As January continues, many of the opera companies are back in session with a number of revivals and new productions on offer. The focus of this weekend’s major choices will be numerous repertory standards. Arabella – Théâtre des Champs Elysées, France Anja Harteros sings her signature role alongside a cast that includes Kurt Rydl, Doris Soffel, Hanna-Elisabeth Müller, and Michael Volle. {…}
While the holiday season might mean a slow-down of productions in some countries, there are still a plethora of opera productions for those so included. This weekend is dedicated to classic pieces in productions or featuring star casts. There is also one rarely performed work, that is intriguing as it is directed by one of the most acclaimed theaters in {…}
It’s hard to find the right voice for the Bel Canto repertoire. A great Bel Canto singer needs flexibility, bright high notes, immense breath control, and impeccable phrasing. And of course, a singer needs to have great command of expression, otherwise, the music can easily fall flat. Many singers attempt to put all this together, but few actually have the complete package, {…}
Latvian National Opera and Ballet will showcase its 100 Anniversary Gala on Nov. 30, 2018. Those who can’t attend the event can still watch it live on OperaVision. The event will feature such opera stars as Dinara Alieva, Inga Kinca, Liudmyla Monastyrska, Marina Rebeka, Olesya Petrova, Zanda Svede, Kalvis Kalinins, Egils Silins, Krisjanis Norvelis, all under the musical direction of {…}
Audiences around the globe will get a chance to check out Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic production of “La Bohème,” live from the Vienna State Opera on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, as part of the company’s live streaming service. The famed production will feature Benjamin Bernheim as Rodolfo, Marina Rebeka as Mimì, Clemens Unterreiner as Marcello, and Mariam Battistelli as Musetta. Bernheim {…}
The holiday season is officially underway. For many, that means going out and buying a plethora of gifts for loved ones. But what about that opera lover in your life? What do you buy him or her? There’s a ton to choose from and this year featured a plethora of amazing recordings to choose from. So to give you a {…}
Teatro Real decided to open the 2018-19 season with Gounod’s “Faust,” an opera which have been staged only once in 2003 since the theatre reopened in 1997. The expectations were high, with a strong cast lead by the international star tenor Piotr Beczala and accompanied by Marina Rebeka and Luca Pisaroni; the young conductor Ed Ettinger was in charge of {…}
The Salzburg Festival has announced it 2019 season with five new productions, two revivals, and two concert operas. Here is a look at what audiences can expect this season. Productions The 2019 Salzburg Festival opens with Mozart’s “Idomeneo.” Teodor Currentzis and Peter Sellars team up again after “La Clemenza di Tito” with a cast that includes Russell Thomas (Idomeneo), Paula Murrihy {…}
This weekend, OperaWire goes a little traditional in its weekend offerings. Granted if you look at the list many of the works recommended are not the most popular. Instead, there are rarely performed works, role debuts, and in the case of one production, a legendary showcase that has to be seen every time it is on stage. Here is a look {…}
Three exciting releases are set for this week. The first comes from one of the most exciting divas performing today while the other two come from recent acclaimed performances. One includes the final installment of the Ring Cycle. Here is what we recommend this weekend! Spirito Marina Rebeka releases her third solo album for the newly created label Prima Classic. The {…}
Marina Rebeka has announced her new CD entitled “Spirito.” The new CD by the newly formed Prima Classic is set to feature Bel Canto arias from “Norma,” “Anna Bolena,” “Il Pirata,” “Maria Stuarda,” and “La Vestale.” The new CD showcases the soprano alongside the Orchestra of the Teatro Massimo di Palermo and conductor Jader Bignamini. The new solo album marks Rebeka’s {…}