As we wrap up 2024, here is a look back at some of the most-read articles of 2023. We will focus mainly on longer-form pieces like reviews and interviews for this article. Top 10 Most-Read Reviews of 2024 Metropolitan Opera Review of “Carmen“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “La Forza del Destino“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” Metropolitan Opera {…}
Soprano Aida Garifullina is set to perform at Cadogan Hall on March 24, 2025. “London has always held a special place in my heart, and performing here feels like a homecoming. Cadogan Hall’s intimate setting and remarkable acoustics create a uniquely magical connection, and I can’t wait to share this special evening of music,” said Garifullina per an official press {…}
When I asked soprano Aida Garifullina, in an earlier interview, what dream role she aspired to sing, she responded: “To be honest, I’m singing it at the moment…‘Traviata’ is my favorite opera.” And, on the opening day of this performance, almost 30 years since Richard Eyre’s celebrated first production of it, she sang her heart and soul out to prove it. {…}
There are not many editorials that I write and have a memory to start with. The opera industry changes fast as new world crises hit it again and again. Today, we cannot even say if Peter Gelb is the villain or a savior. One of my last memories from Russia, before I left it about ten years ago after Russia {…}
Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli’s concert film, “Andrea Bocelli 30: The Celebration,” will be released globally in theaters this fall by Fathom. The film will document the three-day July event honoring Bocelli’s 30th anniversary in music. The event, which is set for July 15, 17 & 19, will take place in Lajatico at the Teatro del Silenzio in Tuscany. The film {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced its 2024-25 Season. Opera The season opens with Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” starring Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Ludovic Tézier, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, Alexander Vinogradov, and Marco Filippo Romano. Riccardo Chailly conducts the new production by Leo Muscato. The opera will also star Elena Stikhina, Amartuvshin Enkhbat, Luciano Ganci, and Simon Lim in the second {…}
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has announced its 2024-25 season. Premieres Luca Salsi and Anna Netrebko team up for Verdi’s “Nabucco.” Ivan Magrì, Marina Prudenskaya, and René Pape join them. Anastasia Bartoli also performs. Bertrand de Billy conducts the new production by Emma Dante. Performance Dates: Oct. 2-26, 2024 Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” receives a new production featuring multiple casts. {…}
Andrea Bocelli is set to celebrate his 30th anniversary this summer in Tuscany. The superstar tenor will be joined by several personalities from the around the world including opera stars Plácido Domingo, Bryn Terfel, José Carreras, Aida Garifullina, and Nadine Sierra. The program will also include Sofia Vergara, Mateo Bocelli, Virginia Bocelli, Shania Twain, Lang Lang, Russell Crowe, Jon Baptiste, {…}
(© Decca / Simon Fowler) The Amigos de la Ópera de À Coruña have announced a major cast change for their closing gala. The company revealed that Marina Monzó y Miren Urbieta- Vega will be replacing Aida Garifullina who has canceled due to illness. Garifullina was also scheduled for Christmas concerts in Vienna on Dec. 15 and 16, 2023. Afterward, {…}
On Dec. 1, 2023, the Teatro alla Scala will make its Dubai Opera debut. The Orchestra of Teatro alla Scala from Milan will perform a gala titled “A Concert for Tomorrow.” Michele Gamba will conduct the orchestra in a program of Italian maestros such as Verdi, Puccini, and Mascagni. Soprano Aida Garifullina and Piero Pretti will perform as soloists in {…}
Welcome back to this week’s look at the newest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. Among the major options are three DVD releases, a world premiere, and a film album by the world’s most famous tenor. Here’s the rundown. Oklahoma Chandos Records releases a recording of Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s beloved musical, “Oklahoma” led by acclaimed conductor John Wilson. The {…}