When Dido, the Queen protagonist in Henry Purcell’s baroque opera sings her final aria “When I am laid in Earth,” not only do we hear some of the most beautiful music that was ever composed, Purcell also invites us on a journey of deep introspection, forcing us come to terms with the frailty of human existence. But in recent performances {…}
Once a singer stops performing, he or she may often move into teaching or directing. Some singers add either to their schedules as a contrast to their stage performances, though this often represents a decline in being the star attraction onstage. But Alek Shrader is doing it all at the same time while still very much in his vocal prime. {…}
Being an artist often requires that you make certain sacrifices. Being an opera singer and actor not only asks those same sacrifices, but then some. One of the first things to go is the security of family. With so much travel, singers often find themselves away from their families, making it difficult to balance the two. For some, the idea {…}
The New York Opera Fest 2019 kicked off on Monday, April 29 and for the next several weeks, New Yorkers will get ample opportunity to enjoy opera in a variety of unique ways. As has been OperaWire’s tradition over the years, we have reached out to a number of the companies participating in the festival and have asked them a {…}
Death of Classical and The Green-Wood Historic Fund are set to present a fully-staged production of Henry Purcell’s “Dido & Aeneas” in the Catacombs of the Green-Wood Cemetery launching the second season of “The Angel Share.” The new production will be directed by Alek Shrader, and will incorporate spoken dialogue from Christopher Marlowe’s play “Dido, Queen of Carthage.” The added speeches will re-introduce the characters {…}
The Palm Beach Opera has revealed its 2019-2020 season featuring three mainstage operas and an added production starring the company’s artists in residence. In a press statement, general director Daniel Biaggi said, “We are thrilled to bring ‘Hansel and Gretel’ to Delray Beach’s intimate Crest Theatre, and present our rising artists in residence, who often go on to sing at opera {…}
Unison Media has announced the second season The Angel’s Share with numerous concerts featuring celebrated singers and great artists. Henry Purcell’ “Dido & Aeneas” will be showcased in a production directed by Alek Shrader. The cast features opera stars Daniela Mack as Dido and Christopher Herbert as Aeneas with Randall Scotting as the Sorceress. Other cast members include Marc Molomot as Achates, Brooke Larimer {…}
The Minnesota Opera has announced its 2019-20 season with five main stage productions and a number of rising stars. Here is a look at what audiences can expect. Melody Moore and Alexandra Loutsion headline a production of Strauss’ “Elektra” with Brian Straufenbiel directing. Jill Grove and Mary Stonikas round out the cast with Elias Grady conducting. Performance Dates: Oct. 5-13, {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced its 2019-20 season which will feature its annual festival, two world premieres, two company premieres and a number of concert performances. Here is a look. O19 Festival O19 launches its third annual festival with the world premiere production of “Denis & Katya,” a new chamber opera commissioned and produced by Opera Philadelphia in collaboration with Music {…}
The San Francisco Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring seven new productions and two new revivals. There will also be a notable company premiere with many rising and established stars taking the stage. Main Stage The 2019–20 season opens with Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” in a new production by Jean-Louis Grinda. The opera returns after a 31-year absence with {…}
The Boston Lyric Opera will open its 2018-19 season with a new production of “The Barber of Seville.’ The new production is set to feature rising star Daniela Mack in her company debut and Matthew Worth in the title role. Rosetta Cucchi, who has directed the BLO’s “La Boheme” and “The Marriage of Figaro,” will return to direct the new {…}
