Detroit Opera has announced a major cast change for its concert performance of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company revealed that Alfred Walker will be taking on the role of Amonasro for the December 30 performance, replacing Reginald Smith, Jr., who has withdrawn due to illness. Walker previously appeared in Detroit Opera’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” in 2021. His 2022-23 season will see him {…}
UPDATE: The Metropolitan Opera has confirmed that the new production of “Aida” will open during the 2024-25 season but will not OPEN the season. Verdi’s “Aida” is set to open the Metropolitan Opera’s 2024-25 season. The New York Observer unveiled the news in its review of the company’s current production by Sonja Frisell. The news source also added that Angel {…}
There is no doubt Jonathan Tetelman’s “Arias” is one of the most sensational solo debuts in past months, as it combines the infinitely rich and malleable voice of a dark tenore lirico with a level of artistic maturity that is nothing short of exceptional. A Magisterial Debut Produced for Deutsche Grammophon the album offers a selection of French and mostly {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Met Opera) Thirty-four years ago, Sonja Frisell’s monumental “Aida” production premiered at the Met to tremendous success. Not only did it become one of the company’s most beloved productions due to its elegant and epic sets that recreated Egyptian architecture. The production had horses, large crowds of people, and extravagant costumes. It was what operagoers wanted {…}
The Metropolitan Opera will reprise Verdi’s “Aida” in a staging by Sonja Frisell, which will mark the last time the production will be seen on the Met stage. The production, which premiered in 1988, has been performed over 240 times and features production designer Gianni Quaranta’s sets. The revival will be performed 15 times from Dec. 3, 2022 through April {…}
Last week, I provided my thoughts on the other cast of this production of “Aida,” starring soprano Anna Netrebko. But I also had a chance to experience the opera on Nov. 6 with the opening night cast. While the star of that original cast was the lead soprano, here it turned out to be someone else. Star of the Night {…}
Following criticism regarding her wigs for the opening night production of “Aida” at the Teatro Real, Jamie Barton has apologized and has vowed never to use culturally approproiated wigs again. In a statement on social media, the mezzo said, “I am listening, I am learning, and I am taking action. I will not perform in makeup that is meant to {…}
Following the release of images from Teatro Real’s dress rehearsal of “Aida” and some choice comments from major performers in the production, OperaWire inquired into the matter and reached out to the Teatro Real de Madrid regarding whether the production would be employing any kind of Blackface. The company responded this morning stating that it was not using any Blackface {…}
The Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo in Bogotá will celebrate World Opera Day on October 25 with the streaming of “Gianni Schicchi,” “Aida,” “Tosca,” and “Il Trovatore.” Entitled “Opera: a Window to Emotions,” the streams that will be presented jointly by Bancolombia, with the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, through the District Institute of the Arts and the Stage of {…}
The Teatro Real has announced a cast for “Aida.” The company noted that Maria Agresta has canceled her performances of the title role for personal reasons. In a statement she said, “I am thankful to the Teatro, Hugo de Ana, and Nicola Luisotti for understanding and to my colleagues, a big hug. Arriverdeci, I’ll see you soon.” As a result, {…}
The Royal Opera House will present Robert Carsen’s new production of Verdi’s “Aida” live in cinemas on Oct. 12. The live broadcast from Covent Garden will reach over 1,000 cinemas in 34 countries around the world. Carsen’s large-scale production of Verdi’s political drama is set within a modern totalitarian government and explores public duty versus private passions. He is joined {…}