The Royal Opera House has announced a cast change for its production of “Il Trovatore.” The company said that Marigona Qerkezi will sing the role of Leonora on July 9, 12, 16, and 19, 2025, replacing Eleonora Buratto. In a statement to social media, Qerkezi said, “I will be making my London Royal Opera House debut as Leonora in Giuseppe {…}
(Photo: Michael Poehn) “Il Trovatore” is one of Verdi’s most celebrated operas, forming part of his “popular trilogy” alongside “La Traviata” and “Rigoletto,” all composed in the mid-19th century. Among the three, it is the least innovative, with characters that lack psychological depth or introspection, often conforming to operatic stereotypes—the valiant tenor, the virtuous soprano, and the sinister baritone. A {…}
(©Cory Weaver – LA Opera) Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” has an interesting reputation in opera history. A staple of the opera canon, it is widely beloved for its melodic abundance and as a final homage to the greatness of bel canto. For Verdi it came at a period of major artistic fecundity and stands as the middle opera in a trilogy {…}
Opera Colorado is set to present “Il Trovatore” in Concert on April 26 and May 4. The company will showcase the Verdi masterpiece in a ninety-minute adaptation and will be semi-staged concert with narration. The streamlined version will deliver all the intensity and musical richness of the original in a fast-paced, action-packed format. The cast will include Alexandra LoBianco as {…}
The Royal Ballet and Opera has announced a cast change for its March 13 performance of “Il Trovatore.” The company said that Marina Rebeka will sing the role of Leonora replacing Rachel Willis- Sørensen, who is ill. Rebeka took to her social media and said, “Dear friends, I am so happy to be back in London. Tomorrow I will be {…}
(Photo: ©2025 Camilla Greenwell) I have been somewhat critical in the past of Adele Thomas’ staging of one of Verdi’s most potent works. With its painfully dark tale told in a rather insidious manner, employing the use of creepy props and actors infused with more than a generous helping of Hieronymus Bosch influence; alas, perplexingly, this time round it kind {…}
The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its Feb. 11 performance of “Il Trovatore.” The company said that Marina Rebeka will sing the role of Leonora replacing the originally scheduled Maria Agresta. Rebeka has performed the role of Leonora at the Royal Opera House and the Zurich Opera House. She is well known for her Verdi, Puccini, Bellini, {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its Dec. 6 performance of “Il Trovatore.” The company said, “For tonight’s performance of Verdi’s ‘Il Trovatore,’ the role of Manrico will be sung by Arturo Chacón-Cruz.” The Mexican tenor will replace the originally scheduled Gwyn Hughes Jones. This performance will mark Chacón-Cruz’s fourth performance at the Met following his surprise {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for the Nov. 26. Michael Fabiano took to social media and said that he would be withdrawing. He said, “Friends. I’m withdrawing again tonight. I really got hit last week. I’m still recovering and doing better but not in a place to deliver an optimal performance tonight. Appreciate your patience. I’ll be {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its Nov. 22 performance of “Il Trovatore.” The company said, “For tonight’s performance of Verdi’s ‘Il Trovatore,’ the role of Manrico will be sung by Arturo Chacón-Cruz.” The Mexican tenor will replace the originally scheduled Michael Fabiano. This performance will mark Chacón-Cruz’s first full performance at the Met following his surprise {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Met Opera) You’ve heard the cliché that Caruso famously said about doing a production of “Il Trovatore…” You know it. I won’t repeat it. The spirit of the idea stands, but the reality is that it takes far more than just sticking four superstars on stage and letting magic happen. It doesn’t always work that way. {…}
