On Jan.3, 1843 Donizetti’s comic masterpiece “Don Pasquale” made its premiere with immediate success. It immediately became part of the standard repertoire and a piece that was translated into French, and performed all over the world. Since its premiere the opera has been performed more than 700 times and has been recorded by many great artists. To celebrate the works {…}
This week many singers ended the year singing their last performances or in the rehearsal room while others went back home to take a break from the stage. After spending Christmas in Vienna with her family, the soprano returned to the stage for her final performance of the year. Netrebko performed Macbeth at the Bayerische Staatsoper where she announced that {…}
On Dec. 31 Diana Damrau will make her role debut as Juliette in Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” in a special New Year’s Eve gala at the Metropolitan Opera. The occasion will also mark the premiere of Bartlett Sher’s acclaimed staging from the Salzburg Festival. With such a momentous occasion Operawire takes a look at past Juliettes who have graced the {…}
Polish tenor Piotr Beczala was born on this day, December 28, exactly 50 years ago. In celebration of the tenor’s big day, Operawire shares 50 facts about the operatic superstar. Piotr Beczala was born on Dec. 28, 1966. He is from Czechowice-Dziedzice in southern Poland. He studied under Sena Jurinac in Switzerland. He is married to Katarzyna Beczała. Beczala is known for choosing his roles wisely {…}
Fans will get a chance to meet with Placido Domingo at the Metropolitan Opera Store on Jan 4, 2017 at 3 p.m. The legendary singer will be on hand to sign CD’s and DVD’s from his massive recording library. The tenor-turned-baritone releases new recordings every year. His most recent arrivals include a DVD of Verdi’s “I Due Foscari” at the {…}
Latvian director Alvis Hermanis has backed out of a production of Lohengrin in Bayreuth. According to MV Online, the director’s political views were not necessarily at the core of his decision to renounce the production. Last year he quit a production in Hamburg, citing a disdain for Germany’s open border policies toward refugees. He published a statement in three languages {…}
Superstar baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky is in the hospital with pneumonia but is “out of danger,” according to Russian state agency Tass. The agency reported on Tuesday that the singer was taken to hospital in St. Petersburg with pneumonia. The singer’s condition is said to be normal, though there is no telling when he might be discharged from the hospital. It has {…}
This year is coming to a close and after having looked back at some of the milestones certain stars made this year, it is time to look at 2017. There is so much to look forward to as many of the greatest stars will take on new roles while other will reprise signature roles in new productions with star-studded casts. {…}
Are you finished with your holiday shopping? Are you stuck and have no ideas on what to buy? OperaWire has compiled a list of some of the best new releases from 2016 that will make for a great gift. CDS Anna Netrebko’s New Recordings Two of the best recordings this year are from Anna Netrebko. Her new Verismo album features some of {…}
There is never a dull moment in the opera world as singers are constantly traveling and exploring new locations. While some singers are preparing for their holiday seasons, others are already preparing upcoming roles or recitals. Lets take a look at where some of the most popular stars were in this week’s Social Media Beat. Pretty Yende The South African {…}
The weekend is upon us and that means many operas will be presented around the world. Many theaters will offer holiday presentations while some of the greatest singers return to the stage such as Renee Fleming, Simon Keenlyside, Rolando Villazon, Anna Netrebko, Rene Pape and Nina Stemme. Austria Simon Keenlyside returns to the Vienna State Opera for Verdi’s “Macbeth” with the {…}