Puccini’s “La Bohème” was revived on Thursday, Nov. 29 with a cast of predominantly American stars in Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic production. There isn’t much to remark about the production that hasn’t already said, though it must be noted that the singers, in conjunction with revival stage director J. Knighten Smit did seem to attempt some new staging at different junctures {…}
OPERA NEWS Editor in Chief F. Paul Driscoll has announced the recipients of the 14th Annual OPERA NEWS Awards. This year, the magazine will honor mezzo-soprano Rosalind Elias, stage director and designer Laurent Pelly, soprano Ailyn Pérez, bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni, and tenor Ramón Vargas. In a press statement Driscoll said, “Since the Awards’ inception in 2005, OPERA NEWS looks forward to {…}
Ailyn Perez is set to make her Opéra de Paris debut on Oct. 23, 2018. The soprano will sing the title role in Verdi’s “La Traviata,” filling in for an ill Aleksandra Kurzak. Perez is currently performing “Ernani” at the Teatro alla Scala, which opened last month and is scheduled to return to the Metropolitan Opera in late November for “La {…}
The last time “Ernani” was presented at La Scala was during the 1982-83 season, starring Plácido Domingo and Mirella Freni, and conducted by Riccardo Muti. Given that it has a claim for being Verdi’s finest opera from his early period, 36 years between productions is a long time. Yet this should not come as a surprise for “Ernani” has suffered {…}
This weekend will showcase a world premiere, a highly anticipated new production, a classic revival, a visiting opera company and the continuation of Wagner’s tetralogy. Here is a look at what OperaWire recommends this weekend. Berénice – Opéra National de Paris, France Barbara Hannigan creates the role of Berénice in Michale Jarrell’s new work. The work also stars Bo Skovhus, Alastair Miles, and {…}
Puccini’s “La Bohème” comes back every season to the Met Opera. And because of its popularity, the opera often features a number of different casts, which can make it tricky for audiences to decide when to head to Lincoln Center for Puccini’s famed masterpiece. Here is a breakdown of the casts so you can be sure to catch this great {…}
The San Diego Opera announced that the opera “Hansel and Gretel,” originally scheduled for performances in December, has been replaced by performances of “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914.” The company announced that it is trying to reschedule “Hansel and Gretel” for a future season. General director David Bennett noted in a press release, “In preparing for our {…}
The weekend is here and that means we have selections that we believe you can not miss. Here is a round up of five operas that include major superstars and rarely performed works. Rigoletto – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria Juan Diego Flórez and Aida Garifullina sing Verdi’s ever-popular opera with Paolo Rumetz singing the title role. Ryan Speedo Green and Elena {…}
On May 14, the Kaufman Music Center’s 2018 Gala honored the legacy of long-time Kaufman Music Center Executive Director Lydia Kontos and raised nearly $1 million in support of Kaufman’s music education programs. The event, which took place at Guastavino’s in New York City saw the Kaufman Music Center present the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award Kontos, who will retire nearly 40 {…}
We all know that the future of art in any country resides with the younger generations. Achieving that passing of the torch is far easier said than done and few embark fully on said commitment. Lydia Kontos, Executive Director of the Kaufman Music Center, is one such person who has made it her life to champion music education and develop {…}
Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” is arguably the composer’s best work – an extended love duet with beautiful melodies that capture the essence of Shakespeare’s classic tale, if not its complexity. For years, the Met showcased a production that did draw closer to the greatness of Shakespeare, before replacing it with Bartlett Sher’s current interpretation. Sher’s version gets the job done {…}