“Einstein on the Beach,” which had its world premiere on July 25, 1976 at the Avignon Festival, is one of Philip Glass’ famous operas. It is the first of the “Portrait Trilogy” which also includes “Akhnaten” and “Satyagraha.” The work aims to explore the character of Einstein across a unique dramatic landscape. The work was created in collaboration with Robert {…}
Opera Parallèle has announced its 2018-19 season featuring a world premiere, a continuing relationship with composer Philip Glass, the return of Rachel Portman, a pivotal new production, and the annual Up Close and Parallèle gala. Productions The season opens with Philip Glass’ “In the Penal Colony” in a new production in collaboration with the Day and Nights Festival. Nicole Paiement conducts a new production by Brian Staufenbiel starring {…}
The origins of Philip Glass’ “La Belle et la Bête” are indeed interesting. For many years Glass has had an interest in French film, and in particular a fascination with the works of Jean Cocteau, and in 1994 he decided to write a film score/opera based on Cocteau’s 1946 film of the same name, which was to be the third {…}
Most countertenors make their careers out of singing traditional baroque repertoire. The voice type, so popular during the art form’s formative years, was extremely popular in its day with the major composers assigning leading roles to the countertenor. But that is no longer the case today, the countertenor is seen more as a novelty than a bonafide fixture in the {…}
Philip Glass’ operas have had unique places in the standard repertoire, present, but not quite firmly established in the canon of most opera houses. His work “Satyagraha” has recently seen its profile increase quite prominently since its debut on Sept. 5, 1980, as the opera was featured prominently as part of the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series. The entire {…}
Philip Glass’ “Akhnaten” is now confirmed for the Metropolitan Opera in 2019. The opera was previously rumored to appear with the company, but has now been confirmed by a New York Times article with countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo. This run of performances would be the opera’s premiere with the company and it will be staged by Phelim McDermott with Costanzo {…}
Once again, San Francisco offers us an original, Opera Parallèle’s “Les Enfants Terribles” by celebrated American composer Philip Glass. In 1996, Glass adapted the story from the novel (1929) and film (1950) of the same name by the famous French artist and toast of the town Jean Cocteau, who himself took the myth of eternal youth as his starting point. Glass’s opera-ballet {…}
The Wolf Trap Opera gets off to a start this month with numerous operas being showcased. The season begins on June 14, 2017, with Puccini’s “Tosca” starring Alexandra Loutsion in the title role. Grant Gershon conducts the National Symphony Orchestra in this one-performance event. Joseph Li conducts Philip Glass’ “The Fall of the House of Usher” for one performance on June {…}
A few weeks ago, Metropolitan Opera Music Director Designate Yannick Nézet-Séguin made the proclamation that he would be bringing newer and fresher composers to the Metropolitan Opera throughout his tenure. A few days later it was reported that among the new composers he would be bringing would be Jake Heggie’s “Dead Man Walking.” It’s a great start, considering Heggie, who {…}
Opera is laden with historical figures of the past, many often showcased in a mythological light. The same goes for American Presidents, which have been given the operatic treatment on several occasions. As we celebrate Presidents Day in the United States, here is a look at which of our leaders have been showcased in operas. Third US President Thomas Jefferson {…}
Philip Glass is one of the most acclaimed composers of our time. The composer’s minimalist approach to composition balances the melodic with the arpeggiated rhythm. Most will say that his music all sounds the same but if you listen closely, you’ll discover the intricate melodies within the rhythmic structure. On Jan. 31, 1937 Phillip Glass turns 80 and OperaWire takes {…}