(Credit: © Wiener Staatsoper | Michael Pöhn) ORF III is set to broadcast Wiener Staatsoper’s production of Verdi’s “Otello” on Nov. 19, 2023. The production, which is directed by Adrian Noble, was performed back in October and starred Jonas Kaufmann in the title role alongside Rachel Willis-Sørensen as Desdemona and Ludivoc Tézier as Iago. Alexander Soddy conducted the production. Critics {…}
If you’re not fully conversant with the tale that is the centerpiece of one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most celebrated and performed works, “Il Trovatore,” then I highly recommend a little further reading and research before attempting to digest this opera. It may well help to alleviate some of the confusion in following the plot. There’s little one can do, however, {…}
(Photo by Olivia Kahler) American soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen is known for her diverse repertoire ranging from Mozart to Wagner. She has performed at leading opera houses around the world to high acclaim. She won first prize at the 2014 Operalia competition in Los Angeles and at the 2011 Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, and she was a winner of the {…}
The Royal Opera has announced a cast change for its production of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore.” The company said, “sadly, Marina Rebeka has withdrawn from performing the role of Leonora in tomorrow evening’s performance of ‘Il Trovatore’ after testing positive for COVID-19. Rachel Willis-Sørensen will perform the role ahead of her scheduled run of performances in Il trovatore from June 21 – July 2.” {…}
The Santa Fe Opera has announced its 2024 season. Conductor Corrado Rovaris conducts Louisa Muller’s production of Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The cast includes Mané Galoyan, Bekhzod Davronov, and Carlos Arámbula. Performance Dates: June 28-August 24, 2024 Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” will be conducted by Harry Bicket. Stephen Barlow directs the production with Ryan Speedo Green, Teresa Perrotta, Rachael Wilson, David Portillo, Nicholas Newton, {…}
The Houston Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2023-24 season. Here is a look at the vocal highlights. The season opens with Juraj Valčuha conducting Erin Morley in a program of music by Messiaen, Poulenc, and Ravel. Performance Dates: Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2023 Juraj Valčuha conducts Brahms’ “German Requiem” with soloists Lauren Snouffer and Andrew Foster-Williams. The program also includes Takemitsu’s Requiem {…}
This week audiences will get a chance to listen to a high-anticipated recording of Puccini’s final opera. There are also several world premiere recordings and solo albums. All in the Sound: New Vocal Music by Peter Dayton Navona Records will release Peter Dayton‘s art songs which pair voices with instruments as varied as violin, harp, and celesta in addition to {…}
LA Opera has announced its 2023-24 season. Lucas Meachem, Guanqun Yu, Isabel Leonard, Anthony León, Craig Colclough, Meigui Zhang, Alan Williams, and Peixin Chen star in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” James Conlon conducts Kasper Holten. Performance Dates: Sept. 23–Oct. 15, 2023 Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” will star Emmett O’Hanlon, Isabel Leonard, Edgardo Rocha, Paolo Bordogna, and Luca Pisaroni. Louis Lohraseb conducts {…}
(Credit: Simon Pauly) The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its production of Verdi’s “Otello.” The company noted that Rachel Willis-Sorensen will replace Anja Harteros in the role of Desdemona. Willis-Sorensen has performed at the Royal Opera House, Bayerische Staatsoper, Semperoper Dresden, Wiener Staatsoper, Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Opernhaus Zurich. Her repertoire {…}
Photo: Sandra Ludewig Sony Classical has announced the exclusive signing of soprano Rachel Willis Sørensen’s self-titled debut album, “Rachel.” The prestigious label also announced the release of a new single, showcasing the recording’s first work, Dvořák’s “Měsíčku na nebi hlubokém (Song to the Moon).” The single is now available on Apple Music’s playlist “The Classical Voice.” Sørensen stated on the {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced its 2022-23 season featuring two newly-commissioned world premieres, three premieres of works never before seen on Lyric’s stage, and a host of classic favorites. Here is a look. Russell Thomas sings the title role in Verdi’s “Ernani.” He is joined by Tamara Wilson, Quinn Kelsey, and Christian Van Horn. Enrique Mazzola conducts the production by Louisa {…}