Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Preview: Two Radically Different ‘Carmen’ Interpreters Arrive In Sophie Koch & Clémentine Margaine [UPDATE]

https://operawire.com/metropolitan-opera-2016-17-preview-two-radically-different-carmen-interpreters-arrive-in-sophie-koch-clementine-margaine/

UPDATE: On Tuesday, Jan. 17 it was announced that Sophie Koch would not be singing the role at the Met and that Clémentine Margaine would be taking over the entire run. For more information, read OperaWire’s coverage on the news. Opera’s most famous gypsy returns to the Metropolitan Opera stage on Thursday, Jan. 19. This year’s run of “Carmen” will {…}

On This Day, Special Features

On This Day: A Look At The Opera Roles Katia Ricciarelli and Pilar Lorengar Shared

https://operawire.com/on-this-day-a-look-at-the-operas-katia-ricciarelli-and-pilar-lorengar-share/

On Jan. 16 two of opera’s legendary sopranos will celebrate their birthdays. Pilar Lorenagr, who died in 1996 and Kata Ricciarelli. Both sopranos were recognized for their versatility and immense repertoire. While Ricciarelli focused on the Bel Canto and lyric repertoire, Lorengar delved into Mozart’s demanding works and sang multiple Wagner repertoire. She was also an expert in Zarzuela. As {…}

News

What Should First Opera Goers See at the Arizona, Canadian, Seattle and Houston Grand Operas in 2017-18?

https://operawire.com/what-should-first-opera-goers-see-at-the-arizona-canadian-seattle-and-houston-grand-operas-in-2017-18/

The Arizona, Seattle, Canadian and Houston Operas have announced their 2017-18 seasons with a variety of operas to see. For the experienced opera goers the choices are not so hard as they have already seen most of the selections but for newcomers who have seen one or no operas before it may be hard to choose what opera to see. {…}

Artist of the Week, News

Artist of the Week: Angela Meade Continues Her Exploration In Early Verdi With ‘Stiffelio’

https://operawire.com/artist-of-the-week-angela-meade-continues-her-exploration-in-early-verdi-with-stiffelio/

The Verdi and Bel Canto repertoire has some of the most challenging music for soprano. It requires flexibility in the voice as well as high and low testitura. Coloratura runs are a must and clear diction and attention to the text are paramount. Among contemporary artists, Angela Meade has been championing this repertoire by not only performing the warhorses such {…}

Special Features

The Iron Fist – Opera’s Most Oppressive Tyrannies

https://operawire.com/the-iron-fist-operas-most-oppressive-tyrannies/

The world is set to undergo a change this week with a massive transfer of power. There is tremendous uncertainty regarding this situation, some expecting the very worst. Art represents an interesting window into our deepest fears and opera has its fair share of oppressive regimes and tyrannical rule in all guises. What follows is a look at some of {…}

Interviews, Stage Spotlight

Protecting the Voice – Benjamin Bernheim’s Strategy For Finding Stability In An Increasingly Chaotic Opera World [Exclusive]

https://operawire.com/protecting-the-voice-benjamin-bernheims-strategy-for-finding-stability-in-an-increasingly-chaotic-opera-world-exclusive/

The voice is any singer’s most precious treasure. Without it their career is over no matter how good you look or how wonderful of an actor you are. In modern opera, it is also something that is overlooked as careers increasingly get shorter with fewer rest periods and singers consistently being asked to walk on stage without rehearsals. This is {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

New York City Opera 2016-17 Review – Candide: The Best of All Possible Sopranos Leads a Bountiful Comedic Garden

https://operawire.com/new-york-city-opera-2016-17-review-candide-the-best-of-all-possible-sopranos-leads-a-bountiful-comedic-garden/

The best of all possible outcomes for any opera is a strong cast and a great production for a great work. In this context, the New York City Opera can certainly check off the box next to “success” with regards to its new “Candide.” Directed by Harold Prince, the revival of Leonard Bernstein’s comic operetta, which is based on Voltaire’s {…}

On This Day, Special Features

On This Day – Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Puccini’s ‘Tosca’

https://operawire.com/on-this-day-surprising-facts-you-didnt-know-about-puccinis-tosca/

Puccini’s “Tosca” had its debut on Jan. 14, 1900. Since then it has been an instant classic, one of the staples of the operatic repertoire. All of the world’s greatest sopranos have taken their respective cracks at the role with Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Leontyne Price and Eva Marton among some of the many popular exponents of the role. And {…}

IndieOpera, News

Everything You Need to Know About Arizona Opera’s 2017-18 Season

https://operawire.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-arizona-operas-2017-18-season/

The Arizona Opera has announced its 2017-18 season. The company announced that it will present five operas and will open the season with “Hercules Vs. Vampires.” The opera will star Arizona opera’s 201617 studio artist Katrina Galka, Stephanie Sanchez, and Zachary Owen. The show will combine operatic singing and 1960’s pop culture, synchronizing live music with the 1961 cult classic film. There will {…}

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