Natalya Romaniw & Wallis Giunta Headline Scottish Opera’s 2019-20 Season

The Scottish Opera has announced its 2019-20 season, featuring five main stage performances and a number of concert opera performances. Sydney Mancasola, Duncan Rock, and Wallis Giunta headline the European premiere of Missy Mazzoli and Roy Vavrek’s “Breaking the Waves.” Stuart Stratford conducts Tom Morris’ new production. Performance Dates: August 21-24, 2019 Natalya Romaniw and Sinéad Campbell-Wallace alternate the title role in Puccini’s “Tosca” with {…}

Nov 30, 2018

Metropolitan Opera 2018-19 Review: La Bohème

Puccini’s “La Bohème” was revived on Thursday, Nov. 29 with a cast of predominantly American stars in Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic production. There isn’t much to remark about the production that hasn’t already said, though it must be noted that the singers, in conjunction with revival stage director J. Knighten Smit did seem to attempt some new staging at different junctures {…}

Jun 18, 2018

Royal Opera House 2017-18 Review – La Bohème: Matthew Polenzani, Maria Agresta & Company Trapped In Camp Direction

The word “Bohemian” – much like the popular terms “retro,” “Goth,” or “vintage” – is yet another label that has offered countless inferences over a plethora of different times. The “Bohème” clique of Puccini, undercut by the whimsy and exuberance of Italian verismo, would contrast with a play rendition of its source, Henri Murger’s “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème.” {…}

Apr 13, 2018

Teatro Real De Madrid 2017-18 – Gloriana: Anna Caterina Antonacci & David McVicar Team Up For Sensational Revival of Neglected Britten Work

Benjamin Britten’s “Gloriana” was supposed to be one of his great triumphs. The composer himself is quoted, prior to its premiere in 1953, that he saw it as his best work to that point (he had already written “Billy Budd” and “Peter Grimes,” mind you). It was composed for the regal occasion of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. It was one {…}

Apr 13, 2018

Top 6 Operas To See This Weekend (4/13-15): Iréne Theorin, Evelyn Herlitzius & Anna Caterina Antonacci Lead Weekend

This week we look at six different operas scattered around Europe that are sure to bring about unique experiences. Götterdämmerung – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria Stephen Gould, Eric Halfvarson, and Iréne Theorin lead the final installment in Wagner’s Tetralogy. The opera, which will also be live streamed, is set to be conducted by Adam Fischer. It will also be the final performance {…}