Jonas Kaufmann, Patricia Petibon & Sonya Yoncheva Lead Théâtre des Champs-Elysées’ 2020-21 Season

(Credit:Javier del Real/© Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Classical/ Bernard Martinez) The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées has announced its 2020-21 season featuring a vast array of programs and stars. Here are opera and vocal performance highlights of the season: Operas Handel’s Messiah is set to be directed by Robert Wilson with Marc Minkowski conducting. The cast includes Elena Tsallagova, Helena Rasker, Richard {…}

Feb 26, 2020

Teresa Iervolino, Jakub Józef Orlinski & Delphine Galou Highlight Festival de Beaune 2020

(Image Source: Festival international d’opéra baroque & romantique Beaune Facebook page) The Festival international d’Opéra Baroque & Romantique Beaune has announced its 2020 program, consisting of seven operas and oratorios, and three vocal works. Operas and Oratorios Mozart and Schikaneder opera “Die Zauberflöte” will showcase Julian Prégardien, Mari Eriksmoen, Sarah Traubel, Andreas Wolf, Elena Galitskaya, Jan Martinik, Maxime Melnik, Norma {…}

Jan 28, 2020

Joyce DiDonato & Diana Damrau Headline New CD/DVD Releases (Week Of 1/27)

This week there are new releases from a recent Grammy winner, a Cardiff winner, and two well-known artists performing songs. Agrippina Coming off her Grammy win, Joyce DiDonato brings her acclaimed interpretation of Handel’s opera “Agrippina” in a complete CD recording. Performing alongside Maxim Emelyanychev, Chief Conductor of Il Pomo d’Oro, DiDonato is joined by a cast that also includes {…}

Nov 8, 2019

Thomas Hampson, Michael Mayes & Angela Meade Lead International Weekend – (11/8-10)

(Credit: Opernhaus Zurich/ Bergen National Opera/Teatro alla Scala) This weekend is filled with unknown repertoire and some masterpieces starring exciting rising stars. Here are the seven operas we believe you cannot miss. Čert a Káča – Anhaltisches Theater, Germany Dvořák’s rarely performed work gets a new production by Jakob Peters-Messer. The cast is led by Richard Samek and Rita Kapfhammer {…}

Nov 6, 2019

Ermonela Jaho & Roberto Alagna Lead New CD/DVD Releases – Nov. 8

It is a big week for CDs and DVD releases in the opera world. As companies get ready for the holiday season, numerous artists have new releases that are must buys. Here are our recommendations. Myrthen With “Myrthen,” baritone Christian Gerhaher embarks on the second chapter of his once-in-a-lifetime project: the complete recording of Robert Schumann’s lieder output. Lauded as {…}

Oct 30, 2019

Marina Rebeka & Jakub Józef Orliński Headline New CD/DVD Releases – Oct. 28

This week, three full recordings of popular operas will be released as well as a debut album by one of the most sought-out countertenors in the world. Winterreise Berlin Classics releases Schubert’s song cycle with Xavier Sabata and pianist Francisco Poyato. The debut album for Sabata, who is known for his work in Baroque repertory, makes a unique left turn {…}

Jul 24, 2019

Jakub Józef Orliński Replaces Elizabeth DeShong In Glyndebourne Festival’s ‘Rinaldo’

Elizabeth DeShong has canceled her participation in Glyndebourne Festival’s in Handel’s “Rinaldo.” The company announced that due to personal reasons the mezzo would not be able to perform in the production. As a result, Polish countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński will replace DeShong in the title role. The countertenor, who was due to sing Eustazio in the production, will be replaced by {…}

Jul 11, 2019

Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak Headline Concert De Paris 2019

The Orchestra National de France and the Choeur and Maîtrise de Radio France will present a free Bastille Day concert on Sunday, Jul. 14, 2019. The concert will take place “at the foot of the Eiffel Tower . . . [and] will be followed by the very famous fireworks,” according to SortiraParis. Alain Altinoglu will lead the orchestra. The event {…}

Jul 6, 2019

Oper Frankfurt 2018-19 Review: Rodelinda

(Photo: Monika Rittershaus) Murderous political machinations and pandemic debauchery in the Kingdom of Lombardy in the 7th century were as rampant as any episode of “Game of Thrones” over a millennium later. A neophyte watching the latest series of the Westeros saga without any prior knowledge of its protagonists would find it similarly challenging to work out who is trying {…}

May 8, 2019

Enea Scala, Asmik Grigorian & Christopher Maltman Highlight Oper Frankfurt’s 2019-20 Season

Oper Frankfurt’s new season is massive. It is loaded up with over a dozen new productions and even more revivals. Premieres Damiano Michieletto directs a new production of Rossini’s “Otello” starring Enea Scala in the title role, Karolina Makuła as Desdemona, Theo Lebow as Iago, and Jack Swanson as Rodrigo. Sesto Quatrini conducts. Performance Dates: Sept. 8-Oct. 20, 2019 Asmik Grigorian sings {…}

Apr 19, 2019

Pretty Yende, Julie Fuchs & Jakub Jozef Orlinski Among Major Artists In Notre Dame de Paris Concert on April 20

On April 20 a concert in solidarity of the “Rebâtir Notre Dame de Paris” has been announced in order to raise funds to rebuild the iconic cathedral. The concert, which will be held at the Place des Invalides, will showcase a number of important artists across all genres. Among the opera singers performing at the concert are Pretty Yende, Julie Fuchs, and {…}