Everyone knows “La Bohème,” even people that know nothing about opera. Arguably the most famous opera of all time, next to Bizet’s “Carmen,” Puccini’s masterwork is renowned for its celebrated melodies and unforgettable characters. The opera had its world premiere on Feb. 1, 1896, with Arturo Toscanini in the pit. Legend has it that Puccini opted to write the opera {…}
The Austin Opera has announced its 2018-19 season, which will feature four major operas spread between November 2018 and May 2019. The season opens with Verdi’s “Otello,” the first time the opera will be showcased with the company in 20 years. Issachah Savage takes on the iconic tenor role while Marina Costa-Jackson interprets his wife desdemona. Michael Chioldi rounds out {…}
The Canadian Opera Company has announced its 2018-19 season, which will feature six operas. Every opera is undeniably the sum of all its parts, but there is certainly a lot to be said about how one performer can become the big story for his or her upcoming showcase. Here is a look at the six exciting singers to keep an {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting 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 will showcase Norman Jewison’s {…}
Puccini, born on Dec. 22, 1858, has provided the entire world with some of the greatest operas ever conceived by mankind. With his lush melodies that pull on anyone’s heartstrings and his incredible sense of drama, the composer became the Italian heir to Verdi and essentially the end of the formal line of Italian tradition. After Puccini’s death in the {…}
On December 8, 2017, Pacific Opera Project presented its version of Giacomo Puccini’s “La bohème,” called “The Hipsters.” Artistic Director and Company Co-Founder Josh Shaw defines “hipsters” as twenty to thirty-year-old well-educated members of a subculture that values independent thinking, an appreciation of art, creativity, intelligence, and the witty banter of well-educated young adults, many of whom have liberal arts {…}
On Dec. 12, 2017, Medici.tv will present Puccini’s “La Bohème” from the Paris Opera. The new production by Claus Guth, which takes place in space, stars Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva and Maestro Gustavo Dudamel. Rising star Aida Garifullina stars as Musetta while Atalla Ayan is Rodolfo and Artur Ruciński is Marcello. When the production opened audiences booed it but critics were {…}
With the holiday season in full swing, the opera schedule is winding down across the country. In fact, only a few weeks ago there were over 70 performances over the weekend. This weekend the number has dropped quite drastically, Fortunately, that doesn’t mean there is no opera for the opera-craved. Here are five performances to get your fill. Le Nozze {…}
Kristine Opolais, born on Nov. 12, 1979, has built up quite a prominent career all around the entire world. Born in Latvia, she would go on to join the chorus of the Latvian National Opera, then slowly but surely make her way through some of the famed houses in Europe. Along the way, she has developed a wide range of {…}
The Pacific Opera Project will close its 2017 season with five performances of its 2012 production of “La Bohème: AKA ‘The Hipsters.’” In POP’s production of “La Bohème: AKA ‘The Hipsters,’” an 1830’s Parisian garret becomes a present-day Los Angeles loft apartment during a particularly cold SoCal winter. LA’s housing crisis comes to life on stage as the artist, poet, philosopher, musician, {…}
Luciano Pavarotti is one of the greatest tenors of all-time, his artistry leaving a massive legacy behind him. The tenor, born on Oct 12, 1935 in Modena, will always be remembered for his charming disposition which was matched by the color of his voice. His ability to transcend the opera stage and reach millions around the world with a variety {…}