The COVID-19 crisis has led to the cancelation of major productions leaving many artists out of work and giving them openings in their usually booked calendars. As a result, the Opera de Oviedo managed to engage acclaimed bel canto tenor John Osborn after the cancelation of two other tenors. It is hard to write about “I Puritani” without talking about {…}
(Credit: Metropolitan Opera) This week’s quiz takes stock of the operas of Bellini. The Italian composer has seen a resurgence in recent decades with his operas becoming major fixtures of the standard repertory. So for this quiz, we will test your knowledge of the operas’ history as well as their famed arias as well. As always, enjoy!
On Dec. 18, 2019, Bellini’s “I Puritani” is set to open at the Deustsche Oper am Rhein in a new production by Rolando Villazón. The new production is set to star Operalia award winners Adela Zaharia and Ioan Hotea in their debuts as Elvira and Arturo. Antonino Fogliani conducts the production which will open at the Opernhaus Düsseldorf. In a {…}
(Credit: LA Opera) Since winning Operalia, soprano Adela Zaharia has emerged as one of the major rising stars in the opera world. Zaharia has made major debuts in some of the world’s greatest opera houses including the Bayerische Staatsoper and LA Opera and has added a number of major role debuts. She has also become a frequent exponent of the {…}
(Credit: Sebastien Mathe) The works of Bellini’s, and Bel-Canto in general, have been underrated for centuries, with many judging the orchestration of the pieces as simply being accompaniments for the voices carrying the main melodies. But as every genius composer of opera, Bellini kept looking for the best way to transmit the drama of the libretto through the music and {…}
(Credit: Bernd Uhlig) Elsa Dreisig is one of the bright stars of the opera world slowly building an international career. At the young age of 28, the soprano has already conquered the Berlin State Opera, the Zurich Opera, and the Opéra de Paris; she is set to make her Royal Opera House debut this season. As an ensemble member of {…}
(Credit: Jiyang Chen) The Opéra National de Paris has announced a cast change for Bellini’s “I Puritani.” The company revealed that due to health reasons Alexander Tsymbalyuk will not perform in the production. As a result, Nicolas Testé will replace him in the role of Giorgio. Testé is no stranger to the role of Giorgio as he performed the role at {…}
Possibly one of the most difficult tasks given to a director is that of producing an opera by Bellini. His works contain some of the most sensuously beguiling music written for the stage, his long arching melodies are entrancing and emotionally captivating. There is no doubt that the opportunities for singers to display the beauty and dexterity of their voices are {…}
Vincenzo Bellini is one of the most famous composers of the bel canto era. Born on Nov. 3, 1801, the composer would become well-known for his expansive melodies that would become the inspiration for many Italian composers thereafter. His first opera was “Adelson e Salvini,” which had its premiere in February of 1825 at the Teatro del Conservatorio di San {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment features “The Young Victoria.” {…}
On Saturday, April 21, 2018, superstar soprano Anna Netrebko will make her role debut as “Tosca” at the Metropolitan Opera. The role of the famed diva will be the 20th role of Netrebko’s Met career, but shockingly, it will only be the third time she makes a role debut with the company. Throughout her career, Netrebko has had the tendency {…}