Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review – Tristan und Isolde: Jonas Kaufmann Reminds Us of His Colorful & Nuanced Wagner Singing In Triumphant Debut

Anticipation. Expectancy. The pulse of Act two of “Tristan und Isolde” in concert performance at Carnegie Hall. Under the baton of Andris Nelsons, Ray and Maria Stata Music Director of the Boston Symphony, everything was set in motion – the lover galloping to his beloved, heralded by the offstage brass . The woman waiting with rapid heart-beat for his arrival. The {…}

Apr 3, 2018

Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review – Der Rosenkavalier: Kirill Petrenko Leads Bayerisches Staatsorchester in History-Making Performance

Excitement filled the air as the members of the Bayerisches Staatsorchester arrived on stage and Maestro Kirill Petrenko took to the stand. We were all still floating high after their outstanding debut performance the night before at New York City’s coveted Carnegie Hall, audience members began clapping even before they played the first note of Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier.” Their delicate {…}

Mar 26, 2018

Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review – Rinaldo: The English Concert Conquers In Hearts & Imagination in Handel Masterpiece

Concert performances of operas can be a rather mixed bag. The works themselves were concocted with the vision of being complete art forms and taking them out of this context can be difficult. Many operas can get away with it simply by the symphonic qualities of the music (see Wagner or Strauss). But this can take an even more complex {…}

Jan 12, 2018

Carnegie Hall Announces Star-Studded ‘Candide’

Carnegie Hall has announced a performance of Bernstein’s “Candide” for one night only on April 18, 2018. In celebration of Bernstein’s centennial, Carnegie Hall has lined up an all-star cast that will include Paul Appleby in the title role, Erin Morley as Cunegonde, Patricia Racette as the Old Lady, William Burden as Governor, and Lithgow as Voltaire/Dr. Pangloss. Remaining cast members {…}

Dec 13, 2017

Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review: Maria Guleghina Delivers Sonorous Love-letter to New York City

Marking the 30th anniversary of her international debut, soprano Maria Guleghina took to Carnegie Hall to perform some of her favorite arias from past operas and concerts. Accompanied by the stalwart Craig Rutenberg, what followed was an outpouring of passion for the city where she had some of her greatest roles and where she has not performed in since 2015. {…}

Oct 28, 2017

Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review: Renee Fleming Builds To Pleasing Finish At Carnegie Hall Recital

One of the world’s most loved sopranos took to Carnegie Hall again in a program equal in traditional and contemporary repertoire on Oct. 23, alongside pianist Inon Barnatan. Warming up, in a dress resembling tarnished, silver, chainmail by Vivienne Westwood, the first selections featured seven lieder by Brahms. It was not Fleming’s best moment as vocally it was unsteady and {…}

Oct 25, 2017

Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review: Contrasts Delight The Mind And Heart With Antonio Pappano & Barbara Hannigan

On Saturday, Oct. 21, Sir Antonio Pappano, soprano Barbara Hannigan, and the Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (Rome) presented an impressive program with two pieces from opposite ends of the musical spectrum. The world-class orchestra, combined with Pappano’s infectious energy, brought the hall to life. It has become common practice among orchestras to mix up the evening by programming {…}

Oct 1, 2017

Carnegie Hall 2017-18 Review: José Carreras Retires with Gusto

A farewell is never easy. If you’re José Carreras, though, you can take to the stage at the end of your star-studded 40-year career and say goodbye with such ease and vitality as you did at the very, humble beginning. Making one last lap around the globe, the 70-year-old leukemia survivor handcrafted a selection of pleasingly romantic Spanish and Italian {…}

Jun 13, 2017

All Walks of Life – How Frederica Von Stade, Jake Heggie & Harolyn Blackwell United Forces With Dallas Street Choir & Credo Choir At Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall. One of the great artistic temples in the world. A place so rich in musical history and tradition that only the greatest artists get a chance to showcase their talents on that stage. “Carnegie is one of the halls I love performing in,” soprano Harolyn Blackwell told OperaWire. “It is just standing on that stage and you think {…}

May 23, 2017

Mahler To Dominate Metropolitan Opera Orchestra’s Carnegie Hall Concerts

The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra launches its Carnegie Hall series on May 31, 2017 and will showcase three diverse programs showcasing some of Mahler’s greatest vocal writing. The series kicks off on May 31 with Susan Graham and Matthew Polenzani in selections from “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” and Symphony No. 1. Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the program. On June 3, Salonen conducts mezzo-soprano Karen {…}

Apr 28, 2017

Weekend Preview – USA (4/28-30): Opera Season In Full Swing Across North America With Joyce DiDonato, Sondra Radvonovsky & Adrianne Pieczonka Headline Major Shows

Opera season is in full swing in the United States and Canada with a ton of offerings across the continent. Here is a look at the big highlights. East Coast The Metropolitan Opera will showcase “Der Rosenkavalier” on Friday before giving “Der Fliegende Holländer” Saturday afternoon and “Don Giovanni” on Saturday evening. OperaWire will attend the Friday performance with a {…}