The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2020-21 season featuring a number of established as well as rising stars. Here is a detailed look at the upcoming productions: The season opens with Bizet’s “Carmen” with a cast that includes Isabel Leonard and Carolyn Sproule alternating in the role of Carmen, Andrea Caré and Frederick Ballentine alternating as Don José, Anita {…}
(Credit: Fay Fox) The Atlanta Opera has hired a number of notable artists to conform its Artistic Advisory Council. Its new advisors will include Jamie Barton, Michael Mayes, Kevin Burdette, and Morris Robinson. Burdette has appeared in such operas as “Die Entführung aus dem Serail” and “Dead Man Walking” at Atlanta Opera. Robison appeared in “Rigoletto” with the company, while {…}
(Credit: Moritz Schell Fotografie/Catherine Ashmore/Yasuko Kageyama / TOR) Three rarely performed works highlight the international weekend with three other repertory staples. There are also two new productions opening with one company premiere. Here is a look at what we recommend. Halka – Theater an der Wien, Austria Łukasz Borowicz conducts a new production of Moniuszko’s masterpiece. Mariusz Treliński directs the {…}
(Credit: The Atlanta Opera) Baritone Michael Mayes is set to make his debut at The Israeli Opera in his signature role of Joseph de Rocher in Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking.” The baritone has performed the Jake Heggie opera to great acclaim at the Teatro Real in Madrid, Washington National Opera, The Atlanta Opera, Tulsa Opera, Central City Opera, Madison {…}
The Arizona Opera has announced its 2020-21 season featuring the company’s second World Premiere, the Regional Premiere of a New Mariachi Opera, a New Production of a Modern Masterwork and the Return of Two Beloved Classics. “Arizona Opera continues to deepen its commitment to presenting the most vibrant programming possible on our stages and throughout the community. This spans the {…}
(Credit: Opernhaus Zurich/ Bergen National Opera/Teatro alla Scala) This weekend is filled with unknown repertoire and some masterpieces starring exciting rising stars. Here are the seven operas we believe you cannot miss. Čert a Káča – Anhaltisches Theater, Germany Dvořák’s rarely performed work gets a new production by Jakob Peters-Messer. The cast is led by Richard Samek and Rita Kapfhammer {…}
This weekend is packed with so much opera that we had to make an exception and add in one extra recommendation for fans around North America. Don Giovanni – Bare Opera, New York Malena Dayen is set to bring a unique angle to Mozart and Da Ponte’s classic, using video cameras attached to performers that will allow unique perspectives of {…}
Brian Mulligan has pulled out of Houston Grand Opera’s opening night production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The company announced that due to illness the baritone would not be able to perform the upcoming new production. As a result, Michael Mayes and Scott Hendricks will replace the baritone. Mayes will perform the production on opening night Oct. 18 through Oct. 26 and {…}
(Credit: Duane Tinkey / Des Moines Metro Opera) The Atlanta Opera has announced that its Veterans Program will provide free tickets to over 2,800 veterans and active military. The company is also set to host an event on the eve of Veterans day prior to a performance of “La Cenerentola.” The event, which will also include a reception to celebrate {…}
Boston Lyric Opera will open its 2019-20 season this September with the company’s first production of Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci.” David Lefkowich will direct the opera “and its pre-show experience – an immersive roadshow circus that mirrors the opera’s play-within-a-play story of a traveling troupe whose onstage drama pales in comparison to its backstage love triangle.” Guests can enjoy circus performances, live {…}
Boston Lyric Opera will receive a $30,000 Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The grant will support the fall 2019 production of Leoncavallo’s tragic opera “Pagliacci,” which will open the season on Sept. 27. Out of 1,500 applicants in its category, BLO is one of 977 institutions chosen to receive the grant (which typically ranges $10,000 {…}