For audiences who missed Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” at the Metropolitan Opera, there is another chance on Feb. 19. PBS will broadcast the HD performance originally shown in movie theaters on Oct. 22 starring baritone Simon Keenlyside in the title role with Met Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi in the pit. The cast is rounded out by Hibla Gerzmava as Donna Anna, Malin Byström {…}
Mozart’s operas are collections of some of the art form’s most iconic characters. A survey through the works of classical music’s most iconic creator, who turns 261 on Jan. 27, will reveal one complex being after another. The lengthy list is unlike any other in perhaps any art form. Every character shines brightly in a Mozart character, whether he be {…}
What do Giuseppe Di Stefano, Mirella Freni and Fritz Wunderlich have in common? While the three opera stars never collaborated, they had a massive impact of Joel Prieto’s formative years. The tenor recently told OperaWire, in an exclusive interview, about how these three icons of opera transformed his life completely and still do in many ways. Early Turning Points It {…}
Mozart’s “Così Fan Tutte” makes its appearance at the Paris National Opera this coming Monday featuring a relatively young cast in a dynamic production be Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. The run kicks off on Jan. 23 and runs through Feb. 19 for a grand total of 10 performances. The Performers Getting the bulk of work as Fiodiligi is Jacquelyn Wagner, {…}
On Jan. 18 the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma will open its new production of Mozart’s “Cosi Fan Tutte.” The production by Graham Vick will star Francesca Dotto and Federica Lombardi alternating the role of Fiordiligi and Chiara Amarù and Paola Gardina singing the role of Dorabella. Gugliemo will be performed by Vito Priante and Mattia Olivieri while Ferrando will be sung by Juan Francisco Gatell and Antonio Poli. Meanwhile, {…}
The world is set to undergo a change this week with a massive transfer of power. There is tremendous uncertainty regarding this situation, some expecting the very worst. Art represents an interesting window into our deepest fears and opera has its fair share of oppressive regimes and tyrannical rule in all guises. What follows is a look at some of {…}
Another weekend in 2017, even more operatic activity around the United States. Of course the Metropolitan Opera continues its busy schedule with “Il Barbiere di Sivilgia,” “La Bohème” and “Roméo et Juliette” the three major offerings with such stars as Javier Camarena, Pretty Yende, Ailyn Pérez, Michael Fabiano, Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau leading the casts for their respective operas {…}
On Thursday, the Canadian Opera company has just announced its 2017-18 season which features six opera spanning from October 5, 2017 to May 26, 2018. The works selected for the new season feature mainly staples of the canonical repertoire though there is one rare work making an appearance this season. Jane Archibald is this season’s artist in residence. The announcement {…}
Joseph Calleja will appear in the Official Opening Concert of the 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017. The tenor made the announcement via social media on Thursday. He will perform selections from “Die Zauberflöte,” Flotow’s “Martha,” “Roméo et Juliette,” “Werther,” “Tosca,” “Le Cid” and a number of Verdi operas including “Rigoletto” {…}
It is always a challenge to make a role debut in a season, particularly when it features some of the most challenging repertoire in the operatic repertoire. It is an even greater risk and challenge to make three in one season. But don’t tell Davinia Rodriguez as the soprano has spent this season doing just that and succeeding all the {…}
The weekend of Jan. 6-8 will see the return of many prominent opera companies around the country after a lengthy holiday hiatus. The Metropolitan Opera, which continues throughout the year, will feature three popular works including “La Boheme,” an HD performance of Verdi’s “Nabucco” and evening showcase of Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” starring Diana Damrau and Vittorio Grigolo. Nabucco stars {…}