Asmik Grigorian, Anna Netrebko, Brian Jagde, Saioa Hernández, Ermonela Jaho, Lisette Oropesa, Jakub Józef Orliński & Nadine Sierra Lead Teatro Real de Madrid’s 2025-26 Season

The Teatro Real de Madrid has announced its 2025-26 season. Opera The season opens with Verdi’s “Otello,” starring Brian Jadge, Jorge de León, and Angelo Villari in the title role. The cast includes Igor Golovatenko, Artur Ruciński, Gabriele Viviani, Airam Hernández, Asmik Grigorian, and Maria Agresta. Nicola Luisotti and Giuseppe Mentuccia conduct the production by David Alden. Performance Dates: Sept. {…}

Mar 22, 2025

Cast Change Incoming for Metropolitan Opera’s ‘Aida’

Brian Jagde has canceled his March 22 performance of Verdi’s “Aida.” The tenor said, “I’m sad to share that I have to cancel my performance in Aida today Met Opera. I’m unfortunately unwell and need time to recover. Thank you to the Met staff for their support and IBAL to the whole Aida team for a great third show, wish {…}

Feb 21, 2025

Staatsoper Unter den Linden 2024-25 Review: Rusalka

(Photo Credit: Gianmarco Bresadola) “Regietheater” remains a hot topic in the opera world. The main reason for the controversy is because a lot of those new approaches generally need to contort the original material into something completely new to find purpose. Interpretation gives way to transformation, rewriting, and often, reinvention. I stand a bit in the middle on this. On {…}

Jan 13, 2025

Metropolitan Opera 2024-25 Review: Tosca (Cast C)

(Credit: Evan Zimmerman / Met Opera) For the third time this season, the Metropolitan Opera is reviving Sir. David McVicar’s “Tosca” production. The production has become one of the most successful for Peter Gelb’s tenure and one that has seen some of the greatest divas on stage. At the beginning of the season, the Met showcased a beguiling Aleksandra Kurzak {…}

Dec 23, 2024

Best of 2024: OperaWire’s Top 11 Singers of the Year

It is time to wrap up the year and look back at our favorite moments and performers. After releasing our favorite performances of 2024 and showcasing our rising stars of the year, it’s time for OperaWire’s annual tradition of naming our top 11 singers of the year, performers that we thought stood out. Performers who had major breaks, headlined major productions or simply had {…}

Dec 23, 2024

War of Words Between Producers & David Livermore over ‘Again 2024 Turandot’

Director Davide Livermore withdrew from the production of “Again 2024 Turandot” 24 hours before it opened in Seoul. Per The Korea Herald, his reasons for pulling out included creative and contractual disputes with the creative team. Per the report, Livermore did not recognize the direction of the production as his own. He cited that the team continually made changes to {…}

Dec 21, 2024

Teatro alla Scala 2024-2025 Review: La Forza del Destino

(Credit: Brescia – Amisano © Teatro alla Scala) Legend has it that “La forza del destino” is a cursed opera, associated with tragedies that seem to haunt every new production. From companies falling into bankruptcy after staging it, to severe technical and production errors arising after the famous overture, and even the deaths of artists linked to the work—this reputation {…}

Dec 16, 2024

Brian Jagde to Return to Teatro Alla Scala’s ‘La Forza Del Destino’ on Dec. 19

Brian Jagde is set to return to “La Forza del Destino” at the Teatro alla Scala on Dec. 19. After missing performances on Dec. 13 and 16 due to the birth of his first son, the tenor said, “Unfortunately I will not be back in Milano yet for tonight’s performance of ‘Forza’ at the Teatro alla Scala, but I will {…}

Dec 13, 2024

Teatro Alla Scala Announces Cast Change for ‘La Forza del Destino’ Performance

The Teatro Alla Scala has announced a cast change for its production of “La Forza del Destino” for the Dec. 13 performance. Brian Jagde will not perform the role of Don Alvaro due to the birth of his first child. Teatro alla Scala, though saddened by his absence, extends its warmest wishes for happiness to him and his family and as {…}

Dec 4, 2024

5 Key Points to Enjoy the “Prima della Scala”

(Credit: Brescia – Amisano © Teatro alla Scala) The “Prima della Scala” is more than just an opera performance; it’s a quintessential Italian event that intertwines art, history, and tradition, captivating global audiences every December 7th. This year, Teatro alla Scala inaugurates its 2024/2025 season with Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” Here are five essential insights to help you fully {…}

Dec 2, 2024

Anna Netrebko, Anna Pirozzi, Brian Jagde, & Jessica Pratt Lead Chorégies D’Orange’s 2025 Season

France’s Chorégies d’Orange has announced its 2025 Season. Here is a look at the operatic performances. The festival is set to present Pop The Opera.” Performance Date: June 13, 2025 Jessica Pratt, Aya Wakizono, Dmitry Korchak, and Inho Jeong lead Mozart’s Requiem with Diego Ceretta conducting the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo. Performance Date: June 28, 2025 Jader Bignamini conducts Verdi’s “Il {…}

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