The Teatro Real de Madrid announced that for the first time in its history, it has contracted an intimacy coordinator for its production of Händel’s “Theodora.” Platea Magazine is reporting that the company contracted Ita O’Brien to coordinate the production’s sex and violent scenes. During the press conference, soprano Julia Bullock who takes on the title role said, “The work {…}
This week audiences will get rereleases of Maria Callas’ legendary performances as well as DVDs of two modern productions. Man Up / Man Down Sono Luminus releases “Man Up / Man Down,” the debut release from Constellation Men’s Ensemble (CME). Featured on the album are two world premiere recordings, both commissioned by the group for their annual new music weekend, {…}
Belgium’s La Monnaie du Mont has announced its 2023-24 season with world premieres, a new Ring Cycle, and many classic works. The season opens with the world premiere of Bernard Foccroulle and Matthew Jocelyn’s “Cassandra.” Kazushi Ono conducts the work with a cast that includes Katarina Bradic Jessica Niles Susan Bickley, Sarah Defrise, Paul Appleby, Joshua Hopkins, and Gidon Saks. {…}
The Opéra de Rouen Haute-Normandie has announced its 2022-23 season featuring a number of productions, concerts and special guests. Here is a look. Opera The season opens with Verdi’s “Rigoletto” starring Sergio Vitale, Rosa Feola, Pene Pati, Agnès Letestu, and Paul Gay. Ben Glassberg conducts the production by Richard Brunel. Performance Dates: Sept. 22-Oct. 2022 “Mon amant de Saint-Jean” will {…}
(Credit: © Camilla Greenwell, ROH 2022) A much-publicized intimacy director; bold text warnings about sexual violence and “terrorist themes.” There was a certain gung-ho mood amongst the audience going into Katie Mitchell’s new production of Handel’s tragic oratorio “Theodora” at the Royal Opera House this week. The first performance of the work in Covent Garden for 272 years, in fact. {…}
London’s Wigmore Hall has announced the first part of its 2021-22 season. Here are the vocal highlights. Elizabeth Llewellyn and Simon Lepper perform an evening of Finzi, Puccini, Verdi, and Walton. Performance Date: Sept. 3, 2021 Ed Lyon and Theatre of the Ayre join forces for Boësset, Cavalli, Dowland, and more. Performance Date: Sept. 5, 2021 Sabine Devieilhe and Alexandre {…}
(Credits: Operabase official website / Jiyang Chen / Simon Pauly / Ray Burmiston / Opus 3 Artists official website) The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg has announced its 2021-22 season. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on the vocal works only. Baritone Matthias Goerne presents works by Richard Wagner alongside conductor Manfred Honeck. Performance date: Aug. 29, 2021 Soprano Diana {…}
(Credits: Dario Acosta / © Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Classical / Angela Gheorghiu official website / Michael Cooper / Kasskara/DG / Chris Singer) The Royal Opera House Covent Garden has announced full details of its exciting 2021-22 season, which will star some of the world’s greatest performers. The Royal Opera House Live Cinema Season and digital program will be announced {…}
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden has announced new plans for its 2021-22 season, the first full season by the company since 2019. There will five world premieres from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. The opera will open with a production of “Rigoletto” directed by Oliver Mears with Antonio Pappano conducting and Carlos Álvarez in the title role. He {…}
(Credits: Opéra National de Paris official website / © Fazil Berisha / Simon Pauly) La Monnaie has announced an updated 2020-21 season that is expected to begin in February. Here is the look. Opera A semi-staged version of Mozart’s Opera “Der Schauspieldirektor” will feature Mieke de Groote, Achille Ridolfi, Dietrich Henschel, Marie-Aurore D’Awans, Nadine Baboy, Hervé Loka Sombo, Lenneke Ruiten, {…}
We are now entering the final weeks of summer, which means that opera companies in Europe will be in full swing while many opera companies in North America will start to test the waters with their brand new digital seasons. Nonetheless, the streaming has continued at a steady clip with another set of unique offerings coming your way this week. {…}