Jonas Kaufmann, Patricia Petibon & Sonya Yoncheva Lead Théâtre des Champs-Elysées’ 2020-21 Season

(Credit:Javier del Real/© Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Classical/ Bernard Martinez) The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées has announced its 2020-21 season featuring a vast array of programs and stars. Here are opera and vocal performance highlights of the season: Operas Handel’s Messiah is set to be directed by Robert Wilson with Marc Minkowski conducting. The cast includes Elena Tsallagova, Helena Rasker, Richard {…}

Mar 17, 2020

Opéra National de Paris to Stream Pretty Yende’s ‘Manon’

The Opéra National de Paris is teaming up with France.TV to showcase its new production of Massenet’s “Manon.” The production starred Pretty Yende and Benjamin Bernheim as Manon and Des Grieux. Roberto Tagliavini and Ludovic Tézier also appeared withthe production conducted by Dan Ettinger and directed by Vincent Huguet. The showcase struggled to make it to the stage in late {…}

Mar 7, 2020

Lawrence Brownlee, Pretty Yende Headline ‘Songs for Dallas’ Concert

The Dallas Opera will present “Songs for Dallas” on May 6, 2020 at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. The concert will be headlined by tenor Lawrence Brownlee, who will be joined by the Dallas Opera Orchestra, the Dallas Street Choir, and other major opera stars including soprano Pretty Yende, tenor Xabier Anduaga, baritone Lucas Meachem, bass-baritone Mark S. {…}

Feb 28, 2020

Pretty Yende, Jonas Kaufmann & Lise Davidsen Lead Top 6 International Weekend (2/28-3/1)

This weekend two new productions open with some of the biggest stars in opera while a rarely performed work is set to open in Germany. Don Giovanni – Teatro Mayor, Colombia José Areán conducts Marcelo Lombardero’s production of Mozart and Da Ponte’s masterpiece. Acclaimed bass Nahuel di Pierro stars in the title role with a cast that also includes Hernán {…}

Feb 24, 2020

Artist Of The Week: Pretty Yende

Pretty Yende is one of today’s most sought-after sopranos, best known for her charisma and vocal fireworks. She is exciting to watch and has proven herself to be a performer capable of exposing new insights into each character she inhabits. Throughout the past years, the soprano has sung some of the most challenging coloratura roles in the repertory, while putting {…}

Dec 11, 2019

Pretty Yende Receives Italian Knighthood

(Credit: Kim Fox) Pretty Yende has received the Italian knighthood. The South African soprano received the Ordine Stella d’Italia (OSI), by the Italian Consul in Cape Town Emanuele Pollio on Dec. 10, 2019. In his speech Pollio called Yende both a daughter of South Africa and of Italy and said she “was an extraordinary ambassador of the Italian culture in {…}

Nov 11, 2019

Lawrence Brownlee, María José Siri & Saimir Pirgu Highlight Teatro Colon’s 2020 Season

The Teatro Colón de Buenos Aires has announced its 2020 season, which will feature eight productions and a number of concerts and chamber works. Here is a look at the operas that will be presented. Main Stage The season opens with Verdi’s “Nabucco” starring Sebastián Catana and Leonardo López Linares in the title role, Rebeka Lokar and Mónica Ferracani sharing {…}

Sep 22, 2019

Opéra National de Paris 2019-20 Review: La Traviata

(Credit: Charles DuPrat / Opera de Paris) “La Traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi is probably one of the most popular operas from this composer and from the opera catalogue in general. Based on the the play “La Dame aux Camelies,” which has been adapted from the novel with the same tittle by Alexandre Dumas (son), was inspired on the life of {…}

Sep 20, 2019

Opéra De Paris Cancels ‘La Traviata’ Performance Due To Strike

(Credit: Charles Duprat/ONP) The Opéra de Paris has canceled the Sept. 24 performance of Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The company announced that due to a strike regarding the proposed reform of the pension system, the scheduled performance was canceled. As a result the company is offering ticket-holders the chance to exchange their tickets for another production of the 2019-2020 season depending {…}

Sep 17, 2019

Medici.tv To Livestream Pretty Yende’s ‘La Traviata’

(Credit: Charles Duprat/ONP) Medici.tv is set to present Verdi’s “La Traviata” from the Opéra de Paris. The livestream is set to be presented on Sept. 28, 2019 and will feature the new production by Simon Stone starring Pretty Yende in her role debut as Violetta and tenor Benjamin Bernheim. The cast is rounded out by Ludovic Tézier as Giorgio Germont {…}

Sep 5, 2019

Juan Diego Flórez, Pretty Yende Held Highlight New DVD/CD Releases – September 4

This week, two albums and one DVD are set for release, including a major opera production featuring two superstars. Peñalosa – Lamentations On Sept. 6, BIS Records will release acclaimed vocal ensemble New York Polyphony’s sixth album, “Peñalosa – Lamentations.” The album, according to the press release, “features rarely heard works from late 15th-century and early 16th-century Spanish composers Francisco {…}