(Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic) I made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t again mention this year that opera should always be more about the music and the singing than the staging. Alas, I find myself having to break that promise after sitting through the revival of Richard Jones’s 2022 production of “Samson et Dalila” at the Royal Ballet and Opera. {…}
(Credit: ©2025 Marc Brenner) This David McVicar production of “Faust” is its sixth incarnation. It is a cornucopia of demonic dabbling and delightful witticism combined with some rather dark, if not thoroughly perturbing, moments; balanced with some stellar acting and some pretty glorious singing! Under revival director Peter Relton we are presented here with a gamut of prancing devils, cabaret girls {…}
At the risk of repeating myself, opera should be all about the music and the voice. If I’m ever asked to quantify that statement, I readily proffer “Turandot” in support of my assertions. For here is a ridiculous, cruel, convoluted tale that is impossible to like and grasp, perpetrated by a pair of unpleasant, thoroughly dislikeable characters with, were it {…}
The Sixteen and the Genesis Foundation have announced the 22 young artists who will join Genesis Sixteen’s 14th cohort this autumn. The program hosts 18-23-year-old singers to nurture the next generation of ensemble singers. The cohort will culminate their training with a showcase performance at Sounds Sublime Festival, taking place on July 13. Other highlights of Sounds Sublime include a {…}
(Photo credit: Paul Marc Mitchell) The English Concert marks its 50th anniversary with new releases of its legacy project, “Handel for All.” This spring the group will put on a number of special concerts and events in celebration, whilst continuing to build its library of recordings of Händel’s works that are free and accessible. Sopranos Jeanine de Bique and Liv {…}