(Credit: Sarah Katharina. Wardrobe by Niko Niko.) Elīna Garanča and Piotr Beczala have canceled their performances in Russia. Both artists took to social media to announce their positions on why they were canceling their upcoming concerts in the country. Beczala stated, “I am not a politician and I have no influence on political decisions. But I am an artist and {…}
The Met Opera’s 2022-23 season is here. And that also means that one of its most popular aspects, the Live in HD series, is also back with a slew of new entries. So here is a rundown of what opera productions you will get a chance to not only watch live in cinemas, but eventually online and on TV. Sir {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2022-23 season featuring seven new productions. Here is a breakdown of the season. New Productions Sir. David McVicar directs a new production of Cherubini’s “Medea” with Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role. The cast will be rounded out by Janai Brugger, Ekaterina Gubanova, Matthew Polenzani, and Michele Pertusi. Carlo Rizzi conducts. Performance Dates: Sept. {…}
This week audiences will get to listen to three solo recitals from some rising stars and one of opera’s leading lieder singers. There are also two full opera DVDs starring leading singers. Here is a look at the new releases of the week. Mirages: The Art of French Song Champs Hill Records releases baritone Roderick Williams’ new album with acclaimed {…}
The Met Opera’s Live in HD series for the 2021-22 season continues on Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022 with a transmission of “Rigoletto.” The broadcast, which kicks off at 12:55 p.m. Eastern time, is conducted by Daniele Rustioni and stars Rosa Feola, Quinn Kelsey, Piotr Beczala, Andrea Mastroni, and Varduhi Abrahamyan. Of the new production, OperaWire’s review noted that Feola and Beczala were {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Met Opera) On Dec. 31, the Metropolitan Opera opened a new production of “Rigoletto.” It was the first time since 2013 that the company was showcasing a new staging of Verdi’s masterpiece and it was a departure from the Las Vegas set. And all eyes were on Quinn Kelsey, who was singing his first Rigoletto at {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Met Opera) On Dec. 31, 2021, the Metropolitan Opera will ring in the new year with a new production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The production which is set to be shown nine times and will be directed by Bartlett Sher with set designs by Michael Yeargan, costume designs Catherine Zuber, and lighting designs by Donald Holder. The {…}
(Credit: Luigi Caputo) The Salzburg Whitsun Festival has announced its 2022 slate, focusing on the Spanish city of Seville. “There are said to be 153 operas set in and around Seville. It is a city which unites a unique mixture of proud ancient cultures which has generated and inspired incredibly varied music and enchants visitors with its stunningly bright light, {…}
The Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo in Bogotá, Colombia has announced its 2022 programming. For the purposes of this article, our focus will be on vocal performances. Tenor Ramón Vargas will kick the season off with a recital performance. Performance Date: Jan. 27, 2022 Soprano Veronica Cangemi will also perform in recital. Performance Date: April 8, 2022 Superstar tenor {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its “Opera for all concert” on Sept. 17, 2021. The company noted that “due to an illness Jonas Kaufmann was forced to cancel his appearance at this concert.” As a result, Piotr Beczala will sing in his stead. In a statement, Beczala said, “I am very happy to be on stage {…}
The Opus Klassik has announced the winners of the 2021 awards. Among the winners were Sonya Yoncheva and Piotr Beczala who won the Singer of the Year awards for their albums “Rebirth” and “Vincerò!” Meanwhile, Conductor of the Year went to Marc Albrecht for Zemlinsky’s “Die Seejungfrau” while Fatma Said won the New Artist of the Year. Regula Mühlemann won Solo {…}