We had the unexpected pleasure of attending the last Cycle of the Keith Warner production of “Der Ring des Nibelungen” at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (September 26 through November 2, 2018). Warner’s production, like most modern productions, had several insightful touches and many silly ones. The performance begins and ends with the Rhine Maidens in a “natural state” {…}
Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” will take over Vienna State Opera’s live stream service this week with two major performances. The cycle begins with “Das Rheingold” on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7 p.m. local time. The performance is slated to run until around 9:30 p.m. That’s around 2 p.m. EDT and 11 a.m. PST for the start time. The cast for {…}
Anytime the Metropolitan Opera puts on a new production of Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” you better believe that it is a major event. The tetralogy will reappear in 2018-19 for the first time since the 2013 season, and as might be expected, there aren’t very many opportunities to check it out. So here is a rundown of the essential {…}
Das Rheingold is the first of Richard Wagner’s famous ‘Ring’ cycle and had its world premiere on Sept. 22, 1869. The libretto for the work was interestingly composed after the other three works in the cycle, though it was the first to be composed and performance of the tetralogy. “Das Rheingold” reveals the origin of the ring forged from the {…}
It’s been a summer of debuts for Russell Thomas and he is about to make yet another one on Thursday, July 27, when he takes on the title role in “La Clemenza di Tito” at the Salzburg Festival. This will be Thomas’ first time singing at the festival in a role that he has previously conquered. The American tenor took {…}
There will be a new Fricka in town when the Boston Symphony Orchestra takes on Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” at Tanglewood. Mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe is stepping in to replace Dame Sarah Connolly for the July 15, 2017, performance which will be conducted by Andris Nelsons. According to reports, Connolly is withdrawing due to illness. The performance is slated to be a major highlight {…}
Alan Gilbert is saying goodbye to the New York Philharmonic as music director. It ends a tenure that brought significant new works and experimented with the standard repertoire alongside one of the finest orchestras in the world. But Gilbert has made sure to make opera a mainstay for the New York Philharmonic so it is no surprise that he ends his {…}
The Arizona Opera has announced its 2017-18 season. The company announced that it will present five operas and will open the season with “Hercules Vs. Vampires.” The opera will star Arizona opera’s 201617 studio artist Katrina Galka, Stephanie Sanchez, and Zachary Owen. The show will combine operatic singing and 1960’s pop culture, synchronizing live music with the 1961 cult classic film. There will {…}
Johannes Martin Kränzle may not have the world-renown name of many major singers, but he certainly has the experience and recordings to illustrate his strength as an artist. The baritone has a varied selection from which listeners can choose from, ranging from high profile video recordings to more intimate listening experiences. Here are some of his vital albums. 1. Alberich {…}
Johannes Martin Kränzle is slowly becoming a recognized artist in the world of opera. After studying violin and composition for years, the baritone turned to opera and has not looked back ever since. Even after a setback from Bone Marrow Disease, Kränzle’s return to the stage has had critics raving. This week, with many artists taking a break, Kränzle will {…}