For this week’s round of puzzles we turn to the world of “Aida” and many of the great sopranos to interpret the role over the years. Instructions: You are free to solve the word search directly on your mobile or desktop device; just click the first and last letter of each word for it to appear on the screen. For {…}
Toledo Opera has unveiled its 2020-21 season which will feature two operas and a grand tour for the company. “In the fall, hopefully with this dark period behind us, we will have a greater need than ever for the arts and the unparalleled experience of live opera, so we have decided to announce our season at this time,” stated Suzanne {…}
(Photo Credit: Metropolitan Opera House/Vladimir Shirokov) Soprano Anna Netrebko has been named the Laureate for the 2020 Polar Music Prize. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning, Feb. 11 at the Stockholm City Hall by Alfons Karabuda, chairman of the Polar Music Prize award committee. The Polar Music Prize was founded in 1989 by Stig Anderson, the manager and music {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona has announced a cast change for its Jan. 23, 2020 performance of Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s “Aida.” The company announced that Yonghoon Lee will sing the role of Radamès, replacing Luciano Ganci due to illness. Lee is currently starring in Cast A of “Aida” at the Liceu and performed the role on Jan. 22 {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company announced that mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens, scheduled to sing the role of Amneris in Verdi’s Aida, has withdrawn from the production due to personal reasons. As a result, renowned soprano Melody Moore and Catherine Martin will takeover the run. Moore will make her {…}
(Credit: Edward Wilensky) On October 19, 2019, San Diego Opera presented Verdi’s “Aida” in a unique showcase that featured the orchestra and chorus on stage with the soloists, who were dressed up in traditional garb to reflect Ancient Egypt. This was a different way of presenting opera and at the “Talk Back” immediately following the show it became obvious that {…}
Hibla Gerzmava is set to sing the title role of “Aida” at the Metropolitan Opera. In a press release announcing her upcoming Carnegie Hall recital, the soprano revealed she will sing the title role during the 2020-21 season in Michael Mayer’s new production. The soprano will likely alternate with Anna Netrebko who will open the production on opening night of {…}
Opera Australia has announced its 2020 Melbourne program, which will include staged operas, concert performances, and musicals. Operas Graeme Murphy will direct an “innovative and visually stunning” new production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” It will showcase how “the digital screens can be used to enhance the storytelling and opera experience,” says Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini in the press release. Japanese soprano Hiromi Omura {…}
(Credit: Cassandra Kay) Tamara Wilson will become the first soprano in 106 years to perform at “Aida” in the Arena di Verona without blackface. The soprano took to Instagram stating that her first performance on July 21 was the first time she had been put in costume and that she had been painted in the traditional makeup that has been {…}
(Credit: Chris Singer) Anna Pirozzi has canceled her participation in “Aida” at the Gran Teatre del Liceu during the 2019-20 season. The soprano, who has been performing the role at the Arena di Verona, has noted that she will be retiring the role after the summer 2019 performances. Instead, Jennifer Rowley will be taking over the production as the titular {…}
The Vienna State Opera’s final live stream of the season will be a production of Verdi’s “Aida” on June 29, 2019. The epic opera will star Ekaterina Gubanova, Elena Guseva, Gregory Kunde, and Simone Piazzola. Marco Armiliato will conduct the production by Nicolas Joel. The stream kicks off at 7 p.m. local time and is slated to run until around {…}
