The Franco Zeffirelli production of “Turandot” at the Metropolitan Opera is iconic and a known quantity at this juncture, so I won’t be rehashing much about it here. But in watching the Sept. 30, 2025 performance of the Puccini opera, I was reminded about its enduring power. Part of that mainly came from the audience with whom I witnessed the {…}
The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive Puccini’s “Turandot” for 17 performances. The opera will be presented between Sept. 23 and June 6 in Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic production. The opera will first be shown in September and October for seven performances with Carlo Rizzi conducting. The cast includes Angela Meade in the title role, Michael Fabiano as Calaf, and Masabane {…}
(Photo: Matt Dine) On June 6, 2025, Carnegie Hall hosted the American Symphony Orchestra’s concert revival of Richard Strauss’s first opera, “Guntram.” Rarely mentioned alongside “Salomé” or “Der Rosenkavalier,” “Guntram” reveals a young composer grappling with grand ideas. Strauss stumbled, learned, and went on to compose a total of fourteen operas. Audiences can hear Wagner in nearly every bar of {…}
On May 1 and 2, Trinity Church will present Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem in collaboration with The Dessoff Choirs, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary season. These performances will celebrate the legacy as well as the musical innovation of the organizations and will include the world premiere of a new choral work by Pulitzer Prize- winning composer Tania León, commissioned by {…}
On April 6, 2025, the Teatro Carlo Felice is set to present Strauss’ “Die Liebe der Danae.” The performances will mark the first time that the original version of the opera is presented in Italy. The production will be directed by Laurence Dale, with set design and costumes by Gary McCann. The choreography will be by Carmine De Amicis and {…}
The Atlanta Opera has unveiled its 2025-26 season. Verdi’s “La traviata” directed by Francesca Zambello opens the season. Soprano Mané Galoyan sings the role of Violetta, she is joined by tenor Long Long, and baritone Anthony Clark Evans. Evan Rogister conductors. Performance Dates: November 8, 11, 14, & 16, 2025 Up next is “La Belle et la Bête” by Phillip {…}
(Photo credits: Rosenberg, IMG Artists, & UIA Talent) Trinity Church has unveiled its 2025 spring season. For the purposes of this article only classical vocal concerts are included. Soprano Sonya Headlam opens the season in “Sunday Afternoon Music,” featuring works by Ignatius Sancho, Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, Trevor Weston, Peter Ashbourne, and others. Performance Date: February 2, 2025 (St Paul’s {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” with Michael Fabiano singing the lead role of Manrico. The American tenor will make his role debut in Sir David McVicar’s acclaimed Goya-inspired production. Manrico will also be performed by Gwyn Hughes Jones in the final two performances, reprising the last role he sang at the {…}
Genova’s Teatro Carlo Felice has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a look at the operas and concerts. Opera The season will open with a double bill featuring the play “Giro di vite” by Henry James and Benjamin Britten’s “The Turn of the Screw.” Davide Livermore directs the production with Riccardo Minasi at the podium. The cast for Britten will {…}
The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma has announced its 2024-25 season. Opera The season opens with Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra“ in a production by Richard Jones. Michele Mariotti conducts the production with a cast that includes Luca Salsi in the title role, Eleonora Buratto, Stefan Pop, and Michele Pertusi. The opening night will be streamed on Rai5 and Radio3. Another cast will {…}
I will never die. But when if I do—certainly after 2300—, I want to be mourned with Verdi’s “Requiem.” No discussion. Few musical moments are more rewarding than the first tenor “Kyrie,” breaking into the orchestral mass, abashing any feelings that are not of heroic repentance. I simply love it. However, such strong personal preference creates rigid expectations of how {…}