(Credit: Javier del Real) There are very few times when an operatic miracle of artistic excellence happens inside an opera house. But attending the performance of soprano Yolanda Auyanet as Maria Stuarda on the night of December 19th was one of those. She is no stranger to the Teatro Real theatre and bel canto repertoire, including her performances of Il Pirata {…}
(Photo: After having opened the season with his production of “Adriana Lecouvreur,” David McVicar returned to Teatro Real for his new production of “Maria Stuarda,” co-produced with Teatre del Liceu, Donizetti Opera Festival-Bergamo and Finland National Opera. McVicar is one of the greatest directors of this generation and his productions are shown at major opera houses around the world. He {…}
(Credit: Javier del Real) The Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen gained international attention after winning the Operalia, Queen Sonja and Hans Gabor Belvedere competitions in 2015. Since then, she has sung at major opera houses around the world such as The Met, The Royal Opera, La Scala, Wien staatsoper and Bayreuth Festival. The young soprano has sung the title role of {…}
(Credit: JPS) Madrid’s Teatro de la Zarzuela has announced José Miguel Pérez Sierra as its new Music Director. The conductor will take over for Guillermo García Calvo, who did not renew his contract. This news coincides with the announcement that Isamay Benavente will become the new director of the company. Pérez Sierra will take over the role during the 2024-2025 {…}
Is Rossini one of the greatest composers of all time? A critical survey of his work would lead to a mixed answer here. Most would recognize his great achievements as a composer, though many in history also note that his efforts were evolved and superseded by composers that came later. His impact on history is fixed, but his impact today {…}