On Dec. 18, the Metropolitan Opera will open its production of “Hansel and Gretel.” The current production, directed by Richard Jones, made its debut in 2007, and will now get its 32nd performance. Here are some fun facts about the upcoming production and what fans can expect from these seven showcases of “Hansel and Gretel.” New Production When the work {…}
As we move deeper and deeper into the holiday season, more and more companies will be taking breaks and closing shop. So as you might have noticed from the title, this week will not feature five but three major offerings. Some of this might also have to do with that movie coming out this weekend, but in any case, some {…}
OPERA America has announced the grant awards for 11 opera companies through the Repertoire Development Grants program, supported by The Opera Fund. A total of $225,000 was awarded to 11 opera companies including the Metropolitan Opera’s upcoming opera “Eurydice” by composer Matthew Aucoin and librettist Sarah Ruhl. The work will be based on the play by Sarah Ruhl and tells the Orpheus story from the perspective of {…}
On Thursday Dec. 14, 2017, Franz Lehár’s “The Merry Widow” makes a return to the Metropolitan Opera. To this date, the company has given just 40 performances of the operetta, its first ever coming as recently as Feb. 17, 2000. This season, Susan Graham will take up the mantle of the title role, making her the foremost interpreter of the {…}
Elizabeth Schwarzkopf is undeniably one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. Born on Dec. 9, 1915, the German soprano was best known for her work in German repertoire, becoming one of the greatest Richard Strauss interpreters of all time. She dominated the operas of Mozart and even made herself as a notable Wagnerian. She won a plethora of {…}
Back in fall 2013, Sondra Radvanovsky sang her first “Norma” at the Met. A few performances later, Angela Meade and Jamie Barton stole the spotlight when they were paired together for the second cast of the opera. Now it is the 2017-18 season and the pattern has continued, with the inclusion of Marina Rebeka for two performances in between. While {…}
With the holiday season in full swing, the opera schedule is winding down across the country. In fact, only a few weeks ago there were over 70 performances over the weekend. This weekend the number has dropped quite drastically, Fortunately, that doesn’t mean there is no opera for the opera-craved. Here are five performances to get your fill. Le Nozze {…}
For decades Renée Fleming has been a shining star on the world’s great opera stages, none more so than the Metropolitan Opera. From her victory at the National Council Auditions in 1988 to her debut three years later to her final performance at the tail end of the 2016-17 season, Fleming was the Met’s diva. While her future as an opera star remains a {…}
After numerous accusation of sexual misconduct, James Levine has finally responded in a public statement. The conductor said, “As understandably troubling as the accusations noted in recent press accounts are, they are unfounded. As anyone who truly knows me will attest, I have not lived my life as an oppressor or an aggressor.” He continued, “I have devoted my energies to {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced replacements for James Levine for “Luisa Miller” and “Il Trovatore.” Macro Armiliato will lead performances of “Il Trovatore” starring Maria Agresta as Leonora, Yonghoon Lee as Manrico, and Anita Rachvelishvili as Azucena. Quinn Kelsey and Luca Salsi will share the role of Count di Luna, with Štefan Kocán and Kwangchul Youn both singing the role {…}
Emmanuel Villaume will conduct the new production of “Tosca” on New Year’s Eve. The Metropolitan Opera announced that Villaume will conduct the opening performance on Dec. 31, 2017, and Jan. 3, 6, 9, 12, 23, and 27, 2018, replacing James Levine after being suspended due to sexual misconduct. Later performances on April 21, 26 and 30, and May 4, 8 and 12, {…}
