Richard Strauss’ “Elektra” returned to the Metropolitan Opera on Thursday, March 1, 2018, in a hotly anticipated revival of Patrice Chéreau’s production. Last time out, the production was a smash hit, its stripped-down sets allowing for the audience to focus on the violent drama put before us. It continues to work in that vein, though its overall stillness might not {…}
After showcasing a wide range of repertoire that will be showcased this fall in the United States, it’s time to look at the European theaters. With hundreds of houses around the world opening at the same time, it was challenging to put together this list. But after looking through several theaters, OperaWire has curated the must-see operas for this fall {…}
You can tell who the real Handel lovers are by those who remain for the entirety of a three hour and 40-minute performance. However, at Santa Fe Opera’s production of “Alcina” on August 2, the house remained mostly full all the way to the curtain call. When it comes to Baroque performed in the 21st century, it helps to rely on {…}
Elza van den Heever will not perform the final “Norma” at the Dallas Opera. In her stead soprano Aviva Fortunata will take on the lead role for the performance on Sunday, May 7, 2017. Fortunata performed the role of the priestess this past fall at the Canadian Opera Company. The Calgary native was a finalist in the 2016 Operalia Competition {…}
For 50 years, the Metropolitan Opera has made its home in Lincoln Center, creating numerous cathartic and revelatory memories for both audiences and artists alike. In speaking with some of the world’s greatest artists that have performed at the Met, OperaWire has been granted the opportunity to hear some unique, enriching and entertaining stories and experiences that have taken place {…}
The Frankfurt Opera has announced its new season with a line-up of new productions and a number of stars. New Productions The first new production of the year, Verdi’s “Il Trovatore,” opens on Sept. 10. Elza Van Den Heever and Leah Crocetto lead an all-star cast that also includes Piero Pretti and Alfred Kim in the lead role. David Bösch directs the new production {…}
A lot of opera stars have dogs. From Franco Zeffirelli to Ailyn Pérez to Elza Von den Heever, the canine is a great companion for the opera star as they travel around the world. Here is a look at some of the most famous dogs in the history of opera, both past, and present as we celebrate National Puppy day. {…}
This review is for the premiere on opening night of the run, March 6, 2017. Mozart’s “Idomeneo” has accrued quite the history at the Met since its premiere in 1982. It has been sung by major singers that include the likes of Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Ileana Cortrubas, Hildegard Behrens, Frederica Von Stade and Carol Vaness among many others. Safe {…}
“I have always felt like the odd one out. The way I put my voice together. No one knows what to do with me. In terms of my height, I was a six-foot girl since I was 10-years-old. I have always been the outsider.” This was Elza Van Den Heever’s response to my question regarding how she relates to the {…}
This Monday, March 6, Mozart’s “Idomeneo” returns to the Metropolitan Opera for a run featuring some of the world’s greatest singers. “Idomeneo” is one of the rare Mozart operas that only gets a look every once in a while. It was the composer’s 13th work for the operatic stage and came right before the ever popular “Abduction from the Seraglio.” {…}