(Credit: Chris Lee) September 27, 2019, saw the second performance of the New York Philharmonic’s cerebral double bill, comprised of Bartok’s “Bluebeard’s Castle,” and Schoenberg’s “Erwartung.” Both works delve deeply into the psyche to explore themes of love, loss, trust, betrayal, and more. Joined by some truly magnetic soloists, Jaap van Zweden and the Philharmonic succeeded in bringing the music, {…}
(Credit: Sven Helge Czichy) The Staatstheater Wiesbaden has announced its 2019-20 season, featuring seven new productions and a number of stars. Here is a look at what the season will offer. New Production Patrick Lange conducts a new production of Bizet’s “Carmen” by Uwe Eric Laufenberg. Lena Belkina stars in the title role with tenors Sebastien Gueze, Aaron Cawley, and {…}
The Zurich Opera has announced its 2019-20 season which will feature a whopping 11 opera premieres and 17 opera revivals. Premieres “The Makropulos Case” will be the first offering of the season with Evelyn Herlitzius starring as Emilia Marty. Other cast members will include Sam Furness, Kevin Conners, Deniz Uzun, Scott Hendricks, and Spencer Lang, among others. Dmitri Tcherniakov will direct while {…}
The Hamburg State Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring six new productions and a number of revivals. There is also a mix of contemporary repertoire with classic and repertory staples. Here is a look at what to expect. New Productions Elbenita Kajtazi, Renate Spingler, Hellen Kwon, Peter Galliard, Stefan Sevenich, Iwan Iwanowitsch, and Julian Arsenault star in a new production of Shostakovich’s “The {…}
This week, two acclaimed productions come to DVD from Europe, while a world premiere recording of a rarely performed work comes to the fore. Here is a look. Così Fan Tutte Corrine Winters, Daniel Behle, Alessio Arduini, Sabina Puertolas, Angela Brower, and Johannes Martin Kranzleheadline headline a new production of Mozart’s final Da Ponte opera directed by Jan Philipp Gloger. {…}
Johannes Martin Kränzle may not have the world-renown name of many major singers, but he certainly has the experience and recordings to illustrate his strength as an artist. The baritone has a varied selection from which listeners can choose from, ranging from high profile video recordings to more intimate listening experiences. Here are some of his vital albums. 1. Alberich {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper kicks off the New Year with a performance of Johann Strauss II’s popular “Die Fledermaus.” The performances gets going at 6 p.m. local time (12 p.m. EST) and ends around 9:20 p.m. with only one intermission. The New Year’s Eve performance is already sold out. The run, which features three additional performances on Jan. 2, 5 and {…}
Johannes Martin Kränzle is slowly becoming a recognized artist in the world of opera. After studying violin and composition for years, the baritone turned to opera and has not looked back ever since. Even after a setback from Bone Marrow Disease, Kränzle’s return to the stage has had critics raving. This week, with many artists taking a break, Kränzle will {…}