(Credits: Vincent Pontet/ Opéra National de Paris) When I saw Krzysztof Warlikowski’s new production of my favorite Verdi’s opera “Don Carlos” online two years ago, I was deeply disappointed. Even a “dream cast” couldn’t save it for me. Growing in Russian theatres I believed the famed Chekhov expression that “if there’s a gun on stage, it should eventually shoot.” And {…}
(Credit: Alexey Kostromin) When you think of Verdi mezzo, there are few singers that fit that bill as well as Russian artist Ekaterina Semenchuk. For years now, she has been the go-to mezzo-soprano in Verdi’s major roles, finding major triumphs at such venues as the Opéra National de Paris, the Teatro Real de Madrid, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the {…}
Over the years, Polish soprano Aleksandra Kurzak has been moving into more dramatic and lyrical roles. After starting her career singing coloratura and Bel Canto roles like “Lucia di Lammoor” and the roles of Rossini, the soprano has continued to expand her repertoire, engaging with more Puccini and Verdi operas, among other heavier repertory. After taking on the role of {…}
Giuseppe Verdi is undeniably one of the greatest composers in the history of opera with such works as “La Traviata,” “Aida,” “Rigoletto,” ubiquitous with the artform. Verdi’s genius is often associated with his melodic vibrancy and muscularity, but the greatest strength of his art is his ability to embed his characters with deep humanity, even in the most absurd of {…}
(Credit: Javier del Real) The Teatro Real opened its season on the Sept. 18, 2019 with Verdi’s “Don Carlo,” an opera inspired in the old monarchy of Spain. Present at the big event were the King and Queen of Spain, as well as famous figures from the world of politics and arts. “Don Carlo” is a massive endeavor for any {…}
(Credit: Gerhard Ringhofer) Günther Groissböck has confirmed a new production of Verdi’s “Don Carlo” at the Metropolitan Opera. In a recent interview with Online Merker, the bass confirmed that he will sing the role of King Philip in a new interpretation of the famed Verdi work in 2022. Moreover, he revealed that he will first sing the French version of {…}
Anja Harteros has canceled the final performance of Verdi’s “Don Carlo” at the Wiener Staatsoper on Sept. 12, 2019. The company announced that due to illness Harteros would not be able to perform. As a result, Dinara Alieva will sing the role of Elisabetta. Alieva is a well-known soprano who has performed with the Bolshoi Theatre, Oper Frankfurt, Deutsche Oper {…}
The Vienna State Opera will showcase Verdi’s “Don Carlo” as part of its live streaming service on Sept. 12, 2019. The performance, the second of the current run, will feature Fabio Sartori, René Pape, Anja Harteros, Simon Keenlyside, and Elena Zhidkova. Jonathan Darlington conducts the four-act version of the opera. The stream kicks off at 6:30 p.m. local time. That’s {…}
(Credits: Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn) Verdi’s “Don Carlo” is one of the staples of the repertoire, best-known for its lush ensembles, vocal writing, and impactful drama. It requires six of the greatest voices in the opera world and also requires a conductor who knows how to pace the evening; both are essential to fulfill the work’s masterful potential. On {…}
(Photo: Victor Santiago) Italian Bass-Baritone Alex Esposito has an established and successful career, particularly in roles from Mozart and Rossini operas, although he is certainly not to restricted to this repertoire. He has appeared in many of Europe’s premier theatres, including La Scala, Covent Garden, Berlin’s Staatsoper, Vienna’s Staatsoper and many more, and worked alongside many of the world’s leading {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper revealed its 2019-20 season, which unsurprising features dozens of operas. Almost every single one is impeccably cast, but few standout as the must-see showcases of the season. 7 Deaths of Maria Callas Maria Callas is more than an operatic icon at this point – she’s a legend and this work seems intent on exploring that very nature {…}