On March 23, ORF III will broadcast the Wiener Staatsoper’s new production of Bellini’s “Norma.” The new production by Cyril marks the first time in 10 years that the work is presented at the Wiener Staatsoper and the first staged production in almost 45 years. Michele Mariotti conducts an all-star cast led by Federica Lombardi, who makes her role debut {…}
The Wiener Staatsoper is set to present a new production of Bellini’s “Norma.” Michele Mariotti is set to conduct a new production by French stage director Cyril Teste. In a statement, Mariotti noted, “‘Norma’ is a triumph of emotions and torments described by the fierce classicism of the music. In my view, there are two moments that make it an {…}
The Salzburg Whitsun Festival has announced its 2025 season. Opera “Hotel Metamorphosis,” a pastiche of Vivadi’s music, will be conducted by Gianluca Capuano and directed by Barrie Kosky. The production will star Cecilia Bartoli, Varduhi Abrahamyan, Lea Desandre, Philippe Jaroussky, and Angela Winkler. Performance Dates: June 6-8, 2025 Nadine Sierra, Piotr Beczala, and Luca Salsi star in Verdi’s “La Traviata” {…}
What does it take to make a difference in the opera world? And what does it mean? Should one be world-famous, have a star-management and a five-figure fee? I guess it’s a certain way. But then, on a planet [over]-populated by almost eight billion people, we would have just a handful of such personalities. When a couple of years ago, {…}
(Photo credit: © SF Marco Borrelli) Is it possible to be merciful with fascists? In Robert Carsen’s reading of Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” the answer must be a reverberant “No”—otherwise, the moment one turns their back, they will not miss the opportunity to stab it. Robert Carsen often enjoys updating opera plots, making them reflections of current politics—often achieving {…}
Italian bass Ildebrando D’Arcangelo has signed to Intermusica for worldwide general management. The bass will be managed by Nathan Morrison, Associate Director, Vocal & Opera. D’Arcangelo is renowned as one of the great singers of his generation and was awarded the prestigious title of “Kammersänger” at the Vienna State Opera in 2014. He has performed at all the greatest stages including {…}
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2024-25 season. Here are the vocal performances. Nicholas Kraemer conducts a program that includes the music of Händel, Beethoven, and Mozart. Soloists include Amanda Forsythe, Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, Josh Lovell, and Michael Sumuel. Performance Dates: Oct. 17-19, 2024 Fabien Gabel and Konstantin Krimmel team up for a program of music by Britten, Mahler, {…}
(Credit: © SF / Peter Rigaud) The Salzburg Festival has announced its 2024 Season. Here is a look at the vocal performances. Opera Strauss’ “Caprricio” is set to be performed in concert form with Elsa Dreisig and Bo Skovhus as Countess and Count. The cast also includes Sebastian Kohlhepp (Flamand), Konstantin Krimmel (Olivier), Mika Kares (La Roche), Ève-Maud Hubeaux (Clairon), {…}
The Opéra de Marseille has announced its 2023-24 season. Opera Meyerbeer’s “L’Africaine” will star Hélène Carpentier, Laurence Janot, Florian Laconi, Jérôme Bouteiller, and Karine Deshayes. Roberto Rizzi Brignoli conducts the production by Charles Roubaud. Performance Dates: Oct. 3-10, 2023 Paolo Arrivabeni conducts Verdi’s “Attila” with Angela Meade, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, Juan Jesús Rodriguez, and Antonio Poli. Performance Dates: Oct. 29-Nov. 4, {…}
Paris Opera’s “Carmen” staging was sold as the same production staged last November, yet everything was different. Adding one or two gestures here and there can almost completely change the characters’ psychology. Calixto Bieito’s staging remains impressive and provocative. He emphasizes the importance of true meaning to the detriment of the exploitation of empty forms. The impact of such a {…}
Les Chorégies d’Orange has announced its 2023 season. For the purposes of this article, we only highlight vocal performances. Marie-Nicole Lemieux leads a cast of Bizet’s “Carmen“ that also includes Alexandra Marcellier, Jean-François Borras, and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo. Jean-Louis Grinda directs the production. Performance Date: July 8, 2023 Emy Gazeilles, Floriane Hasler, and Rémy Brès-Feuillet perform in concert with pianist Kira {…}