(Photo ©2024 Camilla Greenwell) In a recent interview with director Damiano Michieletto at the Venice production of “The Tales of Hoffmann,” he said: “At its heart it is a journey into fantasy. It is opera fantastique, after all!” One definition of the French word fantastique is: a term for a literary and cinematic genre and mode that is characterized by {…}
Following the announcement of Germany’s proposal to merge 3sat into Arte, the Franco-German culture channel, IMZ International Music+Media Centre and several artists have released statements against the planned merger. IMZ Media said, “3sat is the only public channel showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the DACH region, broadcasting dance, theatre, opera, literature, music and more across Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. {…}
(Credit: © Gregor Hohenberg) September 20 marked a special day for tenor Juan Diego Flórez. For decades, the famed bel canto specialist has been almost exclusively releasing albums on Decca Classics, becoming one of the major operatic faces for the label throughout his career. He also worked with Sony Classical for a short period. But the tenor, who in recent {…}
The Royal Ballet and Opera is set to present Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffman” in a new production by Damiano Michieletto. The production first made its premiere in Sydney and Venice. In a statement, Michieletto said, “The journey of these Contes d’Hoffmann should have started right from London in 2020. The project was then stopped by Covid. But that was just {…}
Barcelona Obertura has unveiled its 2024-25 season. Here is a rundown of the vocal performances on offer. Soprano Núria Rial will take on songs by Mompou in a performance that also includes works by Gershwin and Ravel. Ludovic Morlot conducts the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra. Performance Date: Oct. 14, 2024 The Liceu will present “Lady Macbeth of Mstensk” in a production {…}
Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. This week it’s all about the tenor. Three of opera’s leading tenors release albums that feature their vocal depths and their passion. There are a number of the world premiere recordings and several choral albums. Ways You Went Donald Nally’s chamber choir The {…}
Juan Diego Flórez has announced his upcoming album “Zarzuela” which will be released on his new record label on Sept. 20, 2024. The Florez Records production will showcase the tenor in works by José Serrano, Federico Moreno Torroba, Pablo Luna, Ruperto Chapí, Gerónimo Giménez, Rafael Calleja & Tomás Barrera, Reveriano Soutullo & Juan Vert, Amadeo Vives, and Agustín Pérez Soriano. {…}
(Photo: Amati Bacciardi) “Ermione” managed only seven performances when premiered at Naples’ San Carlo in 1816 before being shelved. It had to wait until 1987 to be revived, when it received its first modern staging at the Pesaro Rossini Opera Festival. Since then, it has had numerous performances, with each adding to its reputation as one of the composer’s most {…}
Famed tenor Juan Diego Flórez has announced the establishment of a new record label. The acclaimed tenor said in a press release, “He has now founded his own label under the name Florez Records. The first album will be released in autumn 2024 and is dedicated to the zarzuela genre. It will also mark the star tenor’s first recording with {…}
In December 2023, Unesco announced its decision to include the most Italian of all arts, that explodes with passion and is powered by mastery in music, singing, drama, and design, the Italian Opera, or simply Lirica as it is called in Italy, under its category of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This summer, the Arena di Verona Foundation invited all lovers of {…}
Rai Cultura is set to broadcast the Arena di Verona’s opening night concert “La Grande Opera Italiana Patrimonio dell’Umanità” on June 7. The concert is set to feature such artists as Anna Netrebko, Eleonora Buratto, Rosa Feola, Juliana Grigoryan, Jessica Pratt, Mariangela Sicilia, Aigul Akhmetshina, Jonas Kaufmann, Juan Diego Flórez, Vittorio Grigòlo, Brian Jagde, Francesco Meli, Galeano Salas, Nicola Alaimo, Luca {…}