Eva-Maria Westbroek has canceled her participation in the Teatro Massimo di Palermo’s upcoming production of Wagner’s “Parsifal.” The soprano announced that due to family reasons she would have to bow out from the production. As a result, Catherine Hunold will takeover the role of Kundry. She joins a cast that includes Tómas Tómasson, Alexei Tanovistsky, John Relyea, Thomas Gazheli, and {…}
On Nov. 13, 2019, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music staged the second performance of its production of Richard Wagner’s “Parsifal.” This epic work was brought to life through a fascinating mixture of traditional and modern techniques, both styles supporting each other and lending a wealth of meaning to the unfolding story. Given the vocal demands of the primary roles, {…}
It was revealed recently that Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Opera would be putting on Wagner’s “Parsifal” as part of its upcoming season. The Institution noted that it regularly performed the work between 1949 and 1976 and that this was a revival of a major tradition. The institution also revealed that it would feature star tenor Chris Lysack, who {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Metropolitan Opera) Wagner’s “Parsifal” is one of the greatest operas ever created. Its music is undeniably some of the most sublime ever created by humankind, but the power of its mythology cannot be overlooked. Within “Parsifal,” we find a number of major archetypes in all of its characters, all with differing attitudes toward the work’s central {…}
This summer Piotr Beczala is set to return to the Bayreuth Festival to reprise the title role in Wagner’s “Lohengrin.” Performances are set to reunite the tenor with Anna Netrebko and Christian Thielemann. Back in January, the tenor sat down with the Wagner Society of New York to talk about the famed composer and performing with Anna Netrebko. Here are {…}
Richard Wagner, born on May 22, 1813, is arguably opera’s most famed revolutionary. His music creates a wide range of emotional reactions from his audiences. Some people are completely obsessed with his music and can’t really consider anyone near his level. Other enjoy it in bits and pieces but might find the lengths of his works challenging. Others still outright {…}
Throughout these days, many people will celebrate Easter or Passover (or both). These essential holidays have been adapted to a number of art forms, including opera. So as you prepare to engage with your faith (or not), here is a little quiz to see which representation of those stories on the operatic stage might further enhance that experience.
The Vienna State Opera will present Wagner’s final masterpiece “Parsifal” on April 21, 2019. Those not able to make it to Vienna can still check out the performance via the company’s live stream service. Simon O’Neill will appear as the title character with René Pape in his signature role of Gurnemanz. Meanwhile Matthias Goerne, Boaz Daniel, and Elena Zhidkova will {…}
On Feb. 20, 2019, the Victorian Opera company will make history staging its first performance of Wagner’s “Parsifal.” This production is set to boast an all-star cast of artists such as Burkhard Fritz, Katarina Dalayman, Peter Rose, Derek Welton, and Teddy Tahu Rhodes. OperaWire had the opportunity to speak with the Victorian Opera’s artistic director Richard Mills, and learn more {…}
Wagner’s “Parsifal” will be staged for the first time at the Victorian Opera. The opera will be the company’s biggest undertaking as it will include a cast of 83 singers and 75 musicians. Roger Hodgman will direct a production designed by some of Australia’s most accomplished theatre artists, Christina Smith, Richard Roberts, and Matt Scott. The opera will star revered {…}
“Parsifal,” which premiered on July 26, 1882, is Wagner’s final opera, and for many, his greatest. It is undeniably unique in its conception, the work created with the Bayreuth Festspielhaus in mind (the Festspielhaus was conversely created for the “Ring” operas). Wagner actually conceived the work in 1857 but did not complete it for 25 years and is often regarded {…}
