The Donizettian musicologist and researcher Luca Zoppelli notes that we are unusually well-informed about the genesis of Don Pasquale, thanks to Giovanni Ruffini. Ruffini, a young Italian writer and political refugee in Paris, met Gaetano Donizetti and began collaborating with him. Initially, Ruffini translated to the Italian Dom Sébastien before writing the libretto for “Don Pasquale,” which he signed with {…}
(Photo: Camilla Greenwell/Royal Opera House) Trailing draggily behind Puccini’s rue and jubilance, this season’s Royal Opera House revival of the tearful “La bohème” appears afraid of the work’s earnestness. Decked out in semi-mockeries of 1830s Paris, Richard Jones’ 2017 production favors episodes of bawdiness at the expense of the Bohemian; endangering its players’ vocal liberties. Perhaps as the result of {…}
(Photo: Amati Bacciardi) “Elisabetta, Regina d’Inghilterra,” premiering in 1815, was Rossini’s first of eight operas for Naples’ Teatro di San Carlo. Having already established himself in Venice and Milan, he was set on conquering the Neapolitan public. This was no easy task, given the opposition he faced from the local cognoscenti. Such was his determination, however, he gave considerable attention {…}
The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden has announced new conductors for its upcoming production of Puccini’s “La Bohème.” Evelino Pidò, who was originally scheduled to conduct the performances, was forced to withdraw due to ongoing quarantine regulations and he is unable to fulfill commitments in both Madrid and London. In his stead, the company will count on the services of {…}
(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced multiple cast changes for its incoming performances. Evelino Pidò will take over the musical direction of Donizetti’s “La Fille du régiment” on Sep. 30, 2020, replacing Giacomo Sagripanti. Pidò will lead the cast that includes Jane Archibald in the role of Marie, Javier Camarena as Tonio, Carlos Álvarez in the role of {…}
(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced that conductor Evelino Pidò will take over the musical direction of Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment” on Sept. 26, 2020. Pidò will lead the cast that includes Jane Archibald in the role of Marie, Javier Camarena as Tonio, Carlos Álvarez in the role of Sulpice, Maria Happel as Duchesse de Crakentorp, Donna {…}
(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced two cast changes for the upcoming performances of Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’amore” and “La fille du régiment.” Per an official statement on the company’s website, Swedish soprano Johanna Wallroth will take over the role of Giannetta in the presentations of “L’Elisir d’amore” on Sept. 17 & 21, 2020. Per the same statement, conductor {…}
The Vienna State Opera’s live stream series resumes this Sunday, May 13, 2018, when the company showcases Verdi’s middle period masterwork “Simon Boccanegra.” Per the official website, the Peter Stein production will be conducted by Evelino Pidò and stars Thomas Hampson in his iconic signature interpretation of the conflicted Doge. Dmitry Belosselskiy, coming off a successful run of “Luisa Miller” {…}