Breaking News: Sophie Koch Cancels ‘Carmen’ At Metropolitan Opera As Clémentine Margaine Takes on Entire Run in Debut

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 {…}

Jan 17, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Preview: ‘Rigoletto’ & Las Vegas Make Return With Familiar & New Faces

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 {…}

Jan 16, 2017

Breaking News: Metropolitan Opera’s Decision To Discard Calixto Bieto’s ‘La Forza Del Destino’ Causes Backlash

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 {…}

Jan 14, 2017

On This Day: Ben Heppner’s Memorable Moments At The Met

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 {…}

Jan 13, 2017

Breaking News: Metropolitan Opera Replaces ‘La Forza del Destino’ With Verdi Requiem For 2017-18 Season

The Metropolitan Opera has cancelled its new production of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” The Met’s 2017-18 season had originally planned a new production directed by Calixto Bieto, which premiered at the English National Opera in November 2015. Met General Manager Peter Gelb said the decision was a few months ago and he wanted to make the announcement ahead of {…}

Jan 13, 2017

Weekend Preview (1/13-15) – USA: Seattle & Atlanta Back in Action As Candide Ends Run At NYC Opera

Another weekend in 2017, even more operatic activity around the United States. Of course the Metropolitan Opera continues its busy schedule with “Il Barbiere di Sivilgia,” “La Bohème” and “Roméo et Juliette” the three major offerings with such stars as Javier Camarena, Pretty Yende, Ailyn Pérez, Michael Fabiano, Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau leading the casts for their respective operas {…}

Jan 12, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – La Bohème: This Is No Routine Production As Fabiano, Pérez & Co. Deliver Vivacity to Powerful Tragedy

This review is for the performance on Wednesday January 11 and is written jointly by David & Francisco Salazar. Applause rang from every corner of the Metropolitan Opera, the audience awaiting the final performer to step onstage so that she too could get her accolades. The moment Ailyn Pérez walked out of the iconic golden curtain, she was not only {…}

Jan 9, 2017

On This Day – How Rudolf Bing Transformed the Metropolitan Opera Forever

Rudolf Bing’s name towers in the world of opera. The Austrian-born impresario, born on January 9, 1902, has an enduring legacy, in many ways tainted by the scandals and feuds Bing was known to have with the opera’s greatest figures and lesser-known figures during many of the company’s most tumultuous years. But to see the general manager who wielded his {…}

Jan 9, 2017

Vienna State Opera HD Preview 2016-17: Juan Diego Flórez, Daniela Fally & Luca Pisaroni Star in ‘La Sonnambula’

On Friday, Jan. 13, international audiences will get a chance to check out some of the world’s greatest singers perform Bellini’s “La Sonnambula” live from the Vienna State Opera as part of the company’s live stream offerings. The performance, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. local time (that’s 1:30 p.m. for people on the East Coast in the U.S. and {…}

Jan 6, 2017

Weekend Preview – USA (1/6-1/8): Opera World Slowly Starts Up in 2017

The weekend of Jan. 6-8 will see the return of many prominent opera companies around the country after a lengthy holiday hiatus. The Metropolitan Opera, which continues throughout the year, will feature three popular works including “La Boheme,” an HD performance of Verdi’s “Nabucco” and evening showcase of Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” starring Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo. Nabucco stars {…}

Jan 5, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – Roméo Et Juliette: Damrau & Grigolo’s Chemistry As Emotionally Riveting & Sexy As Ever

This review is written for the performance on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. Romeo and Juliette are undeniably the most famous couple in all of western literature and quite possibly the world. In hands of the famous bard, the two star-crossed teens fighting for their love in the midst of a family feud is one filled with tremendous emotional weight and {…}