Weekend Preview – International (4/21- 23): Gregory Kunde And Maria Jose Siri Headline New ‘Andrea Chenier’

Another weekend, more opera performances around the world. Here are the big highlights. Austria The weekend kicks off at the Vienna state Opera with Janacek’s “Katya Kabanova” starring Dan Paul Dumitrescu, Misha Didyk, Jane Henschel, Leonardo Navarro and Angela Denoke. It will be followed by Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsenk” with Wolfgang Bankl, Eva-Maria Westbroek and Brandon Jovanovich. The weekend concludes {…}

Apr 14, 2017

Weekend Preview – International (4/14-16): Edita Gruberova And Eleonora Buratto Lead Easter Weekend

Easter Weekend is upon us and the opera companies around the world are doing their utmost to bring people to the theater. Here is a look at the things going around in the international opera scene. Austria Reiman’s “Medea” opens the weekend on Saturday at the Vienna State Opera with Claudia Barainsky, Stephanie Houtzeel, Monika Bohinec, Norbert Ernst, Adrian Eröd and {…}

Mar 24, 2017

Weekend Preview – International (3/24-26): Jonas Kaufmann, Edita Gruberova and Olga Peretyatko Performing This Weekend

It’s the weekend and every major house is in full swing. The biggest stars like Jonas Kaufmann, Anja Harteros, Edita Gruberova and Maria Guleghina are all performing this weekend. Here’s a rundown of what you have a chance to see. Argentina The Teatro Colón continues its acclaimed run of Cilea’s “Adriana Lecouvreur” with Virginia Tola and Sabrina Cirera sharing the title role. {…}

Mar 23, 2017

6 Stars You Can Not Miss At The Deutsche Oper Berlin

The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced its 2017-18 season and with it, there are numerous exciting stars that will be performing in varying repertoire. This season, which includes 35 operas, will definitely present some gems that should be highlighted. The following are six artists that should not be missed when they perform. Joseph Calleja – L’Arlesiana Calleja began his career {…}

Jan 24, 2017

On This Day: A Look At The Metropolitan Opera’s 8 Elviras in ‘I Puritani’

On Jan. 24, 1835 Bellini premiered his final opera, “Puitani.” Despite being beloved for its beautiful melodies and incredible coloratura challenges, the opera is also known for its ludicrous story line. This season the Metropolitan Opera is presenting the work with an all star cast and a new diva. The Met has always used the opera as a showcase for {…}

Dec 28, 2016

On This Day: 50 Facts About Piotr Beczala As He Turns 50

Polish tenor Piotr Beczala was born on this day, December 28, exactly 50 years ago. In celebration of the tenor’s big day, Operawire shares 50 facts about the operatic superstar. Piotr Beczala was born on Dec. 28, 1966. He is from Czechowice-Dziedzice in southern Poland. He studied under Sena Jurinac in Switzerland. He is married to Katarzyna Beczała. Beczala is known for choosing his roles wisely {…}

Dec 26, 2016

6 Iconic Singers Who Championed Donizetti’s ‘Anna Bolena,”Lucrezia Borgia’ & ‘Norma’

December 26 marks the premiere of three major operas of the Bel canto repertoire. Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena” premiered the day after Christmas in 1830 while his “Lucrezia Borgia” premiered in 1833 of that same date. Meanwhile, Bellini’s “Norma” premiered on the 26th of December in 1831. All three works share similarities in that they are some of the most difficult works {…}

Dec 23, 2016

5 Iconic Roles by Edita Gruberova as She Celebrates her 70th Birthday

Today Edita Gruberova is celebrating her 70th birthday and 50 years on stage. Considered one of the greatest sopranos in the history of opera, the legendary singer continues a hectic schedule singing across Europe. As we celebrate the icon’s amazing work, Operawire takes a look back at five roles that Gruberova has made her own. Queen of the Night in {…}

Dec 6, 2016

Mozart 225: The Complete Edition Tops 1.25 Million in Sales Worldwide

Mozart was a huge hit throughout his short career and his great success has continued in 2016 in the form of 1.25 million international CD sales of Deutsche Grammophon’s “Mozart 225: The Complete Edition” in a whopping five weeks since its release. The boxset, made up of 200-CD’s and encompassing every single work ever created by the composer, was released {…}