(Credit: Paola Kudacki / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to present Wagner’s masterpiece “Lohengrin” for the first time in 17 years. The company will present a new production by renowned director François Girard, who created productions for “Der Fliegende Hollander” and “Parsifal” for the Met. The new production will see Girard collaborate with artist and designer Tim Yip who {…}
(Photo: Ken Howard / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera will present Giordano’s “Fedora” Live in HD this weekend on Jan. 14, 2023. The broadcast, which kicks off at 12:55 p.m. Eastern time and marks the company’s 150th HD showcase, will be conducted by Marco Armiliato and stars Sonya Yoncheva in the title role and Piotr Beczala as her lover Loris. {…}
(Review written in collaboration with David Salazar) The last time the Met Opera put on Giordano’s “Fedora” was 25 years ago. It was a common refrain in the lead up to the New Year’s Eve opening night with The New York Times, in an exclusive preview for the production, emphasizing the fact and trying to make sense of why this {…}
Piotr Beczala has canceled two more concerts due to COVID. The tenor said, “dear friends, unfortunately, the cold I am struggling with turned out to be COVID, so to my great disappointment I am forced to cancel not only my concert in Munich today, but also the concerts in Vienna and Dresden. I send you warmest greetings, Piotr.” The news {…}
Piotr Beczala has canceled his upcoming concert in Munich. The tenor took to social media and said, “Dear friends, I regret to inform you that due to my illness, the concert in Munich, which was scheduled on November 21, will be postponed to a later date. I’ll keep you informed. Warmest greetings, Piotr.” Beczala was set to perform alongside the {…}
Piotr Beczala has canceled his participation in the Nov. 27 Gala Concert at the Wiener Staatsoper. The tenor took to social media and said, “Dear friends, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to perform on November 27 at the Wiener Staatsoper during the Gala Concert LICHT INS DUNKEL for technical reasons. I couldn’t find a {…}
Last week, I provided my thoughts on the other cast of this production of “Aida,” starring soprano Anna Netrebko. But I also had a chance to experience the opera on Nov. 6 with the opening night cast. While the star of that original cast was the lead soprano, here it turned out to be someone else. Star of the Night {…}
Ahead of the opening night of the “Aida” at the Teatro Real, Piotr Beczala is speaking out regarding the scandal that broke out at the Arena di Verona. In a recent interview with Beckmesser the tenor said, “I absolutely agree with what the great mezzo Grace Bumbry wrote on social media, I subscribe to every word when she says that {…}
This week there is a special release from the Metropolitan Opera as well as two complete opera releases you will not want to miss. Here is a look! Crepuscolo BR-Klassik recorded a concert from Bayerischer Rundfunk in Munich. The recital includes 27 songs spanning three decades of the composer’s career, including three complete song cycles as well as a selection {…}
The Wiener Konzerthaus has announced the 2022-23 “Great Voices” Series. The series opens with a concert by Piotr Beczała featuring music by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano, and Mascagni. Marco Boemi conducts. Performance Date: Nov. 24, 2022 Diana Damrau performs a concert alongside Jérémie Rhorer featuring music by Mozart and Händel. Performance Date: Dec. 20, 2022 Regula Mühlemann sings music by Faure, {…}
Opera Naples will be presenting a summer film series starting on July 6, 2022 and running through Oct. 19. The screenings, which will take place at the Wang Opera Center, will kick off with a performance of “Madama Butterfly” from the Teatro alla Scala. The showcase, which is conducted by Riccardo Chailly and stars María José Siri, features the original {…}