(Photo: Monika Ritttershaus) The initial impressions of the Aix-en-Provence festival’s production of Rossini’s “Moïse et Pharaon” did not bode well. Hearsay reports spoke of a modern day reinterpretation in which the focus was on refugees, and their life in the camps and the perils they face when crossing the Mediterranean. Productions which seek to politicize an opera, beyond that which {…}
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of “Il Turco in Italia.” The company noted that Ildar Abrazakov has withdrawn from the production due to personal reasons. In his stead, audiences will hear Adrian Sâmpetrean in the role of Selim for all performances scheduled between Jan. 21 and 27, 2022 (a total of four {…}
(Credit: Simon Pauly) Bass-baritone Seth Carico will take over the title role in Mozart‘s operatic masterwork “Don Giovanni” at De Nationale Opera in Amsterdam, replacing baritone Domen Križaj. Carico joins a cast that includes Adrian Sâmpetrean in the role of Leporello, Adela Zaharia as Donna Anna, Amanda Majeski as Donna Elvira, Long Long in the role of Don Ottavio, Rafał {…}
The Dutch National Opera has announced its 2021-22 season featuring new productions, new voices, films, and a festival dedicated to Orpheus. Productions Zemlinsky’s “Der Zwerg” opens the season in a new production by Nanouk Leopold. Lorenzo Viotti conducts the opera which is set to star Clay Hilley in the title role, Olga Kulchynska as Donna Clara, Annette Dasch as Ghita, {…}
(Credits: IMG Artists official website / Marcelo Álvarez Facebook page / Mariinsky Theatre official website) The Staatsoper unter der Linden has announced the complete list of soloists that will take part in the series of concerts “Viva Verdi” on Oct. 4, 9 & 11, 2020. The string of concert performances comes as a replacement for the fully staged opera “Macbeth” {…}
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo has announced its 2020-21 season featuring five opera productions, concerts, and galas. Albin Grau conducts a cine concert of “Nosferatu.” Performance Dates: Oct. 21, 2020 Cecilia Bartoli headlines an evening of Baroque music alongside Sofia Vinnik, Petr Nekoranec, and José Coca Loza. Gianluca Capuano conducts a production by Jean-Louis Grinda. Performance Date: Nov. 19, 2020 Frédéric {…}
(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced two cast changes for its upcoming productions. The company announced that Italian bass Roberto Tagliavini withdrew from performances of Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” due to illness. As a result, bass Adrian Sâmpetrean will replace Tagliavini and make his house debut performing the role of Alidoro on Jan. 18, 22 and 25, 2020. Sâmpetrean {…}
The Macerata Opera Festival has announced its 2020 program. This season the festival will showcase three popular operas with renown casts starting on July 17 through August 9, 2020. The festival opens with Puccini’s “Tosca” conducted by Francesco Lanzillotta and directed by Valentina Carrasco. The production will star Rebeka Lokar in the title role, Piero Pretti as Cavaradossi, and Roberto {…}
(Credit: Catherine Ashmore-Royal Opera/ Jochen Quast-Deutsche Oper Am Rhein) This weekend is all about the repertory staples and intriguing casts that currently performing them. Here is a look at what we think you need to see. Un Ballo in Maschera- Narodni Diavdlo, Czech Republic Jennifer Rowley continues her run of Verdi’s middle period masterpiece. She sings the role of Amelia {…}
The Palau de les Arts has announced a varied 2019-20 season featuring operas, zarzuelas, concerts, and recitals. Here is a look. Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” is set to be conducted by Christopher Moulds in a production by Emilio Sagi. The cast will be headed by Andrzej Filończyk, María José Moreno, Sabina Puértolas, Robert Gleadow, Cecilia Molinari, Susana Cordón, and Valeriano Lanchas. Performance {…}
Opéra de Lausanne has announced its 2019-20 season. Beate Ritter, Vannina Santoni, Géraldine Chauvet, Jean-François Borras, Nicolas Courjal, and Marina Viotti in Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” with Jean-Yves Ossonce conducting. Performance Dates: Sept. 29–Oct. 9, 2019 The season will present the final of the Kattenburg competition. Performance Date: Oct. 17, 2019 Lenneke Ruiten stars in a concert entitled “Gli amori di Teolinda” featuring music {…}