Credit: Michele Monasta Over the past years, María José Siri’s status in the opera world has grown due to her historical performances all around the world. At the Ópera de Palmas, she became the first soprano to encore with the company. She subsequently became the first soprano in the Arena di Verona’s history to perform both roles in “Cavalleria Rusticana” {…}
Following performances at the Arena di Verona headlined by Plácido Domingo, the members of orchestra refused to stand during the final ovations in protest of the quality of the showcases. Per several reports, the performances, which celebrated the music of Verdi across several scenes from his operas, received a very negative response from audience members. During the opening performance, the {…}
(© Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Classical) Details regarding Jonas Kaufmann’s 2023 gala at the Arena di Verona have been announced. During a press conference in anticipation of the tenor’s stage debut as Radamès in “Aida,” the Arena said that the 2023 gala will feature three acts of different operas, as is the tradition for major events in the great open-air {…}
The Arena di Verona has announced a cast change for the last two performances of “Aida.” The company noted that Liudmyla Monastyrska will no longer sing the title role and will be replaced by Maria José Siri on August 28 and by Monica Conesa on Sept. 4. Siri recently performed in the Arena di Verona’s Placido Domingo gala and in {…}
The Arena di Verona is offering audience members alternate performances following the cancelation of Bizet’s “Carmen” on August 11. The company noted that following inclement weather, it was forced to cancel in the middle of the performance. The company said that “all spectators with a 8/11 ticket can return this weekend on 13 August 2022 for “Turandot” or 14 August {…}
Jonas Kaufmann is set to sing Radamés in Arena di Verona’s controversial “Aida” production. The company said, “On an apparently ordinary day, here we are with some exciting news: Jonas Kaufmann will play Radamès at the Arena di Verona on August 28, 2022! After the success of the 2021’s gala (which ended with seven encores: does any of you remember?) {…}
The Arena di Verona is offering tickets for ticketholders who attended the canceled performance of “Nabucco” on July 29. The company said that “since only a few minutes of the performance were performed, all spectators with a 7/29 ticket can return for a show at the Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2022 or 2023 requesting a ticket at the symbolic {…}
The Arena di Verona has announced a replacement for Angel Blue in “La Traviata” on July 30, 2022. The company noted that Nina Minasyan will sing the role of Violetta. Blue canceled the production earlier this month because the Arena di Verona decided to use Blackface in a production of “Aida.” Blue called the practice “offensive, humiliating, and outright racist.” {…}
Zuzana Marková is set to replace Angel Blue at the Arena di Verona in a production of “La Traviata.” The Czech soprano took to Instagram to announce her performance on July 22. She said, “Guess where am I? Becoming Violetta tomorrow night!” She posted the photo with the hashtags #latraviata, #violetta, #unexpected, and #vivaverdi. The Arena di Verona did not make {…}
The Arena di Verona is set to present three performances on Italy’s Rai 3. The company announced that it will present “Carmen,” “La Traviata,” and “Nabucco” on TV and later on Rai Cultura, the streaming platform. The first opera will be “Carmen” on July 21 with Clémentine Margaine in the title role, Gilda Fiume as Micaela, Brian Jadge as Don {…}
Following Angel Blue’s high-profile cancelation at the Arena di Verona via social media, the soprano’s Instagram and Facebook pages have disappeared. Blue had posted a Faithful Friday post on July 15 following her July 14 post where she announced she would cancel her “La Traviata” due to the Arena di Verona’s use of blackface. The soprano said, “Dear Friends, Family, {…}