What a wonder Giuseppe Verdi’s final opera “Falstaff” is. After all, he had, outside of his “Quattro pezzi sacri,” retired from the “arena” of composing and opera (with one of the grandest of all grand operas, “Aida”). But then, fate conspired, in a rather unlikely way, to have the maestro cross paths, and then lives, and ultimately work itself, with {…}
The Berkshire Opera Festival has announced cast updates and an indoor, full capacity 2021 summer season. The company announced that its largest and most robust to date will be shown with no seating restrictions. In a press release, it said, “BOF continues to work closely with each venue to refine safety protocols based on the most current state guidelines and {…}
The Berkshire Opera Festival in Massachusetts has announced its 2021 season, which will include two major productions. The season’s main stage production will feature Verdi and Boito’s “Falstaff” starring Sebastian Catana in the title role. He will be joined by Mathilda Edge as Alice Ford, Thomas Glass as Ford, Catherine Martin as Mrs. Quickly, Jasmine Habersham as Nannetta, Jonas Hacker {…}
Minnesota Opera, ADA Artist Management, Austin Opera, Berkshire Opera Festival, Opera Colorado, and San Diego Opera are teaming up to present the world premiere of “The Trial of Susan B. Anthony” on Oct. 26, 2020. The song cycle by Steven Mark Kohn will star mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala in multiple roles accompanied by pianist Myra Juang. “We find ourselves at a {…}
The Berkshire Opera Festival has canceled its summer 2020 production of “Don Giovanni.” The company announced that the decision was a necessary one due to the continued concerns over COVID-19 around the country. “Throughout the past few months, we have worked tirelessly to develop a number of alternative possibilities for safely producing ‘Don Giovanni,’ given that we did not know {…}
In response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Berkshire Opera Festival has announced it is reimagining the original programming for its upcoming 2020 season. In a statement, the festival expressed its desire to create meaningful programming while keeping in accordance with the regulations currently set for by the State of Massachusetts. To this end, the festival has announced the cancellation of {…}
The Berkshire Opera Festival has announced that it will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a special gala scheduled for August 13, 2020 at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, MA. The event will feature music from major operas such as “The Marriage of Figaro, Die Fledermaus, and La Bohème.” Moreover, audiences will get a preview of the company’s {…}
The Berkshire Opera Festival has announced its 2020 season. The festival is set to present a new production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” directed by co-founder Jonathan Loy and conducted by artistic director Brian Garman. The production will include scenic designs by Stephen Dobay, costumes by Charles Caine, and lighting Alex Jainchill. The cast will be headed by André Courville in {…}
(Credit: Claudia d’Alessandro) The Board of Directors of Berkshire Opera Festival has announced the appointment of Abigail Rollins as Executive Director. Rollins will take the helm of the organization on Sept. 3, 2019 after the close of the Berkshire Opera Festival’s fourth season production of “Don Pasquale.” She will replace Interim Executive Director Claudia d’Alessandro, whose term has ended. In the new position Rollins {…}
As the summer winds down, opera companies start to regroup in anticipation of the 2019-20 season. While the Seattle Opera’s first production is well underway, only a few other companies are offering unique experiences for the summer season. Here are our top picks for this weekend. Berkshire Opera Festival – Don Pasquale On Saturday, the Berkshire Opera Festival will showcase {…}
I had never gone to the Berkshire Opera Festival. It had a strong reputation, built over a few seasons. And so, on my first visit to see its “Rigoletto,” I expected to enjoy it. Classics like “Rigoletto” — even when not every element is perfect, still, somehow are able to work. And what happened instead is that I was blown {…}