(Image Source – Lyric Opera of Chicago) The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that it will cancel its production for Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” The tetralogy was set to run in three distinct cycles between April 13 through May 3. The first set of performances was set for April 13-18; the second was set for April 20-25; and {…}
(Credit: Dario Acosta) The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced major cast changes for its upcoming Ring Cycle with two bass-baritones replacing Eric Owens in the role of Wotan. Owens has withdrawn to receive treatment for ongoing health issues. In his stead, audiences will hear baritone Brian Mulligan in “Das Rheingold.” Mulligan was previously scheduled to appear as Donner, a {…}
The Dutch National Opera has announced its 2020-21 season featuring new productions and a number of world premieres. Boito’s “Mefistofele” opens the season with a new production by Tatjana Gürbaca. Marco Armiliato conducts the production with Christian Van Horn in the title role, Charles Castronovo, Olga Busuioc, and Guanqun Yu. Performance Dates: Sept. 5-24, 2020 Paula Murrihy, Sandrine Piau, Tuomas {…}
(Credit: Washington National Opera) The Washington National Opera has announced its 2020–2021 season offering up some ambitious repertoire. The season with WNO’s new production of Beethoven’s “Fidelio.” Robert Spano makes his WNO debut conducting a cast that includes Elza van den Heever, Brandon Jovanovich, Brian Mulligan, Ryan Speedo Green, Joshua Blue, and Eric Owens. Performance Dates: Oct. 24–Nov. 9, 202o {…}
In line with its commitment to promote the sidelined repertoire of the 19th century, Opera Rara has released the world premiere recording of “Le Willis,” the one-act opera that Puccini submitted to the Concorso Sonzogno and later turned into the revised version of “Le Villi.” Not only does it testify to the musical panorama of the pre-Verismo decades, it also {…}
Brian Mulligan has pulled out of Houston Grand Opera’s opening night production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The company announced that due to illness the baritone would not be able to perform the upcoming new production. As a result, Michael Mayes and Scott Hendricks will replace the baritone. Mayes will perform the production on opening night Oct. 18 through Oct. 26 and {…}
This week, three rarities will be released on DVD and CD. One is a world premiere recording while the other two come from successful productions in 2018-19. Here is a look! The Bassarids Sean Panikkar stars in Henze’s opera that premiered last year at the Salzburg Festival. Arthaus Musik releases the new DVD, also starring Russell Braun, Nikolai Schukoff, and {…}
(Credit: Teatro Regio di Parma/ SF/Monika Riitshaus/Rossini Opera Festival) This weekend new productions open, a major festival kicks off and a rising star makes a major debut at a historical arena. Here is what we recommend for the weekend. Œdipe – Salzburg Festival, Austria Christopher Maltman sings the title role of Enescu’s rarely performed work. The star baritone is joined {…}
Opera Vlaanderen has announced its 2019-20 season featuring a diverse array of repertoire from repertory staples to world premieres. For this article, we have only included the opera performances. The season opens with a five-act French version of Verdi’s “Don Carlos” with Alejo Perez conducting. Leonardo Capalbo makes his company and role debut of this version, playing the title role alongside Mary {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2019-20 season which includes seven operas, including five new productions, one world premiere, and one company premiere. The season kicks off with Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in a new production by Tomer Zvulun. The famed Italian work will feature Brian Mulligan in the title role and Mané Galoyan and Arturo Chacón-Cruz as Gilda and the {…}
The Salzburg Festival has announced it 2019 season with five new productions, two revivals, and two concert operas. Here is a look at what audiences can expect this season. Productions The 2019 Salzburg Festival opens with Mozart’s “Idomeneo.” Teodor Currentzis and Peter Sellars team up again after “La Clemenza di Tito” with a cast that includes Russell Thomas (Idomeneo), Paula Murrihy {…}