The Vienna State Opera’s livestreaming series continues on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, with a performance of Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos.” The production, directed by Sven-Eric Bechtolf, will be conducted by Peter Schneider and features a cast that includes Peter Matic, Markus, Eiche, Rachel Frenkel, Erin Morley, Lise Davidsen in the title role and Stephen Gould as Bacchus. The stream kicks {…}
Rene Kollo (or René Kollodzieyski, as he was born on Nov. 20, 1937), was a renowned Wagnerian tenor. He took on every major leading role by the great composer, recording almost all of his interpretations to great acclaim with the best of conductors. His Siegfried was recorded with Wolfgang Sawallisch, his Lohengrin and Walther von Stolzing with Herbert Von Karajan, {…}
“Ariadne auf Naxos” is among the more popular Strauss works in the canon, its status the result of its glorious and lush melodies that accompany its passionate love duet. But the opera as we know it today was not the way it was originally conceived. The version that premiered on Oct. 25, 1912, was actually little more than a 30-minute {…}
Jessye Norman is a singer who defied fach — she sang what she wanted, when she wanted, but more importantly, she took on what felt right for her. In fact, she once stated in her youth that “pigeonholes are only comfortable for pigeons.” And what a blessing it is that she listened to her gut, or else one might not {…}
The Scottish Opera has announced its 2017-18 season, which will feature Verdi’s “La Traviata” opens the season in a production by Sir David McVicar on Oct. 19, 2017, at the Theatre Royal Glasgow. There will be subsequent performances at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, Eden Court, Inverness, and the Festival Theatre Edinburgh. Sopranos Gulnara Shafigullina and Anush Hovhannisyan alternate the title {…}
Richard Strauss, born on June 11, 1864, is one of opera’s greatest composers. And many of his operas, including “Elektra,” “Salome,” “Der Rosenkavalier,” “Die Frau ohne Schatten,” and “Ariadne auf Naxos,” are major repertoire staples. Others still get occasional performances, including “Arabella,” “Capriccio,” and “The Egyptian Helen.” But there are still others that for whatever reason simply never made the cut {…}
The Berkshire Opera Festival is hosting a dollar for dollar fundraising campaign. According to a press statement, BOF board member Barbara McCullough made a match gift challenge of $100,000 with a deadline of July 31, 2017. As a result, the company is launching a campaign where every dollar donated will be matched and hopes to raise the total of $100,000. {…}
Before starting its 2017 season, the Santa Fe Opera has announced its 2018 season with a company premiere. The company will hold its premiere of “Candide” to celebrate Leonard Bernstein’s centennial. The musical opened on Broadway in 1956 and closed after 72 performances. However, the work continues to performed by numerous companies and is Bernstein’s most popular stage work. For {…}
Opera Holland Park has announced its 2018 season. The season will consist of three operatic classics and one new rarity. The season kicks off with Strauss’ “Ariadne Auf Naxos.” The new staging will be a co-production with the Danish National Opera. Performances will be held in Scotland in February and March 2018 before the production moves to OHP in July 2018. {…}
Today Edita Gruberova is celebrating her 70th birthday and 50 years on stage. Considered one of the greatest sopranos in the history of opera, the legendary singer continues a hectic schedule singing across Europe. As we celebrate the icon’s amazing work, Operawire takes a look back at five roles that Gruberova has made her own. Queen of the Night in {…}