Jules Massenet’s “Werther” will be showcased live from the Bergen National Opera via Operavision’s live streaming service. The stream kicks off at 7 p.m. local time on March 22. That’s around 2 p.m. EDT and 11 a.m. PST for the start time. It will be available for repeat viewings on Opera Vision until April. 21, 2019. Edgaras Montvidas will star {…}
Among Massenet’s most enduring works is “Thaïs,” an exploration of two souls moving in completely opposite spiritual states. The opera had its world premiere on March 16, 1984, with American soprano Sibyl Sanderson in the title role. The work was later revised and premiered on April 13, 1898. The opera has endured for a number of reasons. First off, many {…}
On February 10, 2019, celebrated tenor Andrea Bocelli returned to the Metropolitan Opera for the first performance of his concert, titled “Three Centuries of Love.” This encompassing program featured selections from composers such as Massenet, Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Delibes, Gounod, and Puccini; joining Bocelli were sopranos Nadine Sierra and Aida Garifullina, along with mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. This sold-out concert had {…}
For the fourth installment of its live stream series, the Vienna State Opera will showcase Massenet’s wondrous “Werther.” The Friday night performance on Sept. 28, 2018, will feature Dmitry Korchak in the title role. He will be sharing the stage with Sophie Koch, who has made Charlotte one of her defining roles. Clemens Unterreiner will also appear in the performance. {…}
PBS will showcase the Live in HD broadcast of “Cendrillon” from the Metropolitan Opera as part of its Great Performances Series on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The broadcast will kick off at 12 p.m. EDT and features Joyce DiDonato, Alice Coote, Kathleen Kim, Stephanie Blythe, and Laurent Naouri in the Massenet adaptation of “Cinderella.” The Live in HD broadcast was {…}
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born on August 28, 1749, is one of the great German writers in history. Unsurprisingly, his literary prowess has inspired a wide range of operatic works, many of which are staples of the canon. Here is a survey of operas based on the works of Goethe. Faust Goethe’s masterwork is undeniably the source of many operas. {…}
The 15th edition of the Festival d’Art Vocal de Montréal, as presented by the Institut Canadien d’Art Vocal (ICAV), has just announced its summer slate. The showcase, which runs between July 23 and August 10, is set to include a wide range of masterclasses, concerts, recitals, and a production of Massenet’s “Cendrillon.” Here is a breakdown of what is in {…}
Jules Massenet, born on May 12, 1842, is arguably the chameleon of all opera composers, his style evolving to suit the text rather than imposing a specific musical style to every work. This ability makes him, for many, the greatest French composer of opera to ever live. He studied under Ambroise Thomas in his youth, won the country’s top musical {…}
Jules Massenet is one of the great composers that can’t be called an auteur in the traditional sense. When you go to any performance of music by virtually any composer, you can pretty much guarantee that said composer’s voice will come through consistently even if the means or style deviates ever so slightly. Verdi remains Verdi whether you are listening to {…}
This Saturday, audiences around the world will get a chance to see Massenet’s “Cendrillon” in cinemas as part of the company’s famed Live in HD broadcast. The showcase kicks off at 12:25 p.m. EDT and will star Joyce DiDonato as Cendrillon, Kathleen Kim as La Fée, Alice Coote as the Prince, Stephanie Blythe as Madame de la Haltière, and Laurent {…}
First premiering at the Opera de Monte-Carlo on February 19, 1910, “Don Quichotte” is one of many adaptations drawing from Cervantes’ classic novel. Although prominent figures, such as Purcell and Strauss, have composed music to accompany performances of the famous tale, it is Massenet’s “Don Quichotte” that has enjoyed lasting success over the years. The work was composed at towards {…}