As is the case with a number of major opera houses around the world, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden is presenting Puccini’s “La Bohème.” And is often the case with all of these major companies, there are so many performances of this beloved opera, 25 in total spread across the fall and summer, that it can be tough to {…}
Last year the Bayerische Staatsoper opened a new production of Donizetti’s beloved French work “La Favorite.” It was specifically created for Elīna Garanča, who was making her staged role debut after having impressed in the work in a concert performance at the Salzburg Festival alongside Juan Diego Flórez. This time around the company brought along two of her frequent collaborators, Mariusz Kwiecien {…}
Festival season continues with some of the greatest stars headlining major productions around the world. Find out what you can see this weekend. Austria At the Salzburg Festival, “Il Ritorno d’Ulisse,” “L’Incoronazion di Poppea” and “La Clemenza di Tito,” starring Russell Thomas and Golda Schultz, headline the weekend. Meanwhile at the Bregenz Festival, Bizet’s “Carmen” will showcased on Friday, Saturday, {…}
Donizetti’s “La Favorite” has been announced for release on Deutsche Grammophon. The recording comes from the Bayerische Staatsoper and stars Elina Garanca, Mariusz Kwiecien, and Matthew Polenzani. Staged by Amelie Niermeyer, the production debuted earlier this fall and received rave reviews. Critics said, “Elīna Garanča as the nominal protagonist of the opera carried out her role driving the whole ensemble and {…}
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra launches its Carnegie Hall series on May 31, 2017 and will showcase three diverse programs showcasing some of Mahler’s greatest vocal writing. The series kicks off on May 31 with Susan Graham and Matthew Polenzani in selections from “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” and Symphony No. 1. Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts the program. On June 3, Salonen conducts mezzo-soprano Karen {…}
This article is a joint collaboration between David & Francisco Salazar. Yesterday we gave you the finest female performers of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2016-17 season. Now we turn toward the men that truly brought down the house. Remember that these picks are mere favorites based purely on personal preference. Since there were so many incredible performers this season, here is {…}
For 50 years, the Metropolitan Opera has made its home in Lincoln Center, creating numerous cathartic and revelatory memories for both audiences and artists alike. In speaking with some of the world’s greatest artists that have performed at the Met, OperaWire has been granted the opportunity to hear some unique, enriching and entertaining stories and experiences that have taken place {…}
I am going to be rather forward with you. This analysis of Wednesday’s “Don Giovanni” at the Metropolitan Opera will kick off on a positive note before turning a bit sour in tone. But lo and behold, after that, I am going to return to my boyish enthusiasm for what I experienced at the opening of this revival run. The {…}
If there was one event that opera lovers couldn’t miss this week, it was the return of Dmitri Hvorostovsky. The baritone was joined by Anna Netrebko and her Husband Yusif Eyvazov in a sold out concert that included some of the greatest hits in opera and a number of Russian selections. The performance was a big hit and Hvorostovsky showed his {…}
While it is the holiday season, there was one common thread among many singers this week. A number of them were present at the “Der Rosenkavalier” dress rehearsal or at the performance. Check out what some of your favorite singers were up to this week. Davinia Rodriguez is in the Holiday mood as she made painted eggs in preparation for {…}
Matthew Polenzani loves Mozart’s “Idomeneo.” During a recent interview with OperaWire, the tenor went so far as to call it the composer’s “greatest opera.” That’s right, with output that includes gems such as “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Don Giovanni,” “Così Fan Tutte” and “Die Zauberflote,” Polenzani, who is among the greatest exponents of these very operas, puts his marker on {…}
