For a big chunk of the world, this weekend is all about the “Avengers: Endgame.” But that doesn’t mean there won’t be time to head over to the opera house. So here’s the five operas we highly recommend for opera lovers still planning on having their weekend dose of their favorite artform. Ariadne Auf Naxos – Teatro alla Scala, Italy {…}
Cheltenham Music Festival has announced its 2019 slate of performances. For the purposes of this article, we will highlight mainly vocal and opera-related performances in the lineup. Cheltenham Music Festival will celebrate its 75th Anniversary this year with an ambitious program featuring 20 world premieres and a community opera, with a focus on women composers and performers. The Festival, under {…}
The LA Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring six new productions, two company premieres, and one world pmiere. Here is a look at what to expect. Main Stage Barrie Kosky directs the first production of Puccini’s “La Bohème” in 25 years. Marina Costa-Jackson makes her LA Opera debut in the title role with Saimir Pirgu as Rodolfo. Erica Petroelli, {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced that Ryan Opera Center soprano Ann Toomey will replace Danielle de Niese in the final three performances of “La Bohème.” The company announced that due to illness, De Niese would not be able to continue the run in the role of Musetta. Additionally, the company said that doctors recommended De Niese needed vocal rest {…}
The New National Theatre, Tokyo has announced its 2019-20 opera season! Ten operas, including four new productions, are included in the lineup. The season will feature classics of the Baroque, Russian, and bel canto repertoire. Dmitry Bertman’s new production of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” will kick off the opera season, and will feature Vasily Ladyuk in the title role alongside Evgenia {…}
While the holiday season might mean a slow-down of productions in some countries, there are still a plethora of opera productions for those so included. This weekend is dedicated to classic pieces in productions or featuring star casts. There is also one rarely performed work, that is intriguing as it is directed by one of the most acclaimed theaters in {…}
As the holiday season approaches, a number of new releases will be available this week. Last week we saw the releases of new albums by Renée Fleming, Joyce DiDonato, and the world premiere recording of Anton Rubenstein’s “Moses” and this week’s offerings include an homage to Dmitri Hvorostovsky, a new release for Jonas Kaufmann, a new collaboration between two major {…}
The word “Bohemian” – much like the popular terms “retro,” “Goth,” or “vintage” – is yet another label that has offered countless inferences over a plethora of different times. The “Bohème” clique of Puccini, undercut by the whimsy and exuberance of Italian verismo, would contrast with a play rendition of its source, Henri Murger’s “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème.” {…}
The Glyndebourne Opera Cup is set to start on Thursday, March 22, 2018. The competition, in its debut year, will be showcased via Sky Arts and will be presented by Chris Addison and Danielle De Niese. Dame Janet Baker will be serving as the competition’s honorary president. Baker will be on the judging panel for the live final and will {…}
La Monnaie has announced its 2018-19 season, featuring nine operatic productions and concert performances, as well as numerous recitals. As always the season will feature some of today’s greatest stars and rising stars. Here is a look at what the season will offer in vocal events. Operas “Die Zauberflöte” opens the season in a new production by director Romeo Castellucci {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced its 2018-19 season with a number of the greatest stars performing in new productions. The season will also include two important recitals from two of the world’s greatest sopranos. Recitals & Concerts Anna Netrebko returns to Chicago for the first time since 2013 when she performed “La Bohème.” This time she performs some {…}