As we wrap up 2024, here is a look back at some of the most-read articles of 2023. We will focus mainly on longer-form pieces like reviews and interviews for this article. Top 10 Most-Read Reviews of 2024 Metropolitan Opera Review of “Carmen“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “La Forza del Destino“ Metropolitan Opera Review of “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” Metropolitan Opera {…}
NHK Classic is set to broadcast “La Gioconda” on Oct. 28, 2024 from the Teatro San Carlo. The Japanese broadcasting company announced the news via social media. The recording which was made in April 2024 stars Anna Netrebko in the title role, Jonas Kaufmann as Enzo, Eve-Maud Hubeaux as Laura, Ludovic Tézier as Barnaba, Ksenia Nikolaeva as La Cieca, and {…}
Editor’s note: The initial review is for the performance on April 10, 2024 and was written by Francisco Salazar. The addendum is for the performance on April 13, 2024 and was written by David Salazar, who attended both performances. It’s been 47 years since Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda” has been shown at the Teatro San Carlo. Considered one of the most {…}
The Teatro San Carlo di Napoli has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of “La Gioconda.” The company said that Eve-Maud Hubeaux will sing the role of Laura replacing the originally announced Anita Rachvelishvili. Hubeaux recently sang the role at the Salzburg Easter Festival and critics noted she is “captivating” as Gioconda’s revival. The mezzo will once again {…}
(Credit: Bernd Uhlig) The Salzburg Easter Festival will broadcast a recording of Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda” on Oe1. The recording from opening night on March 23, will be broadcast on April 6, 2024, at 7:30 pm. The recording will feature Anna Netrebko in the title role of La Gioconda, Jonas Kaufmann as Enzo Grimaldo, Tareq Nazmi as Alvise Badoero, Eve-Maud Hubeaux as {…}
This week a new production of Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda” is set to open at the famed Salzburg Easter Festival. The opera, which is rarely performed, required six of the greatest voices and the festival lined up a star cast including rising star Eve-Maud Hubeaux, who is set to portray her first Laura. Over the past years, the mezzo has become {…}
Saioa Hernández has canceled her performance of “la Giocona” at Les Choregies d’Orange Festival. The soprano took to social media and said, “for personal reasons I have been forced to give up my participation in the Les Choregies d’Orange Festival, in the only performance of La Gioconda scheduled for August 6th, 2022. I’m sorry not being able to meet the {…}
(Credit: © Marc Brenner) “La Gioconda,” or “‘The Ballad singer” to give the opera its usual English translation, actually translates to, “The Happy Woman.” Irony overload, indeed, for an opera infused with sin, bitter revenge, betrayal, adultery, suicide, murder, cruelty and the Roman Inquisition. “La Gioconda” is a bit of a bizarre opera, by any standards. Encapsulating passion, violence and ultimately tragedy it {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced a cast change for its production of Ponchielli’s “La Gioconda.” The company noted via social media, “due to a sudden illness tenor Fabio Sartori has to withdraw from La Gioconda’s production. La Scala thanks Stefano La Colla to accepted on short notice to take the role of Enzo Grimaldi.” La Colla is an Italian {…}
(Credit: Chorégies d’Orange official website) Les Chorégies d’Orange Festival has announced its 2022 slate, featuring two operas and international stars. For the purpose of this article we will focus on vocal performances only. Donizetti’s “L’elisir d’amore” spotlights René Barbera as Nemorino, Andrzej Filończyk as Belcore, Erwin Schrott as Dulcamara, Anna Nalbandiants as Giannetta, and Pretty Yende as Adina. Giacomo Sagripanti {…}
The Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse has announced that Roberto Scandiuzzi will sing the role of Alvise in the company’s upcoming production of “La Gioconda.” The bass will replace Marco Spotti, who was forced to withdraw from the production due to illness. Scandiuzzi is a well-known bass whose repertoire ranges from Verdi to the French and Russian repertoire. He is {…}