Leyla Gencer, born on Oct 10, 1928, was one of the greatest bel canto sopranos to ever grace the opera stage. She dominated a plethora of often over-looked Donizetti operas and sang everything she could by Bellini. And most importantly, she dominated some of the lesser known works of Giuseppe Verdi, a composer she may share a birthday with (his {…}
C Major has announced the release of Verdi’s “I Due Foscari” with Plácido Domingo from the Teatro alla Scala. The new release stars Francesco Meli and Anna Pirozzi and is conducted by Michele Mariotti. Staged by Alvis Hermanis, the production received rave reviews when it premiered in 2016. The Financial Times wrote, “Plácido Domingo is the definitive Francesco of recent times” {…}
Maria Agresta has pulled out of two concert performances of Verdi’s “I Due Foscari” as she undergoes an operation. In her stead, audiences will hear Chinese soprano Guanqun Yu. Yu placed second in the 2012 Operalia Competition and has showcased her talents around the world. In 2017-18 she is slated to take on the role of Liù in “Turandot” at {…}
