The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its final performance of Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos.” The company noted that the role of the Composer will be sung by Olivia Vote replacing Isabel Leonard. Vote joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera in the 2018-19 season for the first time for productions of “Die Walküre,” “Suor Angelica,” and her debut as {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard) PBS’s Great Performances at the Met will continue on April 1, 2022 with a presentation of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” The opera, which was written by Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons, stars Will Liverman, Latonia Moore, Angel Blue, and Walter Russell III. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the opera with Audra McDonald hosting the broadcast. “I cannot {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Rodelinda” on March 15, 2022. The company noted that for this evening’s performance, the role of Eduige will be sung by Sarah Mesko. Mesko will replace Sasha Cooke. Mesko made her Met debut during the 2016-17 season as the Second Lady in “The Magic Flute.” She has since {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard) This is a review of the March 11th, 2022 performance, the Opening night of this production’s 3rd revival since 2004. “Rodelinda: Regina De’Longobardi” is old, nearly 300-years old, which is advanced in age even by operatic standards. That being said, following the rise of the early music movement of the 20th century, scholars and performers alike have {…}
This review is for the March 9, 2022 performance, the third of four in the run. Roberto Alagna and Aleksandra Kurzak. At this point in their careers, the two opera stars are intrinsically linked, not only as a real-life couple but as an artistic duo, performing together all around the world. A few years back, they came to the Met {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced “A Concert for Ukraine” on March 14, 2022. The concert is set to be conducted by Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leading the Met Orchestra and Chorus. The special concert will offer solidarity for Ukrainian citizens under attack, with all ticket sales and proceeds supporting relief efforts in the country. In a statement, Met General Manager Peter {…}
(Credit: Marty Sohl/Met Opera) It’s been 11 years since the Metropolitan Opera presented Richard Strauss’ opera within an opera, “Ariadne auf Naxos.” One of the composer’s intimate works, “Ariadne” features some of Strauss’ most popular music. To pull this work off effectively, it requires four particularly great voices. For this run, the Met Opera put together a starry cast that {…}
The night of Feb. 28 turned out to be a big night for the Metropolitan Opera on several fronts. Not only was it the reopening of the 2021-22 season after a month-long hiatus, but it was also the first-ever performance of the French version of Verdi’s “Don Carlos.” But, perhaps most importantly, this performance was the first to take place {…}
The Metropolitan Opera commenced the second half of the 2021-22 season with a performance of the Ukranian national anthem. Prior to the opening night production of Verdi’s “Don Carlos,” artist from the production took the stage and performed the anthem alongside the Met Opera Orchestra. The company has been vocal in proclaiming its opposition to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, {…}
(Credit: Yan Bleney) On Feb. 28, the Metropolitan Opera will showcase the company premiere of “Don Carlos,” the French version of Verdi’s opera. For the new production by Sir David McVicar, the company has lined up an all-star cast that includes Canadian baritone Étienne Dupuis. Dupuis has performed around the world at the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Opéra de {…}
With the Metropolitan Opera cutting ties with Putin-supported musicians and companies, the upcoming “Lohengrin” production will be affected. Thie staging of the opera, which is a co-production with Russia’s Bolshoi Theatre, was planned back in 2017 alongside upcoming renditions of “Aida” and “Salome.” In an interview with the New York Times, General Manager Peter Gelb said, “We’re scrambling, but I {…}