Puccini was known for his tragic operas and melodic genius as well as his exploration of musical landscapes. And then “Gianni Schicchi” came along, showing the composer’s ability to expand beyond drama with one of the most important comedies in the repertoire. The title role became synonymous with numerous baritones as it gave them the ability to explore their versatility {…}
Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda” is one of the staples of the dramatic soprano repertoire and is considered one of the most difficult roles in the repertoire. It is also a difficult opera to present on stage and for that reason throughout the past years it has increasingly become a rarity in the standard repertoire. Now, 14 years after its last presentation, {…}
“Lakmé” is perhaps one of the most recognized operas in the world. While it is rarely performed, its Bell Song and Flower duet have been sung by every major lyric and coloratura soprano. So when the opera actually graces the stage, it is always an event and one that requires a soprano who is capable of singing the immensely difficult {…}
For the last few years, Vittorio Prato has become one of the most promising baritones in opera. He has specialized in the bel canto repertory, singing leading roles in Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini operas, as well as Mozart. However, in recent times, he has slowly moved into verismo roles. He has also sung in many of the leading theaters in the world, {…}
Ever since winning the audience prize at the Carfdiff Singer of the World competition in 2017, Louise Alder has become one of the most sought-after sopranos on the international stage. She has made noticable debuts in Europe and has added a number of new roles to her repertoire. Moreover, she has also been celebrated for her baroque roles and interpretations. {…}
Scott Hendricks is one of the most diverse artists in opera. His repertoire spans classic works by Monteverdi, Mozart, Debussy to contemporary works. He has also become one of the leading Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner interpreters around the world and has sung at every major theater to great acclaim. With an ever-increasing repertoire, this week Hendricks will have the honoring {…}
Elisabetta in “Roberto Devereux” is considered one of the most demanding roles in the soprano repertory and has always been a major measuring stick for leading Bel canto sopranos. Now, Joyce El-Khoury will take on the challenging role and look to make her mark. With her upcoming portrayal of Elisabetta at the Welsh National Opera, El-Khoury will continue to explore the Donizetti Tudor {…}
(Image from MariaAgresta.com) The role of Anna Bolena is known as one of the most demanding roles in the soprano repertoire and also the beginning of Donizetti’s Tudor Queen trilogy. It’s a role that has become legendary and one that the greatest divas in the history of opera have taken on. Now Maria Agresta is ready for that challenge as she makes her role {…}
In 2018, Ausrine Stundyte made her role debut as Salome at the Berlin State Opera and immediately became a sensation in the role. Critics said, “Stundyte is a consummate stage animal, and acts her heart out in the part.” Now after a sensational debut and rave reviews, the soprano is taking her acclaimed portrayal to the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. {…}
Just a few months ago Emily D’Angelo became the talk of the town as she won the Operalia competition. Not only did she walk away with the first prize, but she was also the audience’s favorite. Her performance blew audiences away and now at just 24-years-old, she has established herself as one of the biggest rising stars of her generation. {…}
For over 10 years, bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni has been the go-to Leporello in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” performing the role all over the world at such companies as the Teatro alla Scala, the Metropolitan Opera, Salzburg Festival, Baden Baden Festival, Wiener Staatsoper, and at Tanglewood, among others. His interpretation has been hailed by critics as “dynamic” and “youthful” and a number of performances {…}