(Photo: Stefano Binci) Maiolati, a small Italian municipality of just six thousand inhabitants located in the province of Ancona, at the heart of Italy, preserves an important cultural legacy. In this serene village, Gaspare Spontini was born in 1774, a composer who, during his time, achieved extraordinary fame and recognition. However, over the years, his name and works have gradually {…}
(Photo: Matilde Fassò) Italian baritone Bruno Taddia is embarking on his most challenging role yet as Licinius in Gaspare Spontini’s “La Vestale,” with libretto by Étienne de Jouy, for the Pergolesi Spontini Festival in Jesi. OperaWire dives headfirst into asking Taddia all about how he connects with this role and what it means to him as he performs for this {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its June 23 performance of Spontini’s “La Vestale.” The company said, “Jean Teitgen, unwell, will not be able to perform vocally on Sunday, June 23, 2024. The role of the Souverain Pontife will be played on stage by Jean Teitgen and sung upstage by Nicolas Courjal.” Courjal has performed with {…}
The Opéra de Paris has announced a cast change for its June 15 performance of “La Vestale.” The company said that Elodie Hache will sing the role of Julia replacing Elza van den Heever, who is ill. Van den Heever took to social media and said, “I am heartbroken to share the news that I will not sing this evening’s {…}
On Oct. 28, 2023, Teatro Grattacielo is set to present Spontini’s “La Vestale.” The opera will star Indra Thomas as Giulia, Thomas Kinch as Licinio, Tahanee Aluwihare as La Gran Vestale, Kyle Oliver as Cinna, Eric Lindsey as Il Sommo Sacerdote, Rick Agster, and Hyunsoon Kim. They will be joined by the Teatro Grattacielo Orchestra under the musical direction of {…}
Teatro Grattacielo has announced its 2022-23 season. The company will kick things off with “Don Giovanni” in co-production with the Mid-Atlantic Chamber Orchestra. Jason Tramm will conduct while Stefanos Koroneos directs. The performance will feature Enes Pektas, Lucas Bouk, and Ashton Jones as Don Giovanni; Logan Dooley as Leporello; William Mouat and Rick Agster as Commendatore; Sara Kennedy, Ashia Barnes, {…}
Gaspare Spontini’s “La Vestale” will be performed as part of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées’ 30th anniversary series. The Roman tale of religious zeal and forbidden love features Les Talens Lyriques and Chœur de la Radio Flamande as well as Marina Rebeka as Julia, Stanislas de Barbeyrac as Licinius, Tassis Christoyannis sings Cinna, Aude Extrémo as The Great Vestal, and Nicolas {…}
(Credit: Frédérick Desmesure) Elza van den Heever is one of the most dynamic sopranos of her generation. Her repertoire spans several periods from baroque to Mozart and Bel Canto as well as Wagner, Strauss, and Verdi. She is an acclaimed actress and is especially hailed for her sparkling high notes. Throughout her her 2019-20 season the soprano will showcase three {…}
Francisco Araiza, born on Oct. 4, 1950, is one of the greatest Mexican tenors of all time. He pioneered a path for many singers from Latin America, including such stars as Ramón Vargas and Javier Camarena. He had a tremendously diverse repertoire, stretching from Mozart and Rossini, all the way to Wagner, from whom he took on lead roles in {…}