Welcome back as we explore the latest CD and DVD releases from around the opera world. Audiences will get to hear a new Ring Cycle by a major American orchestra, a new recording from the National Symphony Orchestra and some world premieres. Der Ring des Nibelungen The Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Fabio Luisi release a live recording of {…}
Vocal Arts DC has announced its 2026-27 season, titled “The Future of Song.” The season opens with tenor Ben Bliss and pianist Christopher Allen in a program drawn from German and French song, including works by Schumann, Liszt, and Strauss alongside aria favorites. Performance Date: Oct. 4, 2026, Live! At 10th & G, Washington, D.C. Tenor Matthew Polenzani and pianist {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2026-27 season. Angel Blue headlines Floyd’s “Susannah” alongside Rod Gilfry, Bille Bruley, Aaron Blake, Deborah Nansteel, and Malcolm MacKenzie. James Gaffigan conducts Patricia Racette’s production. Performance Dates: Oct. 23-Nov. 8, 20-26 Matthew Polenzani headlines Gounod’s “Faust” with Pretty Yende, Ildebrando d’Arcangelo, Sean Michael Plumb, and Sun-Ly Pierce. Giacomo Sagripanti conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. {…}
The etymology of the Italian word “maschera” (and its English equivalent “mask”) is rather obscure. It’s derived from the Arabic word “maskara,” meaning buffoonery and/or harsh derision. Indeed, a closer look at “Un ballo in maschera” reveals a higher degree of caustic bite far beyond the final act’s famous masked ball. Amelia seeks help from the soothsayer Ulrica to rid {…}
(Credit: Benjamin Girette/OnP) The Opéra National de Paris is set to present “Un Ballo in Maschera” in cinemas on Feb. 8, 2026. The opera, which will be presented in a production by Gilbert Deflo, will star Anna Netrebko (Amelia), Matthew Polenzani (Riccardo), Ludovic Tézier (Renato), Sara Blanch (Oscar), and Elizabeth DeShong (Ulrica). Speranza Scapucci conducts. The opera will be shown {…}
(Credit: Metropolitan Opera / Ken Howard) Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” is set to return to the Metropolitan Opera for 15 performances. The Anthony Minghella production will open on Jan. 9 and run through March 28 with different casts. The January performances will feature Ailyn Pérez as Cio-Cio-San, tenor SeokJong Baek as Pinkerton, Hyona Kim as Suzuki and baritone Andrzej Filończyk as {…}
(Credit: Vladimir Shirokov) Müpa Budapest has announced that Verdi’s “Requiem” will be performed with Anna Netrebko making her role debut. The soprano will return to the hall where she first debuted in 2016 and will be joined by Michelangelo Mazza, conducting the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Hungarian Radio Choir. Netrebko will be joined by mezzo Agnieszka Rehlis, tenor Matthew {…}
The Opéra National de Paris has announced its 2025-26 cinema season. The company will feature five performances in cinemas, including two operatic performances. The first operatic performance will be Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera” conducted by Speranza Scapucci in a production by Gilbert Deflo. The cast includes Matthew Polenzani (Riccardo), Anna Netrebko (Amelia), Ludovic Tézier (Renato), Sara Blanch (Oscar), and Elizabeth {…}
(Photo: Ansa Matteo Corner) This Monday, the long-awaited press conference was held to unveil the Teatro alla Scala’s 2025–26 season. The lineup promises to shine with big names, new productions, and ambitious projects. That’s why we’re bringing you a Top five list of the unmissable highlights of the new season! Number 1: A Bold Opening As tradition dictates, the season {…}
San Francisco Opera is set to present Mozart’s “Idomeneo” from June 14–25, 2025. Caroline H. Hume Music Director, Eun Sun Kim is set to conduct a production by Lindy Hume. The cast will include American tenor Matthew Polenzani in the title role of Idomeneo alongside Daniela Mack as Idamante, Ying Fang as Ilia, Elza van den Heever as Elettra, and tenor {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu has announced its 2025-26 season. The season opens with “The Cunning Little Vixen,” featuring Peter Mattei, Anaïs Masllorens, David Alegret, Elena Tsallagova, Alejandro López, Milan Perišić, Sara Bañeras, Angela Brower, Mireia Pintó, Laura Brasó, and Mercedes Gancedo. Josep Pons conducts the production by Barrie Kosky. Performance Dates: Sept. 20-30, 2025 Philip Glass’ “Akhnaten” will star Anthony Roth Costanzo, {…}