Written in collaboration with David Salazar It’s been years in the making – Anna Netrebko singing “Tosca.” The soprano has been outspoken about her dislike for the character and about her doubts singing the role, but it’s a character that audiences have been dying to see her sing. Afterall, who but Netrebko can be considered the quintessential diva of the {…}
It’s a big weekend in the opera world, with undeniably the biggest show coming from the biggest star around. Here is a look at five can’t-miss performances from around the North American continent (In alphabetical order by company). NJ Verismo Opera – Turandot Puccini’s final opera gets one performance in NJ with Zhanna Alkhazova in the title role, Philip Alongi {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced the 2018-19 season, which is incidentally the company’s 150-anniversary year. The season will include six new productions, including a world premiere production. Here is a breakdown of what’s to come. New Productions (In Order of Opening) Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” will be the first new production, starting on Oct. 14, 2018. David McVicar directs while {…}
On Saturday, April 21, 2018, superstar soprano Anna Netrebko will make her role debut as “Tosca” at the Metropolitan Opera. The role of the famed diva will be the 20th role of Netrebko’s Met career, but shockingly, it will only be the third time she makes a role debut with the company. Throughout her career, Netrebko has had the tendency {…}
Yusif Eyvazov will sing the role of Cavaradossi in the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming revival of Puccini’s “Tosca.” The Metropolitan Opera announced, via Twitter, that Eyavzov would replace Marcelo Alvarez for performances starting on April 21 through May 4. Eyvazov will now be joining his wife Anna Netrebko with whom he performed earlier this season during the opening night of “Andrea {…}
Anna Netrebko is under fire after an interview with Classical FM and her comments regarding sexual assault. During an interview, the soprano was asked about her opinion, regarding the recent sexual assault allegations and what changes needed to be done in the classical music world. Netrebko went on to respond, “Any of this sexual [expletive], we don’t have it. I’m sorry, and I {…}
This weekend will be filled with a number of stars singing some of their most acclaimed roles. But what will make this weekend even more special is that it will feature a world premiere, a rarely performed Verdi gem, and a rarely performed baroque piece. Here is a look. Rusalka – Prague National Opera, Czech Republic Kerri-Lynn Wilson makes a {…}
Director Phyllida Lloyd’s 2002 production of Verdi’s “Macbeth” doesn’t need a revival to age. Cluttered with too many literal symbols – Lady Macbeth attempting to wash blood off in the bath, Duncan clad in a glittery gold cloak that Macbeth dons when assuming the throne, the presence of a running tap onstage as the two killer spouses sing of their {…}
The Royal Opera House will present Verdi’s “Macbeth” live in cinemas on April 4, 2018. The performance will be broadcast around the globe and will feature superstar soprano Anna Netrebko as the villainous Lady Macbeth. She will be paired with Zeljko Lucic in the title role; the two performed the Macbeths together at the Metropolitan Opera in a performance that {…}
The Hungarian State Opera has announced its 2018-19 season which is slated to includes a whopping 60 repertoire pieces and 16 premieres. The company has stated that the main theme of the season is taking audiences to Puccini’s Italy. There are also a series of concerts with some of opera’s biggest stars. Let’s break it down. Premieres (in order of {…}
There is a perception that if you don’t sing an E flat at the end of the mad scene in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” you don’t have the voice for Donizetti’s virtuoso singing. But this is a false tradition that has been implanted in opera lover’s minds for too long. I once witnessed an important diva who sang a performance of Lucia {…}
