Bass-Baritone James Morris is one of the great American singers of the late 20th century. Born on Jan. 10, 1947, Morris studied with Rosa Ponselle at the Peabody Conservatory and then attended the Academy of Vocal Arts and University of Maryland. He made his debut with the Baltimore Opera in 1967 and then appeared with the Metropolitan Opera for the {…}
Happy New Year! This is a time of excitement, introspection, and probably a dose of anxiety as we all figure out how we might want to live this next chapter in our lives. There are so many directions our lives can take at a given moment with our priorities constantly shifting. So here’s an opera quiz where you can see {…}
“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 “Captain America: The {…}
Wolfgang Windgassen, born on June 26, 1914, is one of the greatest heldentenors of all time. He was actually born in France to two singers. His father Fritz Windgassen was a well-known heldentenor and his mother, Vali von der Osten, was a coloratura soprano. His aunt, Eva von der Osten, was the singer who created the role of Octavian in {…}
The Musicians of the San Francisco Opera orchestra are set to present jazz composer Valerie Capers in an evening of jazz works based on Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” The event, entitled “Wagner Takes the ‘A’ Train,” will take place on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. Per a press {…}
It’s the summer, which means that a ton of people are going to be spending quality time at the movies. And Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen” is about to open at the San Francisco Opera, among other places, as well. And then there is the whole business about Wagner being the greatest influence on musical composition in movies. So we {…}
This interview was conducted in collaboration with Francisco Salazar. Everyone knows what Jamie Barton can do. And if you don’t… The mezzo-soprano has firmly established herself over the past few years as one of the finest singing actresses on the planet, stealing scenes and garnering show-stopping applause with her incredible instrument and dramatic interpretation. She’s pulled off some historic feats {…}
“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 will take a look {…}
German soprano Evelyn Herlitzius, scheduled to make her San Francisco Opera debut as Brünnhilde in Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” has withdrawn from the upcoming engagement due to health reasons. In a personal statement from her home in Dresden, Evelyn Herlitzius wrote, “I regret very much that due to unforeseen health reasons, I am forced to withdraw from my Ring {…}
Siegfried Jerusalem could not have been better named. The Oberhausen native, born on April 17, 1940, would grow up to be one of the great 20th century interpreters of his namesake in Wagner’s famed “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” The tenor actually studied piano, violin, and bassoon in his formative years and started his career as a bassoon player. Eventually, at {…}
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 {…}