(Credit: A Bofill) “Luisa Miller,” which premiered in 1849, marks the inflection point from the early Verdi style, strongly influenced by the formal structure of the Bel-canto operas, to the mature Verdi who looked for a dramatic communion between the text, the vocal line, the music, and the characters. We can even appreciate an evolution within the opera, where the {…}
On July 26, 2019, Piotr Beczala continued making history as he encored during his final performance of Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. The tenor encored the aria “Quando le sere al Placido” after receiving a rousing ovation during his final performance. It’s not the first time the tenor encores at the famed Barcelona theater. During the {…}
(Credit: Chris Singer) Anna Pirozzi has canceled her participation in “Aida” at the Gran Teatre del Liceu during the 2019-20 season. The soprano, who has been performing the role at the Arena di Verona, has noted that she will be retiring the role after the summer 2019 performances. Instead, Jennifer Rowley will be taking over the production as the titular {…}
Ekaterina Bakanova is one of today’s rising stars, performing some of the most demanding roles in the lyric repertoire and making important house debuts around the world. In the past few years, she has steadily conquered such houses as the Royal Opera House, Semperoper Dresden, Wexford Opera Festival, Teatro La Fenice, and Teatro Regio di Torino. This week she will {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has announced its 2019-20 season with numerous new productions, revivals, rarely performed works and concerts by some of the biggest stars in the world. Franc Aleu makes his operatic debut directing a new production of Puccini’s “Turandot” with Irene Theorin in the title role alongside Jorge de Leon and Ermonela Jaho as Liù. Lise Linstrom {…}
Leo Nucci has canceled his participation in the upcoming revival of “Luisa Miller” at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. The theater announced that due to personal reasons the legendary baritone would not be able to perform the role. As a result, Michael Chioldi and Juan Jesús Rodríguez will replace the baritone. Chioldi is currently covering “Rigoletto” and “Tosca’ at the Metropolitan {…}
This weekend’s international roundup of must watch opera features a plethora of rare works and two repertory staples in unique productions. Here is a look at our top recommendations, in order by company. L’Enigma di Lea – Gran Teatre del Liceu, Barcelona Composer Benet Casablancas and librettist Rafael Argullol’s work will get its world premiere in Barcelona on Saturday with {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has announced that Víctor García de Gomar will be its next artistic director. Per a press release, he was selected from among 15 other candidates for the major position. He will commence his work in the position at the start of the 2019-20 season, with the intention of creating a smooth transition from the current {…}
Jorge de León heroically stepped in for an afternoon performance of “Madama Butterfly” on Jan. 13, 2019. The Spanish tenor, who performed in the premiere performance the night before, was forced to take over for an ailing Rame Lahaj. The Gran Teatre del Liceu announced that Lahaj was unable to perform due to faringitis. De León recently revealed that he {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu is set to host the 56th edition of the Concurs Internacional de Cant Tenor Viñas. The competition, which will take place from Jan. 16 through 27, 2019 will showcase 529 singers from 61 singers. The Liceu will stream the finals on Jan. 25, 2019 and the winner’s concerts on Jan. 27, 2019. The competition is one {…}
Over the past years, Maxim Mironov has emerged as one of the great Rossini tenors of his generations and one of the greatest exponents of the Bel Canto repertoire. He has also become a favorite of the Italian audiences, performing in every important theater of the country and a frequent guest at both the Donizetti Opera Festival and the Rossini {…}
