Asmik Grigorian, Sonya Yoncheva, Judit Kutasi, Maximilian Schmitt, & Soloman Howard Star in George Enescu International Festival 2025

(Photo credits: Vedinaș, Behrmann, & Adjahoe) The George Enescu International Festival 2025 announces its star-studded lineup. This article only features vocal works. The opening concert features the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir. Iosef Ion Prunner and Cristian Măcelaru conduct. Performance Date: August 24, 2025 Soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen performs with the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra under the direction of Keri-lynn Wilson. {…}

Feb 9, 2024

Lise Davidsen & Brian Jagde Lead Metropolitan Opera’s ‘La Forza del Destino’

The Metropolitan Opera is set to present a new production of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” on Feb. 26, 2024. The new production will be directed by Mariusz Treliński, who previously directed “Iolanta,” Bluebeard’s Castle” and “Tristan und Isolde” at the Met. It also marks the return of the opera which has been absent at the company for 18 years. {…}

Jan 29, 2024

Boston Symphony Orchestra 2023-24 Review: Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk

Photo: Winslow Townson The first time my partner watched Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,” he couldn’t believe that the composer ever thought a Stalinist regime would be pleased with the opera. The “in-your-face” power of the work made him—a (handsome) man whose political convictions ponder between socialism and cowboyism—find endearing that ‘Shosta’ could not see his censoring coming. Even today, {…}

Dec 9, 2023

Metropolitan Opera to Showcase ‘Nabucco’ in Cinemas

(Credit: Marty Sohl / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera’s 2023–24 Live in HD season will continue with the live transmission of Verdi’s “Nabucco.” The broadcast, which will take place on Jan. 6, features Georgian baritone George Gagnidze in the title role alongside Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska as Abigaille. They are joined by Russian mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova, South Korean tenor SeokJong Baek, and {…}

Oct 5, 2023

Metropolitan Opera 2023-24 Review: Nabucco

(Credit: Marty Sohl / Met Opera) “Nabucco” returned to the Metropolitan Opera after a seven-year absence. The opera was set to return during the 2020-21 season but was canceled due to the pandemic. Now Verdi’s early gem is finally back in the company’s legendary Elijah Moshinsky production that has become emblematic of the Met’s grandeur and its gorgeous tableaus. Having {…}

Jul 18, 2023

Judit Kutasi & Maria Barakova Join Metropolitan Opera’s ‘La Forza del Destino’

Judit Kutasi and Maria Barakova are set to perform in the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of “La Forza del Destino.” Kutasi and Barakova will sing the role of Preziosilla replacing the originally announced Ekaterina Semenchuk. Kutasi will perform on Feb. 26., March 1, 4, 9, 12, and 16, 2024 while Barakova will sing on March 21, 24, and 29, 2024 {…}

Jul 5, 2023

Maria Jose Siri, Salome Jicia & Lana Kos Lead Teatro Verdi Trieste’s 2023-24 Season

The Teatro Verdi Trieste has announced its 2023-24 season. Here is a look at the operas the theater will showcase. The season opens with Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut” in a production by Guy Monavon. Gianna Fratta conducts a cast that includes Lana Kos and Alessandra di Giorgio, Roberto Aronica, and Murat Karahan. Fernando Cisneros and Matteo Peirone also star. Performance Dates: Nov. {…}

Dec 8, 2021

Andreas Schager, Scott Hendricks, Elena Guseva, Maria Barakova & Annalisa Stroppa Lead Bregenz Festival 2022 Season

(Credit: Bregenz Festival official website) The Bregenz Festival has announced its 2022 slate, featuring four operas and international stars. Here is the full slate. Operas Rossini’s “L’Italiana in Algeri” stars Maria Barakova as Isabella, Alberto Comes as Mustafa, Sarah Yang as Elvira, and Spencer Britten as Lindoro. The cast also includes Florence Losseau, Hubert Kowalczyk, and Pierpaolo Martella. Jonathan Brandani {…}

maria barakova