Plácido Domingo has withdrawn from all performances of Verdi’s “Macbeth.” In a statement to the New York Times, Domingo said that he was not returning to the Metropolitan Opera amidst recent allegations of sexual harassment. Domingo told the New York Times, “I made my debut at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 27 and have sung at this magnificent theater {…}
While the environment outside the Met Opera on opening night was rather subdued in comparison to previous years, there could be no denying the environment inside of the sold-out house. Everywhere you turned, the opera on hand was a major topic of conversation with great excitement over what it might bring. The Gershwin classic, “Porgy and Bess,” hasn’t been at {…}
The Metropolitan Opera’s general manager Peter Gelb has stated that Plácido Domingo will continue to perform with the organization as previously scheduled. Per a report from NPR, the manager spoke to members of the chorus and orchestra about allegations against Domingo and noted that he decided to keep Domingo’s performance on the schedule because he did not feel that the {…}
(Credit: Karli Cadel) This week, the Metropolitan Opera will open its 2019-20 season with a new production of “Porgy and Bess.” The acclaimed production by James Robinson is set to feature an all-star cast as well as some rising stars and Met debutants. Among the newcomers is Frederick Ballentine, who will perform the role of Sportin’ Life in his Met {…}
(Credit: Shirley Suarez) British soprano Elizabeth Llewellyn is currently preparing for a career milestone: her Metropolitan Opera debut, in James Robinson’s new production of “Porgy and Bess.” She will take to the stage for the Oct. 13, 2019 performance, opposite Eric Owens. An increasingly sought-after specialist in the Italian repertoire, a few of her recent roles include the title roles of “Manon {…}
The Metropolitan Opera is set to open Verdi’s “Macbeth” with Plácido Domingo returning to the U.S. stage after being accused of sexual misconduct by 20 women. However, according to a recent report from the NPR, Metropolitan Opera employees are unhappy with his return. The publication spoke with four employees who noted they were uncomfortable with Domingo in rehearsals of Macbeth but {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Metropolitan Opera) Verdi’s “Macbeth” may be a major repertory staple, but its Met history is actually not as extensive as one might imagine. In sum, the Verdi opera has appeared just 105 times in the company’s history. When it returns on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the company will be reviving it for the first time in five {…}
(Credit: Opera Theatre of St. Louis) “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” is set to be performed at the Metropolitan Opera. The New York Times revealed that the Terrence Blanchard opera, which had its world premiere at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis this past summer, could make its premiere during the 2020-21 season. It will be the first opera {…}
(Credit: Yusifeyvazov.com/Salvatore Sportato) The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its upcoming revival of Puccini’s “Turandot.” The company announced that Roberto Aronica has withdrawn from the role of Calàf due to personal reasons. As a result, Yusif Eyvazov will sing Calàf in the Oct. 3, 6, 9, and 12 while Riccardo Massi will sing the role in performances {…}
(Photo by Paola Kudacki/Metropolitan Opera) The Metropolitan Opera will open its 2019-20 season with a new production of “Porgy and Bess.” The showcase on Sept. 23, 2019 will be the 55th in the company’s history and by the end of the run, the company will be inching toward 70 total performances of the opera. As we prepare to go forward {…}
The shortlist for the Gramophone Awards 2019 has been announced. For the purposes of this article, we will focus solely on opera or vocal related awards. In the opera category, John Adams’ “Doctor Atomic” with the compose conducting was the first of three selections. Halevy’s “La Reine de Chypre” was the second nomination; this production featured the Orchestre de chambre {…}