Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Aida: Conductor Daniele Rustioni Dominates, Leads Riveting Cast In Memorable Performance

I preface this by stating that this review is for the performance on March 31, 2017. I would also like to recognize that this is just one, performance of a seven-performance run. In an ideal situation, I would attend every performance and write a detailed review of the overall work. As it stands, I can only go on my perspective of one performance. Despite being such a familiar opera, {…}

Mar 23, 2017

The Non-Verdi Roles Dolora Zajick has Dominated Throughout Her Career

Mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick is synonymous with Verdi. She’s been the leading Azucena at the Metropolitan Opera house over the last few years, singing the role a whopping 58 times since her debut on October 8, 1988, also in that very role. In Verdi’s “Aida,” she has performed the role of Amneris 80 times at the house. Throw in 17 performances {…}

Feb 10, 2017

On This Day: 90-Year-Old Leontyne Price’s Wisdom on Race, Art & Success

On Friday, Feb. 10, legendary soprano soprano Leontyne Price turns 90. The soprano is perhaps one of the greatest in the history of all of opera, her influence spreading far and wide. Not only do other artists embrace her greatness, but her prominence on the operatic stage in the 50’s and 60’s helped open the door for black singers to {…}

Jan 23, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About the Washington National Opera’s 2017-18 Season

The Washington National Opera has just announced its 2017-18 season. Aida The company will kick off the year with a new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” Directed by Francesca Zambello, the new production will be co-produced with San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, and Minnesota Opera. The opening performance takes place on Sept. 9 and the run lasts until Sept. 23, a {…}

Jan 4, 2017

On This Day: A Look at Operas That Grace Bumbry Sang As Both Soprano and Mezzo As She Celebrates Her 80th

On Jan. 4 Grace Bumbry will celebrate her 80th birthday. The mezzo soprano is recognized as one of the pioneers in the world of classical music who paved the way for future African-American opera and classical singers. The mezzo had the distinction of having a powerful and big voice that sang with commitment and intensity. She was also recognized for her agility and bel canto {…}

Jan 2, 2017

Salzburg Festival Is Casting For Verdi’s ‘Aida’ Starring Anna Netrebko

Have you ever dreamed of joining Anna Netrebko on stage? The Salzburg Festival could make that a reality as it is currently casting supers for its new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The festival is looking for athletic men from ages 20 to 60 and is holding auditions on Jan. 12 at 6 pm at the Karl Bohm auditorium. The supers are {…}

Dec 14, 2016

Anna Netrebko Presents New Tea Set in Vienna Charity Event

On Dec. 13, Anna Netrebko held a gala evening in Vienna where she presented her author’s tea set “Aida” in collaboration with Imperial Porcelain. During the evening, a charity auction took place with a unique pre-series sample of the tea set as a lot. Featuring alternative colors, it is the only copy, completely hand-made, which sequence number is 0000. The money raised {…}

Dec 7, 2016

Verdi’s ‘Nabucco’ the Gateway Toward Religious Exploration & Condemnation in Composer’s Operas

Few will ever overlook Verdi’s “Nabucco.” While the venerable composer undoubtedly surpassed his third opera, “Nabucco,” based on the biblical story, put the composer on the map in a way in a number of ways. It was his first breakthrough, coming at a time when the then 28-year-old was still reeling from the death of his entire nuclear family and {…}

Dec 6, 2016

14 Brilliant Insights on Art & Music From the Great Maestro Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Nikolaus Harnoncourt would have turned 87 today if not her his passing earlier in 2016. The venerated maestro, well-known as one of the pioneers of early music and historically informed performances. His was an intellect that was constantly in search of experimentation and just listening to a few minutes any of the dozens of recordings he left behind will be {…}

aida