(Credit: Javier del Real) There are operas that survive by turning into monuments–and others by remaining dangerously alive. “Carmen” belongs to the second category. It refuses preservation. It resists comfort. And every so often, a production appears that reminds one why this work still unsettles rather than reassures. Production Details Damiano Michieletto’s “Carmen” at Teatro Real is one of those {…}
Aigul Akhmetshina is speaking out against hate in the world and against the cancellation of artists. The mezzo-soprano took to social media and said, “In these times it feels deeply wrong that artists constantly stand under pressure – because of politics, religion, nationality or simply because society needs somewhere to unload its frustration. Too often the easiest target becomes art. {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard) The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive Carrie Cracknell’s production of Bizet’s “Carmen.” The work will be performed 13 times with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard taking on the lead role alongside tenor Michael Fabiano and Matthew Polenzani. The cast will also include soprano Kristina Mkhitaryan as Micaëla and bass-baritone Adam Plachetka as Escamillo. Fabien Gabel, in his company debut, {…}
Aigul Akhmetshina has canceled her remaining performances of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” at the Paris Opera due to visa issues. The mezzo took to social media and said, “I’m sad to announce that my visa situation is still not resolved. Because of this, I’ve missed rehearsal and the first performance, and unfortunately, I will also miss the second show. Together {…}
Aigul Akhmetshina has been forced to cancel her first performance of “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” at the Opéra de Paris on June 28, 2025. The mezzo took to social media and said, “Dear friends, I’m really sad to announce that I won’t be able to sing the first night of ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’ at the Opera Bastille this Saturday {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced its annual Summer HD Festival, which will return to Lincoln Center Plaza. The festival will run between August 22 and September 1. THE 2025 MET SUMMER HD FESTIVAL SCHEDULE The festival opens with “Maestro” starring Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan. The Academy Award–nominated biopic tells the story of the legendary American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein {…}
The Opus Klassik Awards have announced the 2025 winners. The Singer of the Year Awards went to Benjamin Bernheim for “Douce France” and Emily D’Angelo for “Freezing.” Joana Mallwitz was awarded the conductor of the year award for The Kurt Weill Album, while Aigul Akhmetshina won Young Artist of the Year for her album Aigul. Pene Pati’s “Nessun Dorma” and {…}
(Credit: Jonathan Tichler / Met Opera) For the second time this season, the Metropolitan Opera is reviving “Il Barbiere di Siviglia.” Unlike the first cast, which was showcasing several established Met Opera veterans, this second cast featured rising stars. In many ways, this second revival exemplified the Met’s future and artists who will most likely become established faces on the {…}
On June 3, 2025, Carnegie Hall will present “The Stage of Legends: A Gala Evening at Carnegie Hall.” The event kicks off at 6 p.m. local time and features dinner on the famed Stern Auditorium / Perelman stage as well as a musical interlude starring mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina and pianist Jonathan Lakeland. Akhmetshina is set to appear at the Met {…}
The Tiroler Festspiele Erl has announced its 2025-26 season. Autumn Season Holger Falk will perform alongside Herbert Schuch, Vivi Vassileva, and Musicbanda Franui. Performance Date: Oct. 2, 2025 Julian Prégardien, Herbert Schuch, and Musicbanda Franui will perform in concert. Performance Date: Oct. 3, 2025 Winter Season Johann Sebastian Bach’s Weihnachtsoratorium will be performed by Elisabeth Breuer, Ulrike Malotta, Gideon Poppe, {…}
(Photo: Beata Nykiel) Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina is universally hailed as one of the most exciting opera singers in a generation. Called “The New Netrebko” by renowned critic David Mellor, she is the “Carmen du Jour” and is in demand by opera houses around the world. She sings with a rare, coloratura mezzo voice. A luminary of the Jette Parker {…}