“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features Ridley Scott’s “Hannibal.’ {…}
Danielle De Niese is set to make her Teatro alla Scala debut. The soprano was tapped to replace Cecilia Bartoli in the role of Cleopatra in Robert Carsen’s new production of Handel’s “Giulio Cesare.” De Niese will join a cast that includes Philippe Jaroussky, Sara Mingardo, and Bejun Mehta under the baton of Giovanni Antonini. The Australian soprano is currently {…}
(Credit: Richard Hubert Smith) French Composer Jules Massenet premiered his opera “Cendrillon” in 1899 at the Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris. Best known for its radical story-telling of the fairytale Cinderella, this opera is centered around dreams-versus-reality and highlights Massenet’s surrealistic tendencies before the surrealism movement even began. Glyndebourne is a legendary hub that produces “no ordinary opera,” therefore, {…}
The Glyndebourne Festival has announced its 2020 season featuring two company premieres, three new productions, and three revivals. It will also feature international artists and some company favorites. The Glyndebourne festival will open with the first production of Poulenc’s “Dialogues des Carmélites.” The new production will be directed by Barrie Kosky and will be conducted by Music Director Robin Ticciati. Danielle {…}
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 {…}