“Così fan tutte” is the third opera in the Mozart-Da Ponte trilogy, following “Le Nozze di Figaro” and “Don Giovanni.” The opera had its premiere on Jan. 26, 1790, at the Burgtheater in Vienna, Austria. The work’s title is often translated into English as “Woman are like that,” undeniably a reference to the opera’s central theme that questions women’s fidelity. {…}
The Canadian Opera Company has announced its 2018-19 season, which will feature six operas. Every opera is undeniably the sum of all its parts, but there is certainly a lot to be said about how one performer can become the big story for his or her upcoming showcase. Here is a look at the six exciting singers to keep an {…}
It’s Halloween! Which means that most people are taking the opportunity to disguise themselves as someone else, live out a temporary existence as a character that they either dreamed of being or enjoy playing. Opera is full of this kind of interplay, with characters disguising themselves or putting on literal costumes to get their way. One thing we often learn {…}
Central City Opera is gearing up to start its 2017 Summer festival, which will begin with a production of Bizet’s iconic “Carmen.” The production kicks off on July 8 and runs for a total of 14 performances, including 10 matinee shows and four evenings. The cast will include Emily Pulley, Adriano Graziani, Angela Mortellaro and Michael Mayes. The production will {…}
The Portland Opera will present Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” in a brand new interpretation by director Roy Rallo. The performance is slated to open on July 14, 2017, with subsequent performances slated for the 16th, 20th, 22nd, 26th, and 29th. “Mozart’s ‘Così fan tutte’ is a deeply insightful look at relationships. His understanding of the human heart, and his ability {…}
Opera Lille has announced its 2017-18 season, which will feature five operas, among a number of other major events. The opera season kicks off on Sept. 30, 2017, with Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” starring Ruzan Mantashyan, Virginie Verrez, Jaël Azzaretti, Anicio Zorzi Giustiniani, Alessio Arduini, and Nicolas Rivenq. The production, which will be directed by Christophe Honoré, will run for {…}
Opera Holland Park has announced its 2018 season. The season will consist of three operatic classics and one new rarity. The season kicks off with Strauss’ “Ariadne Auf Naxos.” The new staging will be a co-production with the Danish National Opera. Performances will be held in Scotland in February and March 2018 before the production moves to OHP in July 2018. {…}
Happy Siblings day for all of you who have the fortune of having loving brothers and sisters. Opera is filled with brother-sister pairings that either work together toward common goals or fight with one another to disastrous effect. Let’s take a look at some of opera’s most famous and unique sibling pairings. The Mozart Sisters Dorabella and Fiordiligi are as {…}
On the surface, Christa Ludwig and Teresa Berganza have nothing in common, aside from the fact that they were born on the same day, March 16, and were two of the greatest mezzo-sopranos in history. But their repertoire was wildly different. Ludwig was best known for her native German repertoire while the Spaniard, Berganza, was famous for her work in {…}
Lorenza da Ponte, born on March 10, 1749, is best known for three collaborations he had with Mozart. Those operas, “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Don Giovanni” and “Così Fan Tutte” stand as some of the greatest in the repertoire, not only because of Mozart’s great music, but also as a result of Da Ponte’s brilliant dramatic skills. But the librettist {…}
One of the most hotly anticipated parts of every Met Opera season has to be the Live in HD Series. Arguably the most successful aspect of Peter Gelb’s tenure with the company, the video recordings of live performances work on so many levels. Not only do they connect with audiences worldwide, but they immortalize performances and interpretations of beloved works {…}