Fidelio opens at the Metropolitan on Thursday, March 16, 2017. Being Beethoven’s only opera, it has been given great prominence at the Metropolitan Opera, to the tune of 230 performances. Here are some other fun facts about the opera over the course of its Met Opera history. 1. The opera’s very first performance was on Nov. 19, 1884, and featured {…}
Klaus Florian Vogt is regarded as one of the most sought-after Wagnerian tenors his generations. He has marveled audiences with his intense lyricism and his commitment to each role he portrays. This week he returns to the Metropolitan Opera for the first time since 2006 when he made his debut in the title role of Wagner’s “Lohengrin.” This time Met {…}
Zubin Mehta is retiring from the Israel Philharmonic, ending a lengthy relationship. The announcement, according to The Jerusalem Post, was made Monday and confirmed that Mehta would end his nearly 50 years with the ensemble in October 2019. The 80-year-old Indian-born conductor made numerous recordings with the group throughout his tenure, including a legendary recording of a live performance of {…}
Ludwig Van Beethoven turned 246 on Friday, Dec. 16. Upon his death in 1827, the composer left behind veritable masterpieces of classical music. His most famous works are his nine symphonies, his piano sonatas and concertos and his string quartets. There was also one opera, “Fidelio.” The composer is said to have struggled to create this singular work, creating three {…}