(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 {…}
(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper official website) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced that tenor Hiroshi Amako and soprano Johanna Wallroth will take over the roles of Alfred and Ida in Johann Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus,” respectively, for all performances in the run. The operetta opens on Dec. 31, 2021, and will last until Jan. 5, 2022 for a total of four performances. Amako {…}
(Credit: Gregor Hohenberg / Sony Music Entertainment) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced that tenor Juan Diego Flórez will replace Stephen Costello in the title role of Gounod’s “Faust” for the final performance on Nov. 11, 2021. Costello was previously replaced for the performance on Nov. 7, 2021, by tenor John Osborn. Juan Diego Flórez, who premiered the production during the {…}
(Credits: Matilde Fasso / Salzburger Festspiele / Doris Wild) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced multiple cast changes for the upcoming performances of Gounod‘s “Faust” and Verdi‘s “Nabucco.” Per an official press release, tenor John Osborn will sing the title role in “Faust” on Nov. 7, 2021, replacing Stephen Costello. Osborn joins a cast that includes Rachel Willis-Sørensen as Marguerite, Adam {…}
(Credit: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera) Sunlight on the water, fog hovering. Homecoming at the Opera House, San Francisco September 2021. “Finalmente! Finally.” Masked and vaccinated we arrive at the doors of the War Memorial Opera House and are welcomed as if we are the stars. In a way we were: the ones who up until tonight, could not enter. The {…}
San Francisco Opera is set to present “Live and In Concert: The Homecoming” on Sept. 10. The concert will feature Music Director Eun Sun Kim alongside soloists Rachel Willis-Sørensen and Jamie Barton. The concert will be held at the War Memorial Opera House and will be simulcast at Oracle Park. Kim, Willis-Sørensen, and Barton first performed together in the company’s 2019 production of {…}
San Francisco Opera has announced its streams for the month of August 2021. The company will stream two operas this month, including an Italian classic as well as an iconic German masterpiece. All performances can be watched directly on the company’s official website. First up will be a stream of a 2015 staging of Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.” The {…}
(Credit: Chris Singer/Fay Fox/Yan Bleney/Bree Anne Clowdus) The San Francisco Opera has announced its 2021-22 season featuring a variety of classic works and some of the greatest stars in the industry. The season will open with Puccini’s “Tosca“ with Eun Sun Kim conducting an all-star cast that includes soprano Ailyn Pérez as Tosca, tenor Michael Fabiano as Cavaradossi, and bass-baritone Alfred {…}
The Semperoper Dresden has announced its 2021-22 season featuring new productions, revivals, jung oper, and Chamber works. Premieres Gaetano d’Espinosa conducts a new production of Peter Konwitschny Bellini’s “Norma” with Yolanda Auyanet in the title role. The cast will also include Dmytro Popov, Alexandros Stavrakakis, and Stepanka Pucalkova. Performance Dates: Oct. 2-31, 2021 Ivan Repušić conducts a new production of {…}