The Jussi Björling Society-USA (JBS-USA) will present “Björling and Bergonzi: A Comparative Study.” The event will take place over Zoom on Oct. 22, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Stephen Hastings, author of “The Björling Sound,” will host the event and will be joined by Stefan Johansson, a long-time chief dramaturg of the Swedish Royal Opera, and JBS-USA Board Member Sue {…}
Cellini’s golden “Trovatore” from 1952 is arguably one of the most enduring in discographic history. It has always been a favorite of English-speaking critics, bringing together the Met’s roster of international superstars: Björling, Milanov, Warren, and Barbieri. In Italy, its critical fortune has been more mitigated; yet when pressed, even as staunch a skeptic as the notoriously exacting Elvio Giudici {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a film section or a film in its entirety and highlight 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 features Michael {…}
Jussi Björling was one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century. Born on Feb. 5, 1911 in Sweden, first started learning to sing from his father, who also taught his two brothers. The family often engaged in performances as the Björling Male Quartet and the tenor made his debut public appearance at age five. The group would perform actively {…}
On Feb. 5, 1911, the world was given the great gift that was Jussi Björling. The Swedish tenor became an icon throughout his career, his perfect vocal control a defining feature of his extensive career. Björling is in many ways synonymous with the Metropolitan Opera, becoming one of the company’s principal artists throughout the 1940’s and 50’s singing a wide {…}
Gounod’s beloved “Romeo Juliette” returns to the Met on New Years Eve with a star cast that includes two singers that had electric chemistry in another great French work a few years ago. The Performers Diana Damrau and Vittorio were a dynamic duo when they took the stage for Massenet’s “Manon” back in March 2015. Their chemistry was revered by {…}
Thursday December 22 is the 158th birthday of one of the greatest opera composers of all time – Giacomo Puccini. The Italian composer is best known for his brilliant melodic invention and his operatic output, while relatively small when compared with the likes of Italian predecessors such as Verdi, Rossini or Donizetti, is among the most popular in the entire {…}
