Weekend Preview (2/3-5) – USA: Phoenix Ends Run of ‘Madama Butterfly’ As LA & Chicago Give Single Performances of Classics

It won’t be a busy opera weekend around the United States, but there are notable companies showcasing major productions throughout the country. The Arizona Opera’s run of “Madama Butterfly” gets its final three performances in Phoenix on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Florida Grand Opera will also continue its run of “Eugene Onegin” on Friday and Saturday, the latter performance {…}

Feb 1, 2017

On This Day: Renata Tebaldi’s Relationship With ‘La Bohème’ & ‘Manon Lescaut’

What do Renata Tebaldi, Puccini’s “La Bohème” and his “Manon Lescaut” have in common? They were all “born” on the same day – Feb. 1. The great soprano came into the world on Feb. 1, 1922 in Pesaro, Italy, the land of Rossini, but ironically not one of the featured composers in her repertoire. She did sing two of his {…}

Jan 31, 2017

Breaking News: Rafael Davila To Step In For Marcelo Alvarez

After a surprising Metropolitan Opera debut, Rafael Davila will step in once again for Marcelo Alvarez, who is ill. Davila will sing the Jan. 31 and Feb. 3 performances of Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Metropolitan Opera. The tenor, who was covering the role of Don Jose stepped in during the opening night performance when Alvarez cancelled an hour and a {…}

Jan 31, 2017

Metropolitan Opera Preview 2016-17: Kristine Opolais Set to Enrapture Audiences in ‘Rusalka’

Dvorak’s “Rusalka” makes a much-anticipated return to the Metropolitan Opera this Thursday, Feb. 2 in a brand-new production by noted director Mary Zimmerman. The Director Zimmerman made a splash at the Met with her work on three operas from the Bel Canto three – Donizetti, Rossini and Bellini. Her work in “Lucia di Lammermoor” was universally hailed for gothic style. Her {…}

Jan 27, 2017

Weekend Preview (1/27-29, 2017): LA & Chicago Among 5 Major Companies To Open Their Doors To 2017

Four companies open their doors for 2017 as the opera world in the United States slowly gets back in the rhythm. The two most recognized are the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Los Angeles Opera. Both companies will make their 2017 premieres on Saturday. In Chicago, audiences will be treated to Mozart’s “The Abduction of the Seraglio” which will feature {…}

Jan 25, 2017

Climbing Mount Everest – Sondra Radvanovsky On Her Evolution in Bellini’s ‘Norma’ [Exclusive]

Every major discipline has its proverbial “Mount Everest,” the pinnacle achievement. The moment of “arrival” in which the person can feel a sense of accomplishment that few others, or only the true greats, have accomplished. In the soprano operatic repertoire, Bellini’s “Norma” is often viewed as that proverbial peak due to its taxing and wide-ranging nature. Lili Lehmann, one of {…}

Jan 25, 2017

On This Day: Marcelo Giordani’s Essential Recordings As the Tenor Turns 54

For decades Marcello Giordani was a fixture at the Metropolitan Opera, taking on many of the classics of the operatic canon as well as some lesser known works. He made his debut in 1993 as Rodolfo in “La Bohème” and has gone on to sing over 200 performances. The tenor, who is celebrating his 54th birthday on Jan. 25, also {…}

Jan 24, 2017

On This Day: A Look At The Metropolitan Opera’s 8 Elviras in ‘I Puritani’

On Jan. 24, 1835 Bellini premiered his final opera, “Puitani.” Despite being beloved for its beautiful melodies and incredible coloratura challenges, the opera is also known for its ludicrous story line. This season the Metropolitan Opera is presenting the work with an all star cast and a new diva. The Met has always used the opera as a showcase for {…}

Jan 20, 2017

Weekend Preview (1/20-22, 2017) – USA: Houston Grand Opera Debuts & Opera Naples Features Renata Scotto

The Houston Grand Opera makes a big return as opera companies slowly but surely get prepared for the spring. Houston’s opening comes on Friday Jan. 20 with a production of John Adams’ “Nixon in China.” Scott Hendricks, Andriana Chuchman and Chad Shelton lead the production which will also take the stage on Sunday, Jan. 22. The Metropolitan Opera continues its {…}

Jan 19, 2017

Committing Murder to Create Life – Bass Andrea Mastroni On Playing the Evil Sparafucile & Moving Beyond Italian Repertoire [Exclusive]

This article was a joint collaboration between David & Francisco Salazar. “I like playing the villain.” That quote, as generic as it is, has been uttered in some variation by numerous actors throughout history. There is an excitement that comes with being the bad guy or girl. Of committing acts onscreen or onstage that you could never imagine doing out {…}

Jan 19, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Live in HD Preview: Grigolo & Damrau Chemistry On Display For Entire World in ‘Roméo et Juliette’

Having a hard time catching the explosive chemistry between superstars Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau at the Metropolitan Opera in this year’s “Roméo et Juliette?” You can catch them in cinemas this weekend anywhere in the world on Saturday, Jan. 21., 2017 As part of the Met’s Live in HD series, the company will showcase the third-to-last performance of this {…}