Lorenzo Viotti, the current chief conductor of the Dutch National Opera and the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, has announced that he will remain in his position until season 2024-25 before stepping away from the company. The conductor said that he plans to pursue a new rhythm that prioritizes his personal life and development. In a statement, Viotti said, “I have decided {…}
The Dutch National Opera is set to present a new production of Dvořák’s “Rusalka.” The production will be directed by Philipp Stölzl, who is having a career in film as well as opera. He will present a new reading of this dark fairy tale about the ill-fated water nymph. His Rusalka will center on a woman who is hoping to make {…}
Photo: Ruth Walz Josephine Baker was born into poverty in the early 1900s in St. Louis, Missouri, at a time when open discrimination against black people was enshrined in the Jim Crow laws. By the age of 12, she had dropped out of school and, within a year, was married. Fast forward to the mid-1920s, and she was the toast {…}
The Dutch National Opera is set to perform “Maria Stuarda,” the second installment of Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy. The company will present a new production by Dutch director Jetske Mijnssen, which is a co-production with Teatro San Carlo (Naples) and Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia (Valencia). Enrique Mazzola, a specialist in the bel canto repertoire, will conduct the Donizetti masterpiece. The {…}
Photo: Ruth Walz Whatever one thinks about the efficacy of the measures introduced to combat the COVID crisis, the political processes by which they were introduced should be a serious cause for concern. Governments throughout the West rushed through measures, often by-passing parliamentary discussion and oversight and ruled by decree. Criticism and dissent were stifled. The media, which should have {…}
The Dutch National Opera has released its lineup for the 2023-24 season. This season features many fan-favorite operas and premieres. Only vocal pieces are listed down below. Kicking things off is Kurt Veill’s “Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny.” Evelyn Herlitzius, Alan Oke, and Thomas Johannes Mayer are among the cast. Markus Stenz conducts with Ivo van Hove directing. Performance {…}
(Photo: Bart Grietens) Amsterdam’s Opera Forward Festival is dedicated to the exploration of new operas and music theatre alongside other experimental experiences, performances and talks centered on a specific theme. In this, the festival’s seventh edition, it considered questions of revolution and freedom and was headlined by three new operas, two of which, “Animal Farm” by Alexander Raskatov and “Perle {…}
The Dutch National Opera has announced the Opera Forward Festival 2023, which will take place between March 3-12, 2023. It all kicks off with the world premiere of Alexander Raskatov’s “Animal Farm,” directed by Damiano Michielietto. Bassem Akiki conducts a cast starring Gennady Bezzubenkov, Misha Kiria, Michael Gniffke, James Kryshak, Germán Olvera, Karl Laquit, Artem Krutko, Helena Rasker, Maya Gour, {…}
The Dutch National Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Maria Stuarda.” The company said that, “Marina Rebeka, who was due to sing the title role in its upcoming production of ‘Maria Stuarda,’ has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons.” As a result, “Kristina Mkhitaryan, who just performed the role of Liù in the company’s ‘Turandot,’ {…}
The Dutch National Opera & Ballet is set to present “Messa da Requiem” starting on February 9, 2023. The showcase, which runs for a total of 12 performances through Feb. 25, presents a reimagined exploration of Verdi’s famed “Requiem” through the eyes of Christian Spuck, who will direct and choreograph the piece. Per an official press release, “drawing on a {…}
Dutch National Opera is set to present the world premiere of “Animal Farm” as part of its Opera Forward Festival 2023. The work, which is based on George Orwell’s iconic book, features a libretto by Ian Burton and music by Alexander Raskatov. It will star Gennady Bezzenbenkov, Misha Kiria, Michael Gniffke, James Kryshak, Germán Olvera, Karl Laquit, Artyom Krutko, Helena {…}