(Credit: Simon Jay Price) Wagner’s biography and character are all over his operas, often transparently so: the wandering, embittered outcast in “The Flying Dutchman;” the revolutionary artist in “Die Meistersinger;” the sensuous hedonist in “Tristan und Isolde.” This may be one of the reasons that some people find his work overbearing and suffocating. Rarely is he identified with the dwarf {…}
(Credit: Louise Leblanc / Quebec Opera) The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Evgeny Nikitin will sing the title role in all performances of the new production of Wagner’s “Der Fliegende Holländer.” Nikitin made his Met debut in 2002 in “War and Peace” and has since performed in productions of “Elektra,” “Boris Godunov,” “Parsifal,” “Tristan Und Isolde,” and “Götterdämmerung.” He recently {…}
Evgeny Nikitin has canceled his participation in the Opéra de Paris’ upcoming performances of Borodin’s “Prince Igor.” The company announced that due to illness Nikitin would not be able to perform the title role As a result, Ildar Abdrazakov will take over the role. Abdrazakov recently canceled performances of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago due to {…}
The Teatro Massimo di Palermo has announced the 2020 season, which will feature a number of new productions, stars, and concert performances. Opera The season opens with Wagner’s “Parsifal” conducted by Omer Meir Wellber and directed by Graham Vick. The work stars Daniel Kirch in the title role, Eva Maria Westbroek, Evgeny Nikitin, John Relyea, and Thomas Gazheli. Performance Dates: Jan. {…}
The Metropolitan Opera’s first Ring Cycle of the 2018-19 season came to a glorious end with “Götterdämmerung” in a production featuring a tremendous cast. In some ways, this might have been the most satisfying evening of the entire cycle, with a luxurious cast of true singing actors against a production that, at times, had something to say. A Hero Above {…}
The London Philharmonic Orchestra has announced its slate for the 2019-20 season, which will take place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. As per other season announcements, the focus here will be on opera singers and other such vocal showcases. Things get started with a performance of Verdi’s Requiem with Edward Gardner conducting. Elza van den Heever, Ekaterina Gubanova, {…}
The weekend is here and we have some interesting recommendations that include role debuts, classic works and some rare and new operas that are worth checking out. Here is a look at what we recommend for the weekend. The Seasons-Teatro Colón, Argentina Haydn’s rarely performed oratorio gets a showcase with soloists Daniela Tabernig, Hernán Iturralde in the lead role, and {…}
Two of opera’s biggest stars get the spotlight this week. On one hand, you get one of the great singing actresses of our time in a breakout role. Opposite her is one of the world’s best tenors singing reperotire we aren’t used to hearing from him. Salome Malin Byström takes on the title role of Salome in Strauss’ masterwork. The {…}
The Opera de Bordeaux has announced its 2018-19 season featuring six productions, recitals and a number of concert performances of diverse repertoire for opera lovers. The season will also include a number of international opera singers making role debuts and anticipated debuts. Here is a look. Operas Bordeaux opens a new production of Offenbach’s “La Perichole” with Aude Extremo in the {…}
The Philharmonie de Paris has announced its 2018-19 season filled with numerous concerts and operatic selections. The season will see a number of international stars and orchestras as guest artists to this important Parisian hall. Here is a look at the vocal highlights. Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra continue their exploration of the Ring Cycle with “Siegfried.” The opera {…}
The world is divided into men and women. And only the unification of these two sides, through mutual understanding and respect can bridge the gap and bring about a new world full of equality. Sounds familiar right? It was what François Girard saw prior to 2013, and his vision remains ever true to this day. Perhaps even more prevalent. It {…}