Boston Camerata is marking the 40th anniversary year of the release of its landmark period-instrument recording of Purcell/Tate’s “Dido and Aeneas” with a new digital production of the opera set to stream from November 14-29. The cast is led by mezzo-soprano Tahanee Aluwihare as Dido and baritone Luke Scott as Aeneas. Bookending the performance is a presentation by musicologist Ellen {…}
Les Arts Florissants’ 2020 “Dans Les Jardins de William Christie” Festival opened in Thiré, France on August 22 with a performance of Handel’s “L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato,” the composer’s pastoral based on the poetry of John Milton. The production kicked off the annual event that combines the thrilling beauty of Baroque music and the art of gardens. The {…}
“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 features “Diamantino.” A Cristiano {…}
Hundreds of artists have come together to make Guildhall School’s double bill of “Dido and Aeneas” and “La Bella Dormente nel Bosco” into a digital production. The double bill was originally scheduled as part of the organization’s season but had to be canceled due to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the production team, led by director Olivia Fuchs and conductor {…}
The Long Beach Opera is set to present the world premiere of its re-imagination of Purcell’s “King Arthur.” The opera, which will be directed and adapted by Andreas Mitisek, is set to appear o Jan. 12, 18, and 19 at the Beverly O’Neill Theatre in Long Beach, California. Culture Clash and Musica Angelica will perform alongside Bass-baritone Cedric Berry, soprano {…}
Purchase Opera is set to present “Dido and Aeneas” on Dec. 7 and 8, 2019. The performance will be directed by Jacque Trussel in a rendition of the work that will be set in modern corporate American with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. The showcase will be conducted by maestro Hugh Murphy and will cast students and graduates from {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin’s “King Arthur,” in its current production by Sven-Eric Bechtolf and Julian Crouch, began with a deceptively childlike staging. Thirteen empty chairs lined the edge of the stage, their backs against a scrim with the pale blue and white pattern of wallpaper. As René Jacobs led the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin through the overture, actors entered from {…}
When Dido, the Queen protagonist in Henry Purcell’s baroque opera sings her final aria “When I am laid in Earth,” not only do we hear some of the most beautiful music that was ever composed, Purcell also invites us on a journey of deep introspection, forcing us come to terms with the frailty of human existence. But in recent performances {…}
Once a singer stops performing, he or she may often move into teaching or directing. Some singers add either to their schedules as a contrast to their stage performances, though this often represents a decline in being the star attraction onstage. But Alek Shrader is doing it all at the same time while still very much in his vocal prime. {…}
After the performances of Cavalli’s “La Calisto,” the bets were high for the staging of one of the jewels of English composer Henry Purcell – “Dido & Aeneas.” This production by Sasha Waltz premiered at the Berlin Staatsoper in 2005 and has travelled around the world. Waltz, a German contemporary choreographer and dancer, integrates dance, music, text, sets and costumes {…}
Donald Grayston Burgess has passed away sometime around March 7, 2019. Born on April 7, 1932, Burgess would join his local choir school in Canterbury at the age of eight before wartime bombings would force his family, among many others, to relocate to Cornwall. Returning to Canterbury as head chorister at the age of 13, Burgess would continue to dedicate {…}
