Massenet’s “Thaïs” is a beautiful feat of musical drama. The opera, which premiered on March 16, 1894, is rich in its character development and Massenet’s own development as a dramatist. While the work is filled with glorious musical writing, there is no doubt that the single most iconic moment of the work is the dramatic midpoint – Thaïs’ meditation. Played {…}
This review is for the performance on Feb. 20, 2017. Taking in the experience of Massenet’s “Werther” is a rather fascinating one. Not because the music is without a doubt the composer’s finest creation or because the Metropolitan Opera’s production is a dramatic home run (more on that later). It has to do with audience interaction and engagement. Who would {…}
Piotr Beczala takes on the role of Massenet’s “Werther” on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, kick starting the Gran Teatre del Liceu’s run of the famed opera. Beczala took on the challenging role in Salzburg in August 2015 before reprising it at the Opéra National de Paris exactly one year ago. His return to the role on Sunday will be the {…}
Sonya Yoncheva has cancelled all performances for the month of January. The Bulgarian soprano was slated to perform the role of Massenet’s “Manon” at the Monte Carlo Opera, but has pulled out citing severe back pain. The company is now tasked with finding a quick replacement as the production kicks off on Jan. 20 and runs through the 27th. The {…}
We all know the story. The manger. The three wise men. Herod’s murder of innocent children. And of course, the birth. Jesus Christ’s origins are a well-documented story for many and the source of great inspiration for artists for centuries. Opera is no different with a plethora of works related to great story. A look back over the history of {…}
Isabel Leonard and Juan Diego Florez will make their role debuts in Massenet’s “Werther” on Thursday at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna. The performance will be broadcast via radio through Radio RAI at 8 PM Local Time (2 PM EST). The cast also includes Jean-François Lapointe as Albert and Ruth Iniesta as Sophie. Michelle Mariotti will be in the pit for {…}