This week the Teatro Manoel di Malta is presenting Rossini’s “Armida” one of the composer’s most difficult operas and one that has six tenors. This week as the company presents the opera, Anle Gou will sing two of the opera’s tenor roles bringing out his superb Rossini tenor. Gou, who recently spoke with OperaWire about the technical challenges of Rossini {…}
On May 19, 2023, the National Theatre of Prague will present Dvorak’s “Armida.” The last work to be penned by the composer, it made its world premiere at the National Theatre on March 25, 1904. This new production will be music directed by Robert Jindra, MD of the National Theatre Opera, who will conduct the company orchestra and the chorus {…}
Soprano Alžběta Poláčková will perform the title role in Dvořák´s “Armida” at the National Theater Opera in Prague. Alongside Poláčková is bass František Zahradníček as Hydraot, baritone Svatopluk Sem, bass Štefan Kocán. They are joined by the National Theatre Chorus and Orchestra led by Robert Jindra. Jindra will make his debut conducting as music director of the National Theatre Opera. {…}
(Photo: Clive Barda) Of Dvorak’s 10 operas, only “Rusalka” receives regular stagings outside his Czech homeland. Listening to the recordings of his other operas, it is not clear as to why this should be the case. Certainly, the dramatic quality of the music is strong and contains plenty of engaging melodies, and they would certainly bear comparison with many operas {…}
(Photo: Frances Marshall) Following a series of glowing reviews for her performance as Elsa in Covent Garden’s 2018 production of “Lohengrin,” Irish soprano Jennifer Davis’ meteoric rise continues apace. Currently, she is performing the title role in Dvorak’s “Armida” at the Wexford Festival Opera. OperaWire: What was the first opera you saw? Jennifer Davis: “Porgy & Bess” at Cork Opera {…}
(Credit: Bregenz Festival official website) The Bregenz Festival has announced its 2022 slate, featuring four operas and international stars. Here is the full slate. Operas Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri” stars Maria Barakova as Isabella, Alberto Comes as Mustafa, Sarah Yang as Elvira, and Spencer Britten as Lindoro. The cast also includes Florence Losseau, Hubert Kowalczyk, and Pierpaolo Martella. Jonathan Brandani {…}
(Credit: Rossini in Wildbad Festival official website) The Belcanto Festival Rossini in Wildbad has announced its 2022 slate, with two out of three operas taking place in the Trinkhalle. The festival will begin with a concert performance of “Armida” starring Angela Meade and Michele Angelini, with five more tenor roles. José Miguel Pérez Sierra will conduct. “Ermione” will be presented {…}
Salieri’s “Armida,” which had its world premiere in Vienna back in 1771, has never been fully recorded. That will all change later this year when Les Talens Lyriques releases the first full recording of the work on Jan. 22, 2021 and delivers its first modern performances in early 2021. The opera, which features a libretto by Marco Coltellini, will be {…}
Though his legacy is strongly tied to the negative and wildly fabricated portrayal in the play and film “Amadeus,” Antonio Salieri was a respected and notable composer in his own right. One opera that best represents the composer’s ability is “Armida,” which was first performed at the Vienna Burgtheater June 2, 1771. Salieri’s first opera, “Le Donne Letterate,” premiered to {…}
Maria Callas is arguably THE greatest opera star in history. Born on Dec. 2, 1923, the Greek singer (who was born in New York City) would become a turning point in the history of the art form, with some going so far as to claim there was a period “Before Callas” and one “After Callas.” Leonard Bernstein called her “The {…}