Top 5 Opera To See This Weekend – International (12/1-3): Jonas Kaufmann & Sonya Yoncheva Lead Productions

The weekend sees two new high profile productions open with star-studded casts. Meanwhile, Jonas Kaufmann and Elina Garanca headline major revivals throughout Europe. Hagen-Siegfried-Brundhilde – Theater an der Wien, Austria On Dec. 1, the Theater an der Wien will open a new ring cycle which was developed based on Richard Wagner’s music and was especially done for the Theater an der Wien. {…}

Opernhaus Zürich 2017-18 Review – Tosca: Anja Harteros’ Star Power the Driving Force In Carsen’s Production

Anja Harteros. Anja Harteros. Anja Harteros. Yes, reading that isn’t very interesting. Listening to her and experiencing her is quite a different story. The German soprano was nothing short of sensational on a starry Saturday opening night of a revival of the Robert Carsen production of “Tosca” at the Zurich Opera. It was recently reported that Harteros has stopped singing {…}

Weekend Preview – International (7/28-30): Jonas Kaufmann, Elina Garanca, Tamara Wilson & Diana Damrau Headline Festivals

Festival season continues with some of the greatest stars headlining major productions around the world. Find out what you can see this weekend. Austria  At the Salzburg Festival, “Il Ritorno d’Ulisse,” “L’Incoronazion di Poppea” and “La Clemenza di Tito,” starring Russell Thomas and Golda Schultz, headline the weekend. Meanwhile at the Bregenz Festival, Bizet’s “Carmen” will showcased on Friday, Saturday, {…}

Bayerische Staatsoper 2016-17 Review – La Forza Del Destino: Jonas Kaufmann, Anja Harteros Dominate In A Personal Narrative Encapsulated In A Far Larger Context

Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” has had an uneven performance history despite containing some of the composer’s most memorable music, not least its well-known overture, made famous through concert performances, and the emotionally charged duets that characterize the work. The problem, however, stems not from its music, but from its sprawling structure and the complex tensions that drive the narrative. {…}