Four centuries after William Shakespeare imagined a night-time forest where desires dissolve into illusions, Benjamin Britten transformed that world into one of the most enigmatic operas of the 20th century. Now the work returns to the stage of Teatro Real in a new production by director Deborah Warner under the baton of conductor Ivor Bolton–a duo that has repeatedly shaped {…}
(Credit: Ben Ealovega) Few countertenors today command the international stage with the authority and musical intelligence of Iestyn Davies. Renowned for his interpretations of Baroque repertoire as well as his compelling performances in 20th-century opera, Davies has become one of the defining voices of his generation. During his recent return to Teatro Real in Madrid to perform Oberon in “A {…}
The Brighton Festival announces its 2026 and 60th anniversary season. This article only features classical voice concerts. Nick Pritchard, Benjamin Schilperoort, Benjamin Schilperoort, and Edward Grint make up the cast of Bach’s “St John Passion.” They are joined by soloists Lauren Lodge Cambell, Helen Charlston, Bastien Rimondi, Olivier Bergeron, and the Brighton Festival Chorus and Youth Choir. James Morgan conducts {…}
(Photo credits: Acosta, Brown, Simpson, Adjahoe) Philadelphia Orchestra announces its 2026-27 season. This article only features vocal concerts. Opening night features soloists Leah Hawkins, J’Nai Bridges, Issachah Savage, and Ryan Speedo Green in Beethoven “Symphony” No. 9. They are joined by the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir led by Joe Miller. The U.S. premiere of Hisaishi’s “Orbis” is also slated. Yannick Nézet-Séguin {…}
The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts has announced its 2026 season which will be held between June 12 and 28, 2026. Here is a look at the vocal performances. Festival Academy Masterclass will be led by Lise Davidsen. She will coach alumni singers from the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme, each accompanied by acclaimed pianist James Baillieu. Performance {…}
Gluck’s “Orpheus & Eurydice” is set to be presented in Melbourne from Dec. 2-5, 2025 at the Regent Theatre. The production by Yaron Lifschitz will be presented in collaboration with Opera Australia and Edinburgh International Festival and will star Australian soprano Samantha Clarke, who performs both Amore and Eurydice and British countertenor Iestyn Davies as Orfeo. They will perform alongside {…}
(Photo credit: Alder & Sorensen) Garsington Opera has announced its star-studded winter concert series in partnership with Wigmore Hall. All performances will take place at Garsington Studios in Buckinghamshire. For this article, only vocal events are featured. Soprano Louise Alder and pianist Joseph Middleton open the concert series. Performance Date: Dec. 10, 2025 Harpist Oliver Wass joins countertenor Iestyn Davies {…}
The Canadian Opera Company is set to perform “Orfeo ed Euridice.” The company will showcase a production by Robert Carsen at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on Oct. 9, 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 25, 2025. Associate director Christophe Gayral will revive the production in Toronto. Canadian conductor Bernard Labadie leads the COC Orchestra with Price {…}
The Santa Fe Opera has announced its 2026 season. Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” will open the season with a revival production directed by Melanie Bacaling. The cast will include Karen Chia-ling Ho, Stephen Costello, Jonathan Burton, Jarrett Ott, and Sun-Ly Pierce. John Fiore conducts. Performance Dates: July 3-29, 2026 Harry Bicket conducts Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” in a production by Christopher Luscombe. Josh Lovell, Joélle Harvey, Rainelle {…}
The Teatro Real de Madrid has announced its 2025-26 season. Opera The season opens with Verdi’s “Otello,” starring Brian Jadge, Jorge de León, and Angelo Villari in the title role. The cast includes Igor Golovatenko, Artur Ruciński, Gabriele Viviani, Airam Hernández, Asmik Grigorian, and Maria Agresta. Nicola Luisotti and Giuseppe Mentuccia conduct the production by David Alden. Performance Dates: Sept. {…}
(Photo credit: Chris Sorenson) Ryedale Festival has announced its lineup for the 2025 season. This article features vocal concerts only. Soprano Claire Booth is joined by violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen and pianist Christopher Glynn for the Yorkshire premiere of Gavin Higgins’ “Speak of the North.” They also perform Grieg’s “Haugtussa,” along with other works. Performance Date: July 12, 2025 Soprano Claire {…}