Top 5 Operas to See This Weekend – International (3/23-25): Anja Harteros & Joseph Calleja Headline New Productions

Let the Holiday season begin as many of the world’s festivals begin their Easter celebrations. Here is a breakdown of the performances you should see this weekend. Tosca – Salzburg East Festival, Austria The Easter Festival begins in Salzburg with a new production of “Tosca” starring the extraordinary Anja Harteros alongside Aleksandrs Antonenko and Ludovic Tézier. Christian Thielemann conducts the new {…}

Mar 18, 2018

Jonas Kaufmann, Anja Kampe & Anja Harteros Headline Bayerische Staatsoper’s 2018-19 Season

The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced its 2018-19 season, which is set to include eight new productions and a number of revival productions. The season will also include a number of concert performances as well as recitals in the company’s summer festival. Here is a look at all the operatic events. New Productions Amélie Niermeyer directs a new production of Verdi’s {…}

Mar 8, 2018

Opera Meets Film: How Joseph Calleja’s Caruso Moment Colors The Entire Theme of ‘The Immigrant’

“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment we will take a {…}

Feb 5, 2018

Royal Opera House 2017-18 Live Cinema Preview: Calleja, Pieczonka Star in Puccini’s ‘Tosca’

The Royal Opera House will present Puccini’s “Tosca” live in cinemas on Feb. 7, 2018. The performance will be broadcast around the world and stars Adrianne Pieczonka in the title role, Joseph Calleja as Mario Cavaradossi, and Gerald Finley as the villainous Scarpia. Regarding the showcase, OperaWire praised the production by Jonathan Kent noting, “It’s humorous to think that many {…}

Jan 29, 2018

CD / DVD Releases – Week of January 29: Sonya Yoncheva & Joseph Calleja Pay Homage To Verdi

This week, two of the most celebrated artists of our time pay homage to Verdi. Both singers, now in their primes put two distinguished programs together that showcase new repertoire and a new facet of their careers. Verdi Sonya Yoncheva records her third solo album for Sony featuring a delightful selection of Verdi’s most popular and uncommon arias. The album {…}

Jan 22, 2018

40 Fun Facts About Tenor Joseph Calleja As He Turns 40

Joseph Calleja turns 40 years old today. Born on Jan. 22, 1978, the Maltese tenor has risen to the ranks of being one of the greatest singers in the world today. In commemoration of his 40th birthday, here are 40 fun facts about this still burgeoning artist. He was born in Attard, Malta. He was inspired to sing at the {…}

Jan 17, 2018

Royal Opera House 2017-18 Review – Tosca: Pieczonka, Calleja, Finley Don’t Quite Mesh in Revival of Jonathan Kent’s Classic Produciton

There are instances in which it’s difficult for opera-lovers to remember “Tosca” is no comedy. From that perspective it is easy to recall the legend of a certain prima donna who once bounced back from the trampoline that was supposed to break her fall as Tosca killed herself. Floria Tosca is not one of opera’s most pitiable characters. She is {…}

Jan 13, 2018

Behold the Full Track Listing for Joseph Calleja’s ‘Verdi’ Album

Decca has released the full track list of Joseph Calleja’s new album “Verdi.” The album, which is slated to released by Decca Classics on Feb. 2, 2018, and marks his first in six years, will include “Di quella pira” and “Ah! Si, ben mio…” from “Il Trovatore,” “Già nella notte densa” from “Otello,” and “Celeste Aida” from the opening scene {…}

Dec 21, 2017

Opera Meets Film: Opera Stars Who Have Been Featured In Recent Films

“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment, given the fact that {…}

Dec 8, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Norma: Angela Meade & Jamie Barton Rock The Met With Gargantuan Singing

Back in fall 2013, Sondra Radvanovsky sang her first “Norma” at the Met. A few performances later, Angela Meade and Jamie Barton stole the spotlight when they were paired together for the second cast of the opera. Now it is the 2017-18 season and the pattern has continued, with the inclusion of Marina Rebeka for two performances in between. While {…}

Nov 13, 2017

CD / DVD Releases – Week of November 13: Renée Fleming, Rolando Villazón & Elina Garanca Headline New Releases

With the holiday season approaching, this will be filled with numerous DVDs and CDs to choose from. Many of opera’s top star in the releases including Sonya Yoncheva, Rolando Villazón and Renée Fleming. Norma Bel Canto fans will be treated to a new Norma from the Royal Opera House with a stellar cast. Sonya Yoncheva stars in the Mount Everest {…}

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