Massenet’s masterful “Werther” makes a return to the Met stage after a few years of absence. The opening performance is Thursday, Feb. 16, with subsequent showcases on Feb. 20, 23, 27 and March 4 and 9. The current production, which was directed by Richard Eyre, debuted back in 2014 with Jonas Kaufmann in his most recent role for the company. {…}
The Washington National Opera has just announced its 2017-18 season. Aida The company will kick off the year with a new production of Verdi’s “Aida.” Directed by Francesca Zambello, the new production will be co-produced with San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, and Minnesota Opera. The opening performance takes place on Sept. 9 and the run lasts until Sept. 23, a {…}
On Jan. 20 Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States with million of Americans protesting the controversial figure. The inauguration ceremony has stirred controversy as many musical figures have refused to perform while others have been forced to withdraw. There are also a number of concerts that will be performed at the same {…}
It can be hard to get a chance to hear some of the greatest opera singers in the world in the theater. But many great artists have seen their efforts preserved on some form of recording, whether it be in studio recordings or video. OperaWire’s Artist of the Week Isabel Leonard has a unique recorded library which features numerous classics {…}
Isabel Leonard is recognized as one of the brightest stars in the opera world for her vocal beauty and vocal fireworks. After years of exploring Mozart and the baroque repertoire, Leonard is moving into new territory this season. She recently made her role debut as Adalgisa in Bellini’s “Norma” and last week she made her role debut as Charlotte in {…}
The weekend is upon us and that means many operas will be presented around the world. Many theaters will offer holiday presentations while some of the greatest singers return to the stage such as Renee Fleming, Simon Keenlyside, Rolando Villazon, Anna Netrebko, Rene Pape and Nina Stemme. Austria Simon Keenlyside returns to the Vienna State Opera for Verdi’s “Macbeth” with the {…}
Isabel Leonard and Juan Diego Florez will make their role debuts in Massenet’s “Werther” on Thursday at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. The performance will be broadcast via radio through Radio RAI at 8 PM Local Time (2 PM EST). The cast also includes Jean-François Lapointe as Albert and Ruth Iniesta as Sophie. Michelle Mariotti will be in the pit for {…}
This week the stars continued rehearsing for upcoming performances but also took some time off to have some fun around the world. Tenor Michael Fabiano spent some time with his friends judging a major circuit Debate tournament. The tenor last sang the national anthem at a Jets game and is taking some time off the opera stage. He returns to the {…}
The past week was flooded with major news on the international stage. Here is a look back at some of the big headlines, in case you missed them. Major Premieres This week saw a plethora of premieres. The Berlin Staatsoper showcased “Manon Lescaut” which was showcased on online; the same happened for the Bayerische Staatsoper which showcased “Lady Macbeth of {…}
The Grammy Nominations have been announced with many of today’s biggest stars shortlisted. In the Best Opera Recording category Pentatone Music led the field with two nominations as the record label was shortlisted for James Conlon’s recording of John Corigliano’s “The Ghosts Of Versailles.” The recording stars Joshua Guerrero, Christopher Maltman, Lucas Meachem, Patricia Racette, Lucy Schaufer and Guanqun Yu. The Los {…}