The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for its production of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.” The company said that Sandra Laagus will sing the role of Giuletta. In a statement the soprano took to social media and said, “My heart is so full as I share I’ll be singing the role of Giulietta in Lydia Steier’s iconic production of Les {…}
(Credit: Matthias Baus) My first glimpse of Anna Netrebko was in a performance of Donizetti. She was beautiful, bright, and dynamic — singing while darting around the stage and even somersaulting onto a couch. Here was an opera singer who, in one moment, ended the notion that operatic divas are just singing pieces of furniture. At the Staatsoper Unter den {…}
Elīna Garanča has canceled her last performances of “Parsifal” at the Staatsoper Berlin. The mezzo-soprano took to social media and said, “Dear friends and followers, it is with great regret that I have had to withdraw from ‘Parsifal’ in Berlin due to an ongoing health issue, which is now culminated. I am deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this {…}
(Credit: Dario Acosta) The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for its performances of April 12 and 15 in Wagner’s “Parsifal.” The company said, “Elīna Garanča has had to cancel the first two performances of Wagner’s ‘Parsifal’ on 12 and 15 April due to illness – we wish her a speedy recovery and hope that she will sing the {…}
(Credit: Gerard Collet) The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a conductor change for its production of “Elektra.” The company said that Alexander Soddy will conduct performances on Jan. 26 and 29, 2025 replacing Simone Young, who was originally set to conduct the entire run. She continues scheduled for the last three performances on Feb. 7, 10, and 14, 2025. Soddy has {…}
The Berlin State Opera has announced a conductor change for its Nov. 25 & 26 performances. The company said, “Unfortunately, Daniel Barenboim had to cancel conducting the Abonnementkonzert tonight at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden and tomorrow night at the Philharmonie Berlin for health reasons. As General Music Director, he played a key role in shaping the Staatskapelle for more {…}
(Credit: Ludwig Olah/Semperoper Dresden) This week the Berlin State Opera is set to open its production of Strauss’ epic opera “Die Frau Ohne Schatten.” The work is rarely performed because of the immense cast and orchestra it requires so it is always a special work to hear it when it is presented. With this revival, the Berlin State Opera has {…}
(Credit: Facebook/Elsa Dreisig-Paris Opera) The Berlin State Opera has announced a cast change for its production of Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette.” The company said that Elsa Dresig and Maria Kokareva will take over the role of Juliette replacing Aida Garifullina, who was originally announced. Driesig will sing the role on Nov. 10, 20, 21, and 24 while Kokareva will sing the {…}
The Berlin State Opera has announced that Irina Lungu will replace Valentina Nafornita in “La Bohème.” The news comes after Nafornita withdrew from performances following the birth of her child. Lungu will join a cast that includes Freddie De Tommaso as Rodolfo, George Petean as Marcello, Victoria Randem as Musetta, Gyula Orendt as Schaunard, and Grigory Shkarupa as Colline. The {…}
The Berlin State Opera has announced cast changes for its production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company said that for performances on Oct. 19, 22, 25, and 29, 2023, Clémentine Margaine and Ketevan Kemoklidze will take over the role of Amneris, replacing Ekaterina Semenchuk. Margaine will perform on Oct. 19 and 29 while Kemoklidze will perform on Oct. 22 and 25. {…}
(Credit: Marty Sohl / Metropolitan Opera) Ahead of the Berlin State Opera’s opening of “Macbeth,” which has generated controversy due to the return of Anna Netrebko, Intendant Matthias Schultz is reiterating his support for the Russian-Austrian soprano. In a recent interview with F.A.Z., Schultz said, “You really have to be careful not to use artists as scapegoats because you can’t {…}
