(Photo: Kristaps Kains, Latvian National Opera) Latvia National Opera’s production of Verdi’s “Don Carlo” was musically and visually excellent, but the director Claus Guth’s underlying concept was not, at least initially, easy to grasp, despite his clearly written program notes. His underlying idea is that it is Carlo’s energy, values and behavior set against a despotic society, in which faceless {…}
On May 23, 2023, Frédéric Chaslin will conduct his 200th performance at the Wiener Staatsoper. The French conductor will lead a performance of Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” with a cast that includes Michele Pertusi in the title role, Brenda Rae as Norina, Josh Lovell as Ernesto, and Michael Arivony as Dottor Malatesta. Chaslin made his debut at the Wiener Staatsoper in {…}
Frédéric Chaslin is one of today’s most important French conductors in the world. He has performed at every major opera theater with major opera stars in a variety of repertoire. He has even composed numerous operas. This season Chaslin is exploring the French repertoire. He opened the season with “Lakmé” at the Liège Opera House and is set to conduct {…}
This week two albums are released by acclaimed artists. Here is a look at what’s in store for opera lovers. Desire Sony Classical releases Aleksandra Kurzak’s new album, which marks her first solo album on the label. In this new album, Kurzak celebrates the great romantic heroines of the operatic repertoire and includes works by Cilea, Moniuszko, Puccini, Verdi, and {…}