Donizetti certainly had an intimate relationship with England’s Queen Elizabeth I, and with the Tudors in general, who provided him with a rich source of characters and themes for his operas. Three works have substantial roles for Elizabeth, herself; “Maria Stuarda” and “Roberto Devereux” are well-known and receive regular performances, whereas the third, “Il Castello di Kenilworth,” rarely receives a {…}
This weekend, it’s all about new productions. From South America to Europe, three of Verdi’s greatest opera are getting new productions. Meanwhile, Saint-Saëns’ masterpiece is getting a rare performance while the Festival Donizetti is in full swing. Check it out. La Traviata – Teatro Municipal Enrique Buenaventura, Colombia Federico Figueroa directs a new production of “La Traviata” in Cali starring Gabriela {…}
It’s another week of discovery for OperaWire. Instead of the classic gems of the repertoire, this week we have opted to concentrate on companies presenting rare works as well as modern classics and a world premiere. Here is a look! Orfeo – Beijing Music Festival, China Fay Jueen Wang and Zou Shuang’s new immersive opera makes its world premiere in a {…}
The Victorian Opera has announced its 2019 Season. In a press release, Artistic Director Richard Mills said, “Victorian Opera reimagines the potential of opera through a diverse program, ranging from the epic richness of Wagner’s ‘Parsifal’ to new operas made by and for Victorians.” 2019 season The 2019 season opens with Wagner’s final opera “Parsifal” in a new production at {…}
The 2018-19 season is about to start with numerous new productions, revivals and world premieres. With a ton of selections to be sure in many of the world’s greatest houses, we whittled it down to the 10 Must-See productions operas that you cannot miss this fall. Medée – Berlin State Opera Sonya Yoncheva takes on her 50th role in Cherubini’s rarely {…}
Let’s run around the world, or more specifically, let’s run off to South America and Europe for five performances that are simply unmissable! Pelléas et Mélisande – Teatro Colón, Argentina Debussy’s only opera gets a new production in Buenos Aires by Susana Gómez. Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti returns to the opera stage in the title role alongside Verónica Cangemi and David Maze. Enrique {…}
The Palau de les Arts has announced its 2018-19 season, featuring a number of operatic classics and rarely performed gems. In total, seven productions will be featured. Here is a look. Productions The season opens with Puccini’s “Turandot” starring Jennifer Wilson, Marco Berti, Miren Urbieta, and Abramo Rosalen, conducted by Alpesh Chauhan. Chen Kaige directs the production. Performance Dates: Oct. 17-31, {…}
“Lucia di Lammermoor” is a role known for its high-flying coloratura, its expansive and dramatic scenes and, of course, the mad scene. In order for a Lucia to work, there must be a soprano who can handle all the challenges and a supporting cast that can work around her. There must be a soprano who cannot only conquer the virtuoso {…}
“Lucia di Lammermoor” is one of the important canonical works and most divas are measured by their abilities to manage the great challenges of this bel canto opera. One of the foremost performers of the opera today is Australian soprano Jessica Pratt, who has sung the work in over 20 productions and 80 performances with such companies as Teatro alla {…}
The Bilbao Opera has announced its 2018-19 Season featuring five main stage productions and four family-oriented productions. In total, the company will present 9 titles with a total of 46 performances. Main Stage The 67th Season of ABAO-OLBE opens on Oct. 20 with Puccini’s “La Bohème.” Soprano Ainhoa Arteta takes on the role of Mimì with Romanian tenor Teodor Ilincai {…}
“Lucia di Lammermoor “ is, in many ways, the DIVA opera. You have a title role for soprano filled with a ton of duets (one with each of the main male leads), and at the climax of it all, opera’s most famous mad scene. And that’s without mentioning her other aria and the sextet that she dominates. It’s a daunting {…}