There are few performers as magnetic as Ermonela Jaho. From the moment the Albanian soprano takes the stage, she is so entranced in the world she’s living in and the character she is bringing to life, that you can’t keep your eyes away. This was the case last season when she proved the standout amidst Zeffirelli’s gargantuan “Turandot” production and {…}
The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive John Dexter’s classic production of Poulenc’s “Dialogues des Carmélites” for five performances. The production, which is set to run between Jan. 15 and 28, 203, will star soprano Ailyn Pérez in her role debut as Blanche de la Force. She will be joined by French soprano Sabine Devieilhe who makes her highly anticipated {…}
Sonya Yoncheva is set to appear at the Metropolitan Opera in future performances of “Un Ballo in Maschera,” “Medea,” and “Pique Dame.” Per an article by The Associated Press entitled “At top of opera, Yoncheva worries about classical music,” the Bulgarian soprano will be involved in a new production of the Verdi classic as well as revivals of the Tchaikovsky {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced another cast change for its final performance of “Rigoletto.” The company said that Javier Camarena will sing the role of the Duke replacing Stephen Costello who is ill. In a statement the Met said, “Javier Camarena saves the day! Don’t miss tonight’s performance of Rigoletto, as the star tenor steps in at the eleventh hour {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its final performance of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The company said, “for tonight’s performance of Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto,’ the role of Sparafucile will now be sung by Julian Close.” He will replace John Relyea. Close made his Met debut as the Theater Manager / Banker in “Lulu” in 2015. This season he has covered {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of “Dialogues des Carmélites.” The company noted that Christine Goerke will replace Eva-Maria Westbroek in the role of Madame Lidoine. Goerke is currently set to perform Ortrud in “Lohengrin” later this season. She is also set to make her role debut as Amneris in “Aida” at the Detriot {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its performance of “Aida” on Dec. 21, 2022. The company announced that for this evening’s performance the role of Ramfis will now be sung by Harold Wilson, who will replace Christian Van Horn. Wilson has performed with the Opera Colorado, Dayton Opera, Opera Southwest, Baltimore Concert Opera, Opera Delaware, and Caramoor Festival. {…}
UPDATE: The Metropolitan Opera has confirmed that the new production of “Aida” will open during the 2024-25 season but will not OPEN the season. Verdi’s “Aida” is set to open the Metropolitan Opera’s 2024-25 season. The New York Observer unveiled the news in its review of the company’s current production by Sonja Frisell. The news source also added that Angel {…}
Lucas Meachem is set to take over the role of De Siriex for the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming production of “Fedora.” Meachem steps in for Artur Ruciński, who canceled his participation in the the production, stating on social media that, “‼️My dearest friends, it is with a heavy heart that I have to announce my very unfortunate withdrawal from the new {…}
(Photo: Marty Sohl / Met Opera) During the holiday season, the Met’s annual presentation of a family-friendly, abridged version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” sung in English is a treat for the young and the young-at-heart. The show’s runtime is shy of two hours, and the Julie Taymor production, though getting a bit dated, offers plenty of spectacle and goofiness to {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced a new cast change for its “Aida” performance Dec. 17. The company noted that tenor Limmie Pulliam will make his Met debut as Radamès, replacing Brian Jagde, who was originally scheduled to sing. Pulliam has performed with the LA Opera, Vashon Opera, Livermore Valley Opera, and the Cleveland Orchestra. His repertoire includes the works of {…}