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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
Clémentine Margaine will make her Metropolitan Opera debut on Jan. 19, 2017, a full two weeks earlier than previously expected. The Mezzo soprano, who is playing “Carmen,” will replace Sophie Koch who dropped out of all her performances due to illness, according to the Met’s press department and as originally reported by Parterre. Margaine was originally scheduled to make her {…}
Verdi’s “Rigoletto” returns to the Met stage on Friday, Jan. 20 in a lengthy run through February and then a few days in April. Olga Peretyatko and Željko Lučić will be the production’s mainstays, singing every single presentation of the work this season. This will be the Lučić’s fourth run of “Rigoletto” at the Met, byt far his most performed {…}
After the Metropolitan Opera announced its decision to pull the plug on Calixto Bieto’s new production of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino,” the director’s manager is railing on the company. In an email to the associated press Susanne Herrnleben said that she “found the decision cruel and disappointing because he has done his best to meet the expectations of an American {…}
Ben Heppner was one of the most beloved dramatic tenors of his time and one that was admired for his technique. While he retired from the opera world and dedicated himself to radio, the tenor left so many memorable moments on stage. This season he celebrated his 25th anniversary at the Metropolitan Opera with a special gala alongside Deborah Voigt {…}
