Weekend Preview (4/7-9) – USA: Anna Netrebko, Lawrence Brownlee & Eric Owens Lead Busy Weekend Which Features Performances in Memphis, Nashville, Tampa & Palm Beach Among Others

It is going to be a busy opera weekend around the US with a plethora of companies, both large and small, giving new productions and old. Opera Memphis will showcase three works throughout the weekend including Peter Hilliard’s “Blue Viola” on Friday and Saturday, Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers” on Saturday,” and John Musto’s “Later the Same Evening” on Saturday. Palm {…}

Feb 18, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Rusalka: Mary Zimmerman, Kristine Opolais & Company Take Us On Dramatically Rich Journey To Find Operatic Identity

We acknowledge that OperaWire is late to the “Rusalka” party, but here is our review for the performance on Feb. 17, 2017, the fifth performance of this run. Antonín Dvorák’s “Rusalka” is the epitome of a metaphorical operatic identity crisis. The opera, which is a grim version of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” follows the story of a water {…}

Feb 14, 2017

5 Exciting Singers You Cannot Miss At The 2017-18 Lyric Opera Of Chicago Season

The Lyric Opera of Chicago announced its 2017-18 Season last week, which included a number of new productions and some of the most exciting singers in the industry. The following is a list of the stars OperaWire suggests audiences should not miss next season. Ben Bernheim Bernheim is easily becoming one of the fastest rising stars in the opera world {…}

Feb 4, 2017

International Opera Awards Nominations 2017: Anna Netrebko, Lawrence Brownlee, Eric Owens and Riccardo Chailly Among Nominees

The International Opera Awards have announced its annual nominees with many of the greatest stars, companies and conductors getting nominated for the prestigious prize. This year Anna Netrebko and Anita Rachvelishvili will compete for the Best Female Singer award with Maria Bengtsson, Stéphanie d’Oustrac, Christiane Karg and Daniela Sindram. Netrebko’s nominations marks her third time she is up for this award. She was previously {…}

Feb 1, 2017

Black History Month 2017: The Black Singers Dominating the Opera World Today

It is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of the black community and how they have affected change around the world in all areas. The opera world is no exception with many great black artists dominating around the globe in the biggest theaters there are. As a month-long celebration, OperaWire will provide weekly features that embrace the {…}

Jan 31, 2017

Metropolitan Opera Preview 2016-17: Kristine Opolais Set to Enrapture Audiences in ‘Rusalka’

Dvorak’s “Rusalka” makes a much-anticipated return to the Metropolitan Opera this Thursday, Feb. 2 in a brand-new production by noted director Mary Zimmerman. The Director Zimmerman made a splash at the Met with her work on three operas from the Bel Canto three – Donizetti, Rossini and Bellini. Her work in “Lucia di Lammermoor” was universally hailed for gothic style. Her {…}

Jan 30, 2017

Artist Of The Week: Eric Owens, the Consummate Artist Ready For A New Production Of Dvorak’s ‘Rusalka’

Over the past few years Eric Owens has garnered praise for his heartbreaking and commanding work on stage. One only has to look at his ground-breaking portrayal of Alberich in Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” at the Metropolitan Opera to see the depth and emotional range he gives to each one of his roles. This week the bass is adding another important {…}

Jan 29, 2017

4 Stars To Watch At the Washington National Opera’s 2017-18 Season

There may only be a total of six operas being shown at the Washington National Opera next season, but there is a wealth of great singers going to the house. Among them are some of the greatest stars as well as some very exciting rising stars. OperaWire takes a look at some of the stars that cannot be missed this {…}

Jan 23, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About the Washington National Opera’s 2017-18 Season

The Washington National Opera has just announced its 2017-18 season. Aida The company will kick off the year with a new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” Directed by Francesca Zambello, the new production will be co-produced with San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, and Minnesota Opera. The opening performance takes place on Sept. 9 and the run lasts until Sept. 23, a {…}

Jan 12, 2017

The 5 Performers You Must See At Houston Grand Opera’s 2017-18 Season

Everyone’s busy and sometimes figuring out what opera you should go see can be quite a challenging decision to make. There is always so much to see in so many places, but unfortunately never enough time. While every opera house undeniably packs their schedule with “Must See” productions, there are some that simply generate more excitement for different reasons. No {…}

Jan 12, 2017

Everything You Need to Know About Houston Grand Opera 2017-18 Season

The Houston Grand Opera announced its 2017-18 season Thursday with opening night featuring Verdi’s “La Traviata.” In sum, there will be seven operas overall between October 20, 2017 and May 11, including one World Premiere. The 2017 Operas “La Traviata” opens the season for seven performances with Albina Shagimuratova. This will be the soprano’s fourth run of the work in {…}