(Credit: Richard Hubert Smith) French Composer Jules Massenet premiered his opera “Cendrillon” in 1899 at the Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique in Paris. Best known for its radical story-telling of the fairytale Cinderella, this opera is centered around dreams-versus-reality and highlights Massenet’s surrealistic tendencies before the surrealism movement even began. Glyndebourne is a legendary hub that produces “no ordinary opera,” therefore, {…}
The Berlin Philharmonic has announced its 2019-2020 season featuring numerous guests including Marlis Petersen as the Artist in Residence. Here is a look at the starry Lineup. The season opens with Kirill Petrenko conducting Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Marlis Petersen, Elisabeth Kulman, and Benjamin Bruns. The concert will also include Alban Berg’s “Lulu Suite.” Performance Dates: August 23-31, 2019 John {…}
Every year the Metropolitan Opera throws in some surprises, whether in repertoire or in casting choices. Sometimes those casting choices are curve-balls that include important returns to the stage. This season, OperaWire is spotlighting six major artists that have not performed on the Met stage in years and will be pleasant surprises to hear and see in 2019-20. Kate Lindsey {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2019-20 season with five new productions, a New Year’s Eve gala, and a recital. Here is a look at what to expect. New Productions The season opens with Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” in a new production by James Robinson. The production stars Eric Owens and Kevin Short sharing the title role of Porgy and {…}
The LA Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring six new productions, two company premieres, and one world pmiere. Here is a look at what to expect. Main Stage Barrie Kosky directs the first production of Puccini’s “La Bohème” in 25 years. Marina Costa-Jackson makes her LA Opera debut in the title role with Saimir Pirgu as Rodolfo. Erica Petroelli, {…}
The father of opera, as Claudio Monteverdi is often referred to, created the most magical music in the world about the darkest characters that had ever lived. How can we see beauty in horror and why life always juxtaposes the opposites? These questions run through your mind as you listen to “L’incoranazione di Poppea,” an ancient story of lust, seduction {…}
Medici.tv is set to live stream two more performances from the Salzburg Festival. The streaming service will first showcase Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades” on August 16, 2018, starring Brandon Jovanovich, Hanna Schwarz, Evgenia Muraveva, Oksana Volkova, and Vladislav Sulimsky. Mariss Jansons will conduct the Vienna Philharmonic. Then on August 20, 2018, Medici will showcase Monteverdi’s “L’Incoronazione di Poppea” with Sonya Yoncheva in the {…}
It’s a Rossini-filled week with the Rossini Opera Festival opening and Australia also opening a Rossini production. The weekend also sees two of today’s biggest divas performing. Find out what’s in store. Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvazov – Teatro Colón, Argentina Anna Netrebko makes her debut at the Teatro Colón in Argentina alongside her husband Yusif Eyvazov. The concert will {…}
The World Cup is underway, but the opera companies don’t seem to care all that much. Here is a look at what we think you have to see! Der Freischütz – Wiener Staatsoper, Austria Camila Nylund, Daniela Fally, Alan Held, and Andreas Schager star in a new production of Weber’s gem. The all-star cast is led by Tomáš Netopil at the {…}
The Glyndebourne Festival has announced its 2019 season featuring six productions, of which two are new. Here is a look at what the festival will present. Productions The season opens with Berlioz’s “La Damnation de Faust” conducted by Robin Ticciati and directed by Richard Jones in a new production. Allan Clayton, Julie Boulianne, and Christopher Purves headline the production. Performance {…}
The Opera de Bordeaux has announced its 2018-19 season featuring six productions, recitals and a number of concert performances of diverse repertoire for opera lovers. The season will also include a number of international opera singers making role debuts and anticipated debuts. Here is a look. Operas Bordeaux opens a new production of Offenbach’s “La Perichole” with Aude Extremo in the {…}