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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
“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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
The weekend is always crowded and filled with a number of performances for audiences to choose from. Over the past year, we have put out lists of all the performances happening around the world in order to inform audiences what is being performed. But after analyzing the audience response, we thought of changing it up a bit. Instead of overwhelming {…}
This is a review for the Oct. 20 performance. I would like to begin this review at the end, since the final impressions, sensations and overall reaction of the audience is the barometer which measures the overall impact of the performance. In the case of this “Norma,” the final curtain was greeted with a massive explosion of applause in the {…}
The Metropolitan Opera’s famed Live in HD series kicks off this weekend with a broadcast performance of Bellini’s “Norma.” The performance, which takes place on Oct. 7, 2017, will feature Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role with Joseph Calleja as Pollione, Joyce DiDonato as Adalgisa, and Matthew Rose as Oroveso. The production is directed by Sir David McVicar. Carlo Rizzi {…}
The big event of the week was the opening of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2017-18 season. As might be expected, a lot of the big stars had a lot to showcase on social media, many of them prepping for the opening of their respective productions. In addition to her big week at the Met, playing Adalgisa at opening night of “Norma,” {…}
