As Renée Fleming, “America’s Diva,” introduced the third to last piece in a program that ranged from Handel to Cantaloube to Harold Arlen, the beloved singer sighed deeply. It was a testament to the magic and beauty she had spun singing one of the standout numbers of her concert, “O mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s “Gianni Schicchi.” She sang the {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard/Metropolitan Opera) For this week’s edition of the word search will focus on the interpreters of Richard Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier,” specifically those who have performed the role of Octavian to great renown. Your goal is to find the first name of each of these mezzo-sopranos. Instructions: You are free to solve the word search directly on your mobile {…}
Austrian contralto Hertha Töpper passed away on March 28, 2020. Born on April 19, 1924, Töpper studied at Graz Conservatory before becoming a member of the Graz Opera in 1945 where she made her debut in Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.” After World War II, she debuted at the Bayreuth Festival before heading to the Bayerische Staatsoper where she would {…}
(Credit: Marty Sohl/Karen Almond-Metropolitan Opera/Ken Howard-Santa Fe Opera/ Gianfranco Rota-Donizetti Opera) We hope that the end of your 2019 is a prosperous one and that the start of 2020 is even better. As we look forward to the next calendar year, we are taking some time to reflect on the opera performances that defined 2019 for many of us. As {…}
(Credit: Karen Almond / Metropolitan Opera) A debutante. The return of a singer for the first time in eight years. A rising star finally getting a true standout role. A bass-baritone reprising his star-making turn. And one of the great living conductors also making a vital return. These were the main pieces that came together, among others, for what has {…}
As we move closer and closer toward the end of 2019, the amount of operas on offer also diminish. Of course, there is one opera that makes it on this list every weekend from here on out. You know the drill. Enjoy! Der Rosenkavalier – Metropolitan Opera Camila Nylund, Magdalena Kožená, and Golda Schultz will star in the Robert Carsen {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Met OPera) On Friday, Dec. 13, the Metropolitan Opera will revive its Robert Carsen production of “Der Rosenkavalier” with a fantastic cast of singers. As the Marschallin, Camilla Nylund will make her hotly anticipated Met Opera debut. Katie Van Kooten will sing a single performance on Dec. 28; this is her third opera at the Met, {…}
(Credit: Oleg Rostovstev) Singing a recital in New York City is a rare occasion for an artist of any caliber. So, it is understandable that when a major opera star gets a chance to perform in one of the city’s hallowed halls, their choice of repertory would truly highlight their vocal and interpretative prowess. The idea of programming a recital {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change in “Der Rosenkavalier” on Dec. 28, 2019 with conductor Gareth Morrell replacing Sir. Simon Rattle in the performance. Morrell made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1999 in Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and has conducted 21 performances since his debut. He has also led musical performances of “Fidelio,” “Don Giovanni,” “Aida,” “La Bohème,” {…}
(Credit: Catherine Ashmore / Royal Opera House) The Semperoper Dresden has announced a cast change for its production of “Der Rosenkavalier.” The company announced that Sophie Koch will sing Octavian in performances on Oct. 17, 26, and 31, replacing Christina Bock. Koch will reprise the role of Octavian which she sang in Dresden last season. She has also performed the role {…}
Next to Verdi, Wagner, Mozart, and Puccini, Richard Strauss is one of the most important composers in the history of opera. Born on June 11, 1864, he was a prominent figure during the early part of the 20th century. Many of his most famed operas are major staples of the repertory and even his lesser-known works are held in high {…}
