(Credit: Ken Howard) In the opera world, it’s a common cliché to think that Mozart, because of the simplicity of his music, is “easy to perform.” That’s often why we see opera conservatories and universities often take on his masterpieces for performances. But in my view, nothing is more challenging than Mozart. Not only is the music itself complex in {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has made a cast change for its upcoming production of “Le Nozze di Figaro.” Per OWL Artist Management, mezzo-soprano Rachael Wilson will be taking over the role of Cherubino for the March 15, 2022 performance; she will be replacing Samantha Hankey. She will join a cast starring Gerald Finley, Olga Bezsmertna, Katharina Konradi, Luca Pisaroni, Katja Pieweck, {…}
On March 26, 2022, the Fairfield County Chorale will present Mozart’s “Requiem in D minor” and Thomas Cabaniss’ “Three Sabbaths” in a program titled “A Requiem for the Pandemic.” Renowned conductor David Rosenmeyer will conduct the Chorale, with guest soloists including soprano Joy Jan Jones, mezzo-soprano Eugenia Forteza, tenor Pedro Sequera, and baritone Hyunsoon Kim. The program will join Mozart’s {…}
(Credit: Miguel Lorenzo Mikel Ponce) “Le Nozze di Figaro” was one of many productions staged by Opéra national de Paris (Paris Opera), which was severely affected by the pandemic, suffering from the cancellation of several performances and multiple changes in the cast with covers stepping in at very short notice. Before the February 3 performance in the Palais Garnier, it was {…}
(Credit: Vincent Pontet) Despite struggling with COVID’s incredibly contagious Omicron variant and subsequent cancelations as a result, the Opéra National de Paris still managed to stage Mozart’s masterpiece, “Don Giovanni.” It was a performance par excellence, where all the primary soloists were, remarkably, able to perform — due to high infection rates it is becoming increasingly common for covers to {…}
Photo Credit: Prudence Upton Opera Australia’s latest production for their 2022 summer season, a revival by Andy Morton of David McVicar’s 2015 production of “The Marriage of Figaro,” opened at Sydney Opera House on January 27th which, according to Opera Australia’s publicity, is Mozart’s 266th birthday. January 27th is also the day after Australia Day, the annual holiday which commemorates {…}
Elsa Dreisig credits Mozart with being the composer who first inspired her to become a professional singer. And over the past years, the soprano has dominated his works singing his operas around the world. After two successful albums, Dreisig decided to pay tribute to the famed creator with an album devoted entirely to arias from his operas particularly the three {…}
The Glyndebourne Tour is set to return in 2022 with opera productions and a series of concert performances of famed choral work. The company will present Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in Michael Grandage’s 2012 production as well as a new production of Puccini’s seminal “La Bohème,” as directed by Floris Visser. There will also be performances of Mozart’s famed {…}
Ian Page and the Mozartists are set to present two unique concerts celebrating music from the year 1772. The first concert, scheduled for Jan. 27, 2022 at Cadogan Hall, will feature sopranos Chiara Skerath and Jessica Cale as they perform Niccolò Jommelli’s “E Alfeo m’inganno?… Barbari, ah! non ferite” from “Cerere Placate;” “Ombra cara… Io resto sempre a piangere” from {…}
(© Semperoper Dresden/Matthias Creutziger) Semperoper Dresden is set to present Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” starting on Jan. 23, 2022. The production, which will be directed by Josef E. Köpplinger will be conducted by Michele Gamba. The opera will star George Zeppenfeld as Sarastro with Christina Poulitsi as the Queen of the Night. In the role of Tamino, Mauro Peter will make his {…}
The ABAO Bilbao Opera is set to present the Bilbao premiere of Fabio Ceresa’s production of “La Clemenza di Tito” starting on Jan. 22, 2022. The opera will be presented at the Euskealduna Bilbao with conductor Riccardo Frizza leading the Euskadiko Orkestra. The work will star Paolo Fanale in the title role with Daniela Mack as Sesto. In the role {…}