Anna Netrebko is set to return to the Bayerische Staatsoper during the 2026-27 season after being let go in 2022 at the start of the war in Ukraine. Regarding the soprano’s return General Director Serge Dorny said, “Vladimir Jurowski and I have clearly sided with Ukraine. This position is non-negotiable. In 2022, we decided to suspend Ms. Netrebko’s performances. Since {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced its 2026-27 season. Premiere Productions The first production of the season will be Wagner’s “Siegfried” with Benjamin Bruns, Matthias Klink, Nicholas Brownlee, Georg Nigl, Timo Riihonen, Wiebke Lehmkuhl, Simone Schneider, and Miina-Liisa Värelä. Vladimir Jurowski conducts the production by Tobias Kratzer. Performance Dates: Oct. 29, 2026-July 29, 2027 Nadine Sierra and Lisette Oropesa alternate as {…}
The Staatsoper Unter den Linden has announced its 2026-27 season. Premiere Carlo Rizzi and Giuseppe Mentuccia conduct a new production of Spontini’s “La Vestale” by Lydia Steier. Sonya Yoncheva, David Butt Philip, Marina Prudenskaya, Siyabonga Maqungo, Jean Teitgen, and Hanseong Yun star. Performance Dates: Sept. 26, 2026-May 8, 2027 Christina Pluhar conducts Cavalli’s “La Calisto” in a production by Stefan Herheim. {…}
On March 2, the Wiener Staatsoper audience booed upon hearing that Anna Netrebko had canceled a performance of “Nabucco.” According to reports the opera house did not announce the cancelation before the performance. Management announced the cast change only after audiences were seated and paid upwards of 500 euros to hear Netrebko. As a result, audiences erupted in boos throughout {…}
On March 5, the Wiener Staatsoper is set to stream Verdi’s “Nabucco” in a revival of Günter Krämer’s production. The opera will be conducted by Marco Armiliato and will star Anna Netrebko as Abigaille. She will be accompanied by Amartuvshin Enkhbat in his acclaimed interpretation of the title role, Ivan Magrì as Ismaele, Alexander Vinogradov as Zaccaria, and Szilvia Vörös {…}
The Hungarian State Opera has announced its 143rd season, featuring 10 new productions, 500 performances across its two venues, and a landmark Kodály centenary celebration. Here is a look at the operatic offerings. New Productions The season opens with a world premiere of “Kodály Háry Jancsika,” a new children’s version of the beloved singspiel performed by the OPERA Children’s Chorus, {…}
Juno Films has acquired the exclusive U.S. distribution rights for “La Scala: The Force of Destiny,” a new documentary by director Anissa Bonnefont. Following the acquisition on Jan. 12, 2026, the distributor set up the film for its U.S. premiere on March 27, 2026, at the Quad Cinema in New York City, followed by a West Coast premiere on March {…}
Arte.TV is set to present Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda” from the Teatro San Carlo. The historical production by Romain Gilbert was recorded in 2024 and features three of operas biggest stars, Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, and Ludovic Tézier. The cast also includes Eve-Maud Hubeaux, Alexander Köpeczi, and Kseniia Nikolaieva. Pinchas Steinberg conducted the production. When the production premiered OperaWire wrote, “Anna {…}
The etymology of the Italian word “maschera” (and its English equivalent “mask”) is rather obscure. It’s derived from the Arabic word “maskara,” meaning buffoonery and/or harsh derision. Indeed, a closer look at “Un ballo in maschera” reveals a higher degree of caustic bite far beyond the final act’s famous masked ball. Amelia seeks help from the soothsayer Ulrica to rid {…}
(Credit: Benjamin Girette/OnP) The Opéra National de Paris is set to present “Un Ballo in Maschera” in cinemas on Feb. 8, 2026. The opera, which will be presented in a production by Gilbert Deflo, will star Anna Netrebko (Amelia), Matthew Polenzani (Riccardo), Ludovic Tézier (Renato), Sara Blanch (Oscar), and Elizabeth DeShong (Ulrica). Speranza Scapucci conducts. The opera will be shown {…}
It is time to wrap up the year and look back at our favorite moments and performers. After releasing our favorite performances of 2025 and showcasing our rising stars of the year, it’s time for OperaWire’s annual tradition of naming our top singers of the year, honoring the opera stars that had major, and in some cases, career-defining, years. So without further ado {…}