Ever wonder what Mozart or Verdi might have thought about the changes that music took on nearly 100 years after them? It would certainly be interesting to see what they would have felt and how they might have connected to musicians of the last half-century. It would have been even more interesting to see what they felt of the direction {…}
As the Metropolitan Opera company’s Summer Recital Series rolls on, the artists and crew took to Williamsbridge Oval Park in the Bronx for an afternoon of arias, duets, and a trio from some of opera’s most cherished composers. Kicking things off was tenor Gerard Schneider, singing “Questa o quella” from Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” This amorous aria made for a spirited opening, {…}
The word “Bohemian” – much like the popular terms “retro,” “Goth,” or “vintage” – is yet another label that has offered countless inferences over a plethora of different times. The “Bohème” clique of Puccini, undercut by the whimsy and exuberance of Italian verismo, would contrast with a play rendition of its source, Henri Murger’s “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème.” {…}
Eva Marton, born on June 18, 1943, is arguably the most famous Hungarian soprano of the last few decades. She studied at the Franz Liszt Academy and made her professional debut at Hungary’s Margaret Island Summer Festival. Then at the Hungarian State Opera, she appeared for the first time in “The Golden Cockerel” in 1968. From there she made her {…}
The Gran Teatre del Liceu will showcase a production of “Manon Lescaut” on Saturday, June 16, 2018. The performance will be broadcast on La 2 in Barcelona as well as in Madrid in the Plaza Mayor and on mobile devices via RTVE. The performance will star Liudmyla Monastyrska in the title role with David Bizic as her brother. Gregory Kunde {…}
The Detriot Symphony Orchestra’s “Turandot” has announced two cast changes for its June 2018 performances. First, Jader Bignamini will conduct the performance, stepping in for Leonard Slatkin, who was forced to withdraw from the final three programs of the season to undergo heart surgery. As a result, maestro Slatkin needs three months to fully recover and return to conducting. Additionally, Bass Morris {…}
PBS will showcase Puccini’s “Tosca” from the Metropolitan Opera as part of its Great Performances Series on Friday, June 15, 2018. The broadcast will kick off at 9 p.m. EDT and will showcase soprano Sonya Yoncheva as the tragic heroine. This was the first of Yoncheva’s big season, during which she appeared on three Live in HD broadcasts. Her “Bohème” {…}
Berlin features some of the most prominent opera companies in the business. But this week, a fifth company is taking the spotlight. The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens Berlin, a famed restaurant with more than 50 craft and artisanal beers, is set to showcase Puccini’s “La Bohème” on May 31, June 1 and 2. The three-day event will be {…}
It’s a crowded weekend and thus a major challenge to select from the numerous options. The five here were our favorites, but by all means, head over to the other companies not listed here and check out the opera offerings they have. There were truly more than we could imagine. Here are our picks, in alphabetical order by company. Houston {…}
Premiering on April 25, 1926, Puccini’s final opera “Turandot” has always suffered a controversial legacy. The opera is a fixed repertory staple best-known for one particular piece of music. And yet, it would be hard to claim it the composer’s greatest work overall, as he died before its completion. Puccini famously struggled with writing its ending and upon his passing {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment we will take a {…}