Bryan Hymel has withdrawn from upcoming performances as the Duke in Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Hymel has canceled due to personal reasons. As a result, Francesco Demuro will sing the Duke in the March 6, 9, 15, and 20 performances, while Matthew Polenzani will perform on April 26, May 1, and 4; tenor Stephen Costello will sing {…}
Matthew Poelnzani has canceled the opening night performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Iolanta.” The tenor announced via social media that he was ill and therefore would have to cancel. “I am sorry to let you know that I have to cancel tonight’s performance of Iolanta at the Met due to illness,” he said. “I wish all of my colleagues a beautiful opening and {…}
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 {…}
(This profile is being published on the 50th birthday of the tenor. Happy Birthday!) Throughout the 21st century, Matthew Polenzani has turned into not only one of the finest tenors but one of the greatest singers in the opera world. Born on August 23, 1968, in Evanston Illinois, the American tenor studied at the Eastern Illinois University before earning a {…}
Matthew Polenzani has canceled his upcoming concert at the Ravinia Festival. The tenor made the announcement via Instagram citing a health reason. The tenor noted, “My dear friends and family, dear fans in the Chicago area, I’m sorry to let you know that I have to withdraw from the ‘CSO: Italian Opera Favorites’ concert at the Ravinia Festival on August {…}
The Metropolitan Opera’s annual Summer HD Festival is set to return for its tenth time this summer. The series, which will begin on August 25, 2018, through Sept. 3, 2018, will present 10 recent performances from the company’s acclaimed Live in HD series of movie theater transmissions. The series will also present the Marx Brothers’ classic film, “A Night at the Opera,” which will {…}
The word “Bohemian” – much like the popular terms “retro,” “Goth,” or “vintage” – is yet another label that has offered countless inferences over a plethora of different times. The “Bohème” clique of Puccini, undercut by the whimsy and exuberance of Italian verismo, would contrast with a play rendition of its source, Henri Murger’s “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème.” {…}
The Palm Beach Opera has announced that its 2019 gala will be headlined by renowned tenor Matthew Polenzani. The event is slated for March 2, 2019 at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa. Polenzani is coming off one of his finest seasons in years, drawing rave reviews for his work at the Metropolitan Opera in “L’Elisir d’Amore,” which was {…}
PBS will showcase “L’Elisir D’Amore” from the Metropolitan Opera as part of its Great Performances Series on Sunday, April 29, 2018. The broadcast will kick off at 12 p.m. EDT and will showcase soprano Pretty Yende, tenor Matthew Polenzani, baritone Davide Luciano, and bass Ildebrando D’Arcangelo. The showcase, from February’s Live in HD series, was hosted Susanna Phillips and conducted {…}
Going into its 114th year, the Ravinia Festival brings together artists from all over the world to perform in the longest-running music festival in America. Here are some of the highlights of Ravinia Festival’s 2018 season: Soprano Jeanine De Bique: BGH Classics Series The program will include selections from Mozart, Strauss, and Wolf. De Bique will also perform a number {…}
This weekend is filled with rarities around the world featuring some of today’s greats. The list includes Bel Canto, French, and modern works that are sure to delight every type of audience. Le Domino Noir – Opera Royal de Liege Wallonie, Belgium Auber’s rarely performed work gets its final performance with Patrick Davin conducting an ensemble cast that includes Anne-Catherine Gillet, Cyrille {…}