Antonio Pappano has confirmed he will continue his post at the Royal Opera House. After much speculation that the conductor would be leaving the Royal Opera House, Pappano has confirmed he will continue in his post as Music Director until the end of the 2022-23 season. The announcement, which will come on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, will also come with the announcement {…}
This week’s major releases are as varied as they get. On one hand you have a famed interpreter of a renowned classic finally getting a home video release. There is also a recent world premiere getting its first commercial release. To top it all off, an iconic artist records his first album in half a decade. Let’s take a look. {…}
As the summer ends, distributors are staying rather quiet with only one major release available this week. Here is what you can look forward to. La Bohème Opus Arte will release “La Bohème” from the Royal Opera House. The new DVD showcases Richard Jones’ new production, which opened the 2017-18 Royal Opera season and stars Michael Fabiano and Nicole Car. Simona {…}
Britten’s War Requiem was written between 1961-1962, ostensibly in response to WW I, in the aftermath of WW II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and all the many others. On June 25, 2018, at the Philharmonie, the Staatskapelle Berlin, conducted by Sir Anthony Pappano and accompanied by stellar opera singers and choruses, sang out against all war, then and {…}
The Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia has announced its 2018-19 season featuring an array of diverse repertoire. For this season announcement, we will only focus on the vocal performances. Orchestra Concerts The season opens with Bernstein’s “West Side Story” with Nadine Sierra and Alek Shrader in the lead roles with Antonio Pappano conducting. Jessica Vosk, Mark Stone, and Aigul Akhmetshina {…}
This weekend will see three Verdi masterpieces performed around the world and one of Wagner’s most popular works in a new production. There will also be a performance of Shostakovich’s greatest opera. Take a look at what OperaWire thinks you should see this weekend. La Traviata – Opera Australia, Australia In Melbourne, Corinne Winters takes on her signature role of Violetta {…}
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 {…}
Sony Classical has announced the release of Verdi’s “Otello” from the Royal Opera House. The production, which premiered last summer at the Royal Opera, stars Jonas Kaufmann in his role debut, Maria Agresta, and Marco Vratogna. Antonio Pappano conducted the production, which was directed by Keith Warner. When the production premiered OperaWire noted, “Jonas Kaufmann Cements His Legacy As One {…}
Jonas Kaufmann has canceled his upcoming Dec. 22 Strauss Gala. In a statement, the Academia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia noted that due to illness Kaufmann was forced to cancel. As a result, ticketholders would get refunds. Kaufmann was expected to sing the last four last songs with Antonio Pappano conducting. The program was also scheduled to include “Till Eulenspiegel” and the {…}
With the holiday season approaching, this will be filled with numerous DVDs and CDs to choose from. Many of opera’s top star in the releases including Sonya Yoncheva, Rolando Villazón and Renée Fleming. Norma Bel Canto fans will be treated to a new Norma from the Royal Opera House with a stellar cast. Sonya Yoncheva stars in the Mount Everest {…}
On Saturday, Oct. 21, Sir Antonio Pappano, soprano Barbara Hannigan, and the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (Rome) presented an impressive program with two pieces from opposite ends of the musical spectrum. The world-class orchestra, combined with Pappano’s infectious energy, brought the hall to life. It has become common practice among orchestras to mix up the evening by programming {…}