(Photo: G Schied) Händel’s “Alcina,” first performed in London in 1735 and based on episodes from Ariosto’s “Orlando Furioso” (1532), ranks among the composer’s supreme achievements. Far more than a succession of dazzling da capo arias, it is a profound meditation on love’s capacity to delude, possess and ultimately destroy. On the enchanted island of the sorceress Alcina, men who {…}
(Photo: G. Schied) It was deeply gratifying that the Bavarian State Opera continued to preserve Jürgen Rose’s magnificent production (seen July 17), first unveiled in 2006 and now deservedly regarded as one of Munich’s exemplary repertory stagings. At a time when “Norma” has too often fallen victim to directorial concepts eager to relocate ancient Gaul to psychiatric institutions, corporate boardrooms {…}
(Photo: Geoffroy Schied) Beethoven’s only opera has always occupied a singular and somewhat anomalous position in the repertory. Despite repeated revisions, the composer never entirely reconciled the conventions of Singspiel with the elevated moral and philosophical aspirations that animated the work. Yet it is precisely this unresolved tension that has guaranteed “Fidelio” its enduring fascination. At once a domestic drama, {…}
(Photo: Geoffroy Schied) Such an inspired work ought to offer fertile ground for a stage director. Yet Martin Cicvák’s production, now almost two decades old, remains a striking example of Regietheater at its least illuminating. Whatever power it may once have possessed to scandalize has long since dissipated, leaving only a succession of provocations that obscure rather than deepen Shakespeare’s {…}
(Credit: Monika Rittershaus) The burden of immortality Few opera houses can claim the historical authority of Munich in matters Wagnerian. It was here, after all, that “Das Rheingold” and “Die Walküre” first reached the stage, and any new Ring mounted by the Bayerische Staatsoper must inevitably negotiate not only Wagner’s score but also the immense weight of tradition. Tobias Kratzer’s {…}
(Credit: M.Rittershaus) The Bayerische Staatsoper is set to broadcast “Die Walküre” on its Staatsoper TV platform on July 4 as part of the “Opera for All” program. The production by Tobias Kratzer will star Joachim Bäckström, Ain Anger, Nicholas Brownlee, Irene Roberts, Miina-Liisa Värelä, and Ekaterina Gubanova. Vladimir Jurowski conducts the new production. The new production comes after “Das Rheingold” {…}
(Credit: Geoffroy Schied) The Bayerische Staatsoper has named Petr Popelka as its new General Music Director. The conductor will begin his tenure during the 2029-30 season. In a statement the company said, “As one of the most exciting conductors of his generation, Petr Popelka will assume the role of Music Director of the Bayerische Staatsoper and the Bayersiches Staatsorchester. Following {…}
(Photo credit: Marco Facincani) Gilda Fiume will perform the title role of Norma at Bayerische Staatsoper on May 29. Fiume replaces Sonya Yoncheva. The cast is rounded out by Najmiddin Mavlyanov as Pollione, Michael Butler as Flavio, Erwin Schrott as Oroveso, Emily Sierra in the role of Adalgisa, and Shannon Keegan as Clotilde. They are joined by the Chorus of {…}
(© Geoffroy Schied) Serge Dorny is one of the most powerful men in opera. Beginning his career as a dramaturge under Gerard Mortier at Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, he would eventually become Artistic Director of several major institutions before climbing to some of the most prestigious positions in the industry. He led as General Director of Opéra National {…}
Anna Netrebko is set to return to the Bayerische Staatsoper during the 2026-27 season after being let go in 2022 at the start of the war in Ukraine. Regarding the soprano’s return General Director Serge Dorny said, “Vladimir Jurowski and I have clearly sided with Ukraine. This position is non-negotiable. In 2022, we decided to suspend Ms. Netrebko’s performances. Since {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced its 2026-27 season. Premiere Productions The first production of the season will be Wagner’s “Siegfried” with Benjamin Bruns, Matthias Klink, Nicholas Brownlee, Georg Nigl, Timo Riihonen, Wiebke Lehmkuhl, Simone Schneider, and Miina-Liisa Värelä. Vladimir Jurowski conducts the production by Tobias Kratzer. Performance Dates: Oct. 29, 2026-July 29, 2027 Nadine Sierra and Lisette Oropesa alternate as {…}