The HD phenomenon has taken hold of the opera world over the past few decades, even though video recordings of performances have been around for quite some time. But today it has become embedded as a major part of the operatic experience and some might argue that a number of productions in major theaters are directed with the high-definition video {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced its 2019-20 season, which includes six new productions and a whopping 58 operas overall. There are also a plethora of concert performances as well featuring some of the greatest opera stars on the planet. New Productions The new season kicks off with a new production of Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Directed by Irina {…}
On April 2, 2019, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden will showcase its new production of “La Forza del Destino” in cinemas. The production, which is directed by Christof Loy stars Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann as the tragic lovers of Verdi’s epic opera. Alongside them will be Ludovic Tézier and Ferruccio Furlanetto. The production is conducted by Antonio Pappano. {…}
This review is for the performance on March 24, 2019. The crux of its concept a curse, Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” relies on motifs as portentous as ravens. With its harrowing theme of inescapable fate rearing its head in the overture, the early murder of the Marquis of Calatrava heralds the “maledizione:” a hounding lethal curse that will hunt {…}
This weekend is all about the stars. From Vienna to Germany to the United Kingdom, every cast has some of the world’s greats performing. Check out this weekend’s picks! Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria Jean-Pierre Ponnelle’s production continues at the Vienna house with a starry cast that includes Yonghoon Lee singing Turiddu and Fabio Sartori as Canio. Elina Garanca stars {…}
The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced its 2019-20 season, which will include six new productions and dozens of revivals with some of opera’s greatest stars. New Productions The first new production of the season will be Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” The production will be directed by Frank Castorf and will star Russell Thomas and Marcelo Alvarez as Don Alvaro. {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper revealed its 2019-20 season, which unsurprising features dozens of operas. Almost every single one is impeccably cast, but few standout as the must-see showcases of the season. 7 Deaths of Maria Callas Maria Callas is more than an operatic icon at this point – she’s a legend and this work seems intent on exploring that very nature {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced its 2019-20 season, which is undeniably one of the biggest there is. It includes eight new productions to go along with a plethora of revivals. New Productions Jonas Kaufmann and Marlis Petersen headline a new production of Korngold’s “Die Tote Stadt” with Simon Stone directing. Kirill Petrenko conducts the production which also stars Andrzej Filonczyk, Jennifer Johnston, {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has announced its 2019-20 season with numerous new productions, revivals, rarely performed works and concerts by some of the biggest stars in the world. Franc Aleu makes his operatic debut directing a new production of Puccini’s “Turandot” with Irene Theorin in the title role alongside Jorge de Leon and Ermonela Jaho as Liù. Lise Linstrom {…}
The Opéra National de Paris has announced its 2019-20 seasons which will feature a total of 19 operas and the entire Ring Cycle in an all-new production. Bellini’s “I Puritani” opens the season in a production by Laurent Pelly. Elsa Dreisig takes the leading role with Javier Camarena and Francesco Demuro sharing the role of Arturo. Riccardo Frizza conducts the {…}
The Arena di Verona has announced its casting for its star-studded 97th annual festival. La Traviata Four sopranos will share the leading role of Violetta Valéry, including Aleksandra Kurzak, Irina Lungu, Lisette Oropesa, and Lana Kos, while four tenors will share the role of Alfredo Germont, including Pavel Petrov, Vittorio Grigolo, Raffaele Abete, and Stephen Costello. Leo Nucci, Simone Piazzola, {…}