Top 5 Operas to See This Weekend – International (11/17-19): Vittorio Grigolo, Joyce DiDonato & Ekaterina Bakanova Lead Must-See Operas

This weekend features a plethora of major performances from opera’s greatest stars all around the world. Here are our picks for the top five must-see shows of the weekend. L’Elisir D’Amore – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria “Adriana Lecourevur” maybe the hottest ticket in Vienna because of Anna Netrebko but it isn’t the only show that is essential viewing. Vittorio Grigolo returns {…}

Oct 22, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Norma: Marina Rebeka Makes Powerful Impression Alongside Joyce DiDonato, Joseph Calleja in New Met Production

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 {…}

Oct 13, 2017

Erato Announces New ‘Les Troyens’ Recording with Joyce DiDonato

Joyce DiDonato’s famed interpretation of Didon in Berlioz’s “Les Troyens” will get a CD release this fall. The new recording, which will be released by Erato features the full uncut score of the Berlioz masterwork, drawn from two concert performances that took place over the Easter weekend in April 2017 in the Strasbourg, France. The performance is led by conductor John Nelson {…}

Oct 2, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 HD Preview: Sondra Radvanovsky & Joyce DiDonato Star in ‘Norma’

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 {…}

Sep 29, 2017

Social Media Beat (Week of Sept. 29): Metropolitan Opera Opening Week Dominates

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,” {…}

Sep 26, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Norma: Opening Night is a Triumph for Sondra Radvanovsky

The Metropolitan Opera launched its 2017-18 season with its usual flash and sparkle, ushering celebrities onto the red carpet for their turn at the step and repeat as droves of opera fans in their black tie best bustled under the crystal chandeliers. The house was abuzz from the very start: patrons chattering in excitement even after the lights went down. {…}

Jul 27, 2017

Joyce DiDonato, Jonas Kaufmann & Matthias Goerne Among ECHO KLASSIK Award Winners

The annual ECHO KLASSIK Awards have announced their 54 awards in 22 categories. This year’s coveted Female and Male singer of the year awards went to Joyce DiDonato and Matthias Goerne. Other winners included Jonas Kaufmann, whose album “Dolce Vita” topped the charts in terms of sales and will be honored in the category of “Bestseller of the Year 2017.” {…}

Jul 21, 2017

Weekend Preview – International (7/21-23): Sonya Yoncheva, Placido Domingo & Jonas Kaufmann Headline Opera Festivals

Many of the great opera houses around the world are now closed but festival season is beginning with many of the most renowned singers headlining new productions. Argentina Robert Carsen’s “Der Rosenkavalier” continues its run at the Teatro Colón. Austria The Salzburg Festival kicks off with the final performance of Opera Camp, Jedermann. At the Bregenzer Festival Rossini’s “Moses in Eygpt” {…}

Jul 21, 2017

Social Media Beat (Week 7/14-20): A Look At Festival Season

It’s festival season and some of the biggest stars are preparing for their upcoming performances or ending their 2016-17 season. Check out what some of your favorite stars have been up to. Anna Netrebko gave a sneak peek into rehearsals of Aida. In one of her pictures, flashes of the production were visible with chorus members littering the stage. The {…}

Jul 20, 2017

Operalia Competition: Joyce DiDonato, Nina Stemme & the Great Winners of the 1990s

The Operalia Competition is just days away and in anticipation of the famed event, we will take a look back down memory lane at the opera singers who became stars after big performances at the competition. For this week’s installment, we will look at the early years of the competition and the 90s. Here are the winners of that decade {…}

Jul 4, 2017

Renée Fleming, Joyce DiDonato & The Iconic Performances of the Star-Spangled Banner

Happy Birthday United States of America! Today on July 4 we celebrate the birth of the US with its musical symbol of Independence, the Star Spangled Banner. Over the years, many opera stars have interpreted the famed musical anthem in iconic settings. On this day, mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton will add her own rendition to the Macy’s July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza. {…}