Teatro Comunale di Bologna 2017-18 Review – Don Carlo: Maria José Siri & Luca Salsi Dominate Verdi’s Masterpiece

Verdi made two distinct versions of “Don Carlos” plus a number of smaller-scale revisions. The original 1866 version written in French, was altered before its premiere, mainly for logistical reasons, as it was considered to be too long. The Italian version, written in 1884, with its Italian title “Don Carlo” contained extensive changes, most notably its reduction from five to {…}

Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Live Stream: Marina Rebeka & Thomas Hampson Star in ‘Simon Boccanegra’

The Vienna State Opera’s live stream series resumes this Sunday, May 13, 2018, when the company showcases Verdi’s middle period masterwork “Simon Boccanegra.” Per the official website, the Peter Stein production will be conducted by Evelino Pidò and stars Thomas Hampson in his iconic signature interpretation of the conflicted Doge. Dmitry Belosselskiy, coming off a successful run of “Luisa Miller” {…}

Metropolitan Opera Review 2016-17 – Nabucco: Placido Domingo, 75, Is Still a Rockstar & So Is the Rest of the Cast

This review is for the performance on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016. Verdi’s famed overture for his first masterwork “Nabucco” starts off with a few brass calls followed by a massive explosion of sound a few bars later. From there Verdi’s music traverses the contrast between a glorious melody clamoring for peace and one of military drive. It is this contrast between {…}

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Preview: Placido Domingo Makes Met Role Debut as ‘Nabucco’

The Metropolitan Opera will premiere Verdi’s early masterpiece “Nabucco” on Monday December 12 in a performance featuring legendary tenor-turned-baritone Placido Domingo. The Performers This series of six performances will be Domingo in the title role at the Met after he successfully performed it at the Royal Opera House. The performance was released on DVD. Domingo has showcased a number of {…}