Social Media Beat (10/13-19): Rubber Ducks, Fencing & Bears Headline Opera Singers’ Activities This Week

It’s a weird week in the opera world with major artists showcasing pictures of strange new productions and even rubber ducks. Check it out. The Metropolitan Opera is gearing up for its upcoming production of “The Exterminating Angel” and had an interesting preview to showcase. As the dinner party in Thomas Adès’s The Exterminating Angel progresses, things take a decidedly {…}

Opéra National De Paris 2017-18 Review – Don Carlos: Jonas Kaufmann, Elīna Garanča, Sonya Yoncheva & Company Deliver Performance For the Ages

The hotly anticipated production of Verdi’s five-act grand opera “Don Carlos” opened at the Opéra National de Paris on 10 October to a mixed reception. The outstanding cast comprised of German tenor Jonas Kaufmann in the title role, French baritone Ludovic Tézier as Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa, Russian basses Ildar Abdrazakov and Dmitry Belosselskiy as Philippe II and the Grand {…}

Social Media Beat (Week 7/28-8/3): Get An Exclusive Look Into ‘Aida’ From Salzburg and ‘The Siege Of Corinth’ From Pesaro

Festival season continues and many of the greatest artists are preparing new roles or in rehearsals portraying some of their favorite characters. Find out what some of them were up to, Ildar Abdrazakov attended the dress rehearsal of “Aida” at the Salzburg Festival, showing support for his friends and colleagues. He posted two videos from the curtain call and another {…}

Rolando Villazón & Ildar Abdrazakov Team Up For ‘Duets’

Deutsche Grammophon has announced Rolando Villazón’s new album. The CD entitled “Duets” will include Ildar Abdrazakov with Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conducting the Montreal’s Orchestre Métropolitain. “Duets” will include French and Italian opera duets for tenor and bass/baritone and is set for release in September. It marks the singers’ first album together and marks Abdrazakov’s debut on the yellow label. It also {…}