***Update: This performance will feature Ekaterina Siurina as Violetta instead of Lungu. The article, as originally published, follows. The Vienna State Opera will kick off the live stream series for the 2019-20 season with a performance of Verdi’s ever-loved “La Traviata” on Sept. 7, 2019. The performance, the second of the run, will feature soprano Irina Lungu in the title {…}
Opera Australia has announced its its 2020 Sydney season, presenting an exciting program of rare gems and some of the greatest operas. Sydney Summer Season The season opens with Puccini’s “La Bohème” with conductor Carlo Goldstein leading Gale Edwards’ production. The opera stars soprano Karah Son in the role of Mimì and tenor Kang Wang making his Opera Australia debut in {…}
Editor’s Note: This piece has been edited as statements have come out regarding the situation. Following accusations of sexual harassment, numerous opera personalities have come in defense of Plácido Domingo. In the wake of accusations by nine women, opera stars have taken to Twitter, Instagram, and news outlets to defend their colleague. Among them is Bulgarian superstar soprano Sonya Yoncheva {…}
The Royal Opera Muscat has announced its 2019-20 Season. Bizet’s “Carmen” opens the Royal Opera Muscat season with José Cura in the role of Don José, Elena Maximova in the title role, Anita Hartig as Micaëla and George Petean in the role of Escamillo. The Teatro Colón Buenos Aires travels with conductor Antonello Allemandi. Performance Dates: Sept. 11-14, 2019 Celso Albelo {…}
This weekend sees two world premieres continue their first runs. It will also include a major role debut for a rising star tenor, one acclaimed production, and one rarely-performed work. Les Bienveillantes – Opera Vlaanderen, Belgium Peter Rundel conducts Hector Parra’s new opera in a production by Calixto Bieto. The work stars Peter Tantsits, Rachel Harnisch, Natascha Petrinsky, and Günter {…}
On April 30, 2019, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden will showcase its revival of “Faust” in cinemas.” The production, which was originally directed by David McVicar, stars Michael Fabiano in the title role. Irina Lungu is his beloved Marguerite, while Erwin Schrott is Méphistophélès. Other cast members include Stéphane Degout, Marta Fontanais-Simmons, and Carole Wilson, among others. Dan Ettinger {…}
Irina Lungu canceled opening night of Gounod’s “Faust” at the Royal Opera House. The soprano announced via social media that due to influenza she was unable to sing. Lungu stated, “Unfortunately I had to cancel my appearance at today’s premiere of Faust at the Royal Opera House due to an influenza with high fever. It was a hard decision and {…}
Diana Damrau has canceled all performances of Gounod’s “Faust.” The Royal Opera House has announced that due to a slipped disc Damrau has had to withdraw from singing the role of Marguerite on April 11, 15, 18, 25, and 30. As a result, Russian soprano Irina Lungu, who is scheduled to sing Marguerite on May 3 and 6 May, will takeover all performances. Lungu made {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced its 2019-20 season, which includes six new productions and a whopping 58 operas overall. There are also a plethora of concert performances as well featuring some of the greatest opera stars on the planet. New Productions The new season kicks off with a new production of Britten’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Directed by Irina {…}
This week there are a number of new productions as well as classic works being performed. There is also one opera that is being showcased in two different theaters with two all-star casts; it is for this reason that we simply could not overlook it. Check out our recommendations in alphabetical order by company. Karl V – Bayerische Staatsoper, Germany {…}
The weekend is here and as we get closer to the holiday season new productions are opening. Among those are a number of world premieres. The Teatro alla Scala is also set to open its season with a new production of another popular Italian work. Here is a look at what we think you should check out. Die Weiden – Wiener {…}