The holiday season is upon us and that means many great new offerings are coming out. This week will feature the realse of a solo album debut, a new DVD from the Metropolitan Opera, a lieder album, and a Christmas album. Here are our essential recordings to buy this week. A Te, O Cara Stephen Costello makes his solo album debut with “A {…}
On Friday, Oct. 26, the Metropolitan Opera Guild presented its Annual Luncheon to honor the career of superstar soprano Anna Netrebko. Titled “Amazing Anna” and taking place at Cipriani 42nd Street (and without too many flowers as per the honoree’s request), the event was befitting of the famed diva, proving entertaining and breezing by in a way that these events {…}
Puccini’s “Tosca” received its 966th performance at the Metropolitan Opera on Thursday, Oct. 25. The work featured the second revival of David McVicar’s production from last season, with some unique distinctions. As noted in last year’s review of this production, this version of the work’s success will live or die based on whether the performers bring a strong perspective to {…}
“Tosca” is one of the more popular operas in the entire repertory and this season it will be returning to the Met Opera for a total of 13 performances throughout the months of October, November, March, and April. There are two main casts across the two runs, distinguished by the two leading ladies in the title role. However, the remainder {…}
This weekend will showcase a world premiere, a highly anticipated new production, a classic revival, a visiting opera company and the continuation of Wagner’s tetralogy. Here is a look at what OperaWire recommends this weekend. Berénice – Opéra National de Paris, France Barbara Hannigan creates the role of Berénice in Michale Jarrell’s new work. The work also stars Bo Skovhus, Alastair Miles, and {…}
Erato has announced that the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of “Norma” will be released on DVD. The production, which opened the Met season last season, starred Sondra Radvanovsky, Joyce DiDonato, and Joseph Calleja. Carlo Rizzi conducted the opera, which received rave reviews and which OperaWire called the production a “success and hearkens to a season of beautiful artistry, great music, {…}
Opera Naples has announced its upcoming 2018-2019 season, featuring an exciting combination of operas, solo performances, chamber music and special events. The season will mark the fifth season with internationally acclaimed Conductor and Artistic Director, Ramón Tebar. “I’m so excited to present a wonderful and varied season for the Southwest Florida community that encompasses many different styles, genres, and events {…}
This weekend is filled with a number of rarities and modern masterpieces all around the world. We look at what we think audiences can discover for the first time and rising stars performing these roles. La Donna del Lago, Opera Royal de Wallonie, Liege, Belgium Salome Jicia takes on the title role in Rossini’s rarely performed drama with Marianna Pizzolato {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced the 2018-19 season, which is incidentally the company’s 150-anniversary year. The season will include six new productions, including a world premiere production. Here is a breakdown of what’s to come. New Productions (In Order of Opening) Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” will be the first new production, starting on Oct. 14, 2018. David McVicar directs while {…}
( Photo credit: Manfred Brückels) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced its 2018-19 season featuring seven new productions and numerous revivals. The season will also include some of today’s biggest stars as well numerous ensemble members. Here is a look! New Productions Johan Reuter takes on the title role in Berg’s “Wozzeck” in a new production by Ole Anders Tanberg’s {…}
The Hamburg State Opera has announced its 2018-19 season, featuring a number of international singers and six new productions. Here is a look at what’s in store for operalovers. New Productions The Hamburg State Opera’s first new production of the season will be “Così fan tutte” with Maria Bengtsson, Stephanie Lauricella, Kartal Karagedik, Dovlet Nurgeldiyev, Oleksiy Palchykov, Sylvia Schwartz, and {…}