Cleveland Orchestra Extends Franz Welser-Möst’s Contract, Announces New Opera Performances Including Piotr Beczala As ‘Parsifal’

(Credit: Julia Wesely) The Cleveland Orchestra has announced a new five-year extension of Franz Welser-Möst’s contract as Music Director. The new contract will continue the conductor and orchestra’s partnership that began in 2002 and will now be extended until 2027. “I am delighted to announce this extended contract, ensuring The Cleveland Orchestra’s acclaimed partnership with Franz Welser-Möst for an additional {…}

Jun 1, 2019

Creating Her Own Way – Soprano And Conductor Barbara Hannigan On Conducting, Equilibrium Project, And Ojai Festival

Barbara Hannigan doesn’t like being called a genius. “I work hard,” she always retorts. And that’s true. To catch Barbara Hannigan for an interview is very tricky. At the time of this interview, the soprano has just finished her work in Copenhagen, where she performed as a conductor alongside the young artists from her Equilibrium project, and also sang Abrahamsen’s {…}

May 27, 2019

Philharmonie De Paris 2018-19 Review: The Rake’s Progress

“I strive to bring out the best in myself, but I also know that perfection does not exist. And to be honest: I don’t care. Neither in myself nor in others. In my eyes, perfectionism is an unhealthy and cramped urge. Because you cannot force perfection. Compare it to lying in the water. Whoever relaxes, who dares to surrender, stays {…}

Mar 11, 2019

Barbara Hannigan & Franz Welser-Möst Headline Cleveland Orchestra’s 2019-20 Season

The Cleveland Orchestra has announced its 2019-20 season featuring a number of soloists and great conductors. For the purpose of this article we will only focus on the vocal and operatic performances. Joélle Harvey performs in a program entitled “Adams and Mahler” with conductor Jakub Hrůša leading The Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, members of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, and members {…}

Feb 16, 2019

Plácido Domingo, Marina Rebeka & Rolando Villazón Highlight Hamburg State Opera’s 2019-20 Season

The Hamburg State Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring six new productions and a number of revivals. There is also a mix of contemporary repertoire with classic and repertory staples. Here is a look at what to expect. New Productions Elbenita Kajtazi, Renate Spingler, Hellen Kwon, Peter Galliard, Stefan Sevenich, Iwan Iwanowitsch, and Julian Arsenault star in a new production of Shostakovich’s “The {…}

Feb 4, 2019

Barbara Hannigan Wins Denmark’s Highest Honor

The Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan has been awarded the 2020 Léonie Sonning Music Prize, Denmark’s highest musical honor. The soprano will receive the award at a concert on April 23, 2020, in Copenhagen’s DR Concert House. Hannigan will also conduct the Danish National Symphony Orchestra at the event. The award will also include a monetary award of €100,000 and it {…}

Nov 23, 2018

5 DVDs & 5 CDs We Recommend For Your Black Friday Shopping

The holiday season is officially underway. For many, that means going out and buying a plethora of gifts for loved ones. But what about that opera lover in your life? What do you buy him or her? There’s a ton to choose from and this year featured a plethora of amazing recordings to choose from. So to give you a {…}

Sep 28, 2018

Top 5 Operas to See This Weekend – International (9/28-30)

This weekend will showcase a world premiere, a highly anticipated new production, a classic revival, a visiting opera company and the continuation of Wagner’s tetralogy. Here is a look at what OperaWire recommends this weekend. Berénice – Opéra National de Paris, France Barbara Hannigan creates the role of Berénice in Michale Jarrell’s new work. The work also stars Bo Skovhus, Alastair Miles, and {…}

Sep 24, 2018

Artist Of The Week: Barbara Hannigan

Barbara Hannigan is one of today’s most diverse performers in the industry. She has become one of the most acclaimed sopranos of her generation and has become an advocate for 20th and 21st-century works. She has also showcased her talents as a conductor leading some of the world’s greatest orchestras. And she has also been the inspiration for many composers {…}

Sep 11, 2018

10 Must See Operas For The Fall Season 2018 [International Edition]

The 2018-19 season is about to start with numerous new productions, revivals and world premieres. With a ton of selections to be sure in many of the world’s greatest houses, we whittled it down to the 10 Must-See productions operas that you cannot miss this fall. Medée – Berlin State Opera Sonya Yoncheva takes on her 50th role in Cherubini’s rarely {…}

Jul 10, 2018

CD / DVD Releases – Week of July 9

This week, four rarely performed works get new releases. Naxos, Dynamic, and Opus Arte are pulling the stops on showcasing some of the greatest works in the repertoire that need more visibility. Here is a look. Le Comte Ory Naxos will release a new production of Rossini’s final comedy. The production from the Malmo Opera stars Leonardo Ferrando in the {…}

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