Serenity in Suspense-Ridden ‘Fracture’

https://operawire.com/opera-meets-film-vivica-genaux-provides-a-moment-of-serenity-in-suspense-ridden-fracture/

“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features Gregory Hoblit’s “Fracture.” {…}

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