Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” returned to the Metropolitan Opera on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 in Michael Grandage’s anonymous production. It’s a staging that unfortunately offers little to Mozart’s opera (unless you just want to see some fire at one point) and likely one that no one would miss if this opera were simply set on a black stage or given in {…}
On January 31, the Metropolitan Opera will revive Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” The opera will run for seven performances between January and February before returning for another five in April. Here are some fun facts about the upcoming production. The first cast will showcase four prominent Met Opera debuts. Soprano Aida Garifullina will make her hotly anticipated house debut, taking on {…}
Soprano Aida Garifullina will appear on Good Morning America on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018. The Russian diva made the announcement via Instagram, noting that it would be the first time that she appears on American television. “I’m excited to announce that I will be performing on Good Morning America on December 28th😍! My first US television show. So excited,” she {…}
The holiday season is in full swing and this weekend will feature a number of operas and performances that reflect the spirit of this time of year. Hansel and Gretel – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria Vienna celebrates the holiday season with a cast of young and veteran singers including Boaz Daniel, Donna Ellen, Margaret Plummer, and Mariam Battistelli. Axel Kober conducts {…}
It’s that time of year during which we look back at the past 365-ish days and the big moments that defined them. Every year, the opera world has its share of rising and breakout stars as well as opera singers who solidify or take their careers in new directions. Others make important debuts or create roles that audiences would have {…}
The Teatro Colón has announced its 2019 season featuring eight main stage productions, concert operas, and a number of international star-making debuts. Here is a look at what to expect next season. Mainstage Opera Maurizio Benini conducts a new production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” directed by Jorge Takla. Fabián Veloz and Leonardo López Linares share the title role while Pavel Valuzhin and {…}
Donizetti’s “L’Elsiir d’Amore” will be broadcast live from the Vienna State Opera on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018, on its live streaming service. This performance is set to feature conductor Speranza Scappucci alongside Aida Garifullina, Benjamin Bernheim, Orhan Yildiz, and Paolo Rumetz in the famed production by Otto Schenk. Garifullina is also set to star in “Rigoletto” at the Vienna State {…}
Aida Garifullina made history last night alongside Ludovic Tezier and Toby Spence performing at the Forbidden City to celebrate Deutsche Grammophon’s 120th anniversary. Long Yu conducted the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra in Orff’s “Carmina Burana,” with the Wiener Singakademie and the Shanghai Spring Children’s Choir. The concert was the first classical concert in the city in 20 years and also included Daniil {…}
Aida Garifullina has announced the release of her first cookbook. The Russian soprano announced via social media that her new book will only be available in Russian but she stated that she hopes it will be out in multiple languages in the future. In addition to her opera career, her social media pages have featured her passion for the culinary {…}
As festival season comes to an end, a number of classics will be presented. The weekend will also see a historic performance for legendary opera singer Plácido Domingo. Here is a look at what you need to see this weekend. Les Pêcheurs de Perles – Salzburg Festival, Austria Plácido Domingo makes history this weekend as he takes on his 150th role {…}
Aida Garifullina is perhaps one of the biggest opera singers in the world today. Since her win at the Operalia competition in 2013, her star has risen quickly and she has been able to perform at some of the highest profile events in the world. This year alone she appeared at the World Cup opera gala, the opening and closing {…}