The Metropolitan Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Medea.” The company said that for the Oct. 13 performance the role of Giasone will be sung by Rafael Davila replacing Matthew Polenzani. The cast change marks the second for the performance after Ekaterina Gubanova canceled and was replaced by Olivia Vote. Davila made his Met debut as {…}
Opera Colorado has announced its 2021-22 season featuring three productions and a number of international stars. Puccini’s “Tosca” opens the season with Melissa Citro, Rafael Davila, and Luis Ledesma. Ari Pelto conducts the masterwork. Performance Dates: Nov. 6-14, 2021 Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s “The Shining” will be directed by Eric Simonson. Edward Parks, Kelly Kaduce, Kevin Deas, Vale Rideout, {…}
As Europe gets back to performing opera productions in unique and innovative ways, the United States continues to cancel or stream performances. However, this week the Northern Light Festival in Minnesota is taking its chances and presenting the first operatic production since the COVID-19 crisis in a new socially-distanced production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” The festival has assembled an all-star cast {…}
(Credit: Fay Fox) The North Lights Music Festival in Minnesota has announced its slate for the coming month. Acclaimed Ecuadorian director Chía Patiño brings Puccini’s “Tosca” to the Discovery Center with Leah Crocetto in the title role, Rafael Davila as Mario Cavaradossi, and Daniel Sutin as Scarpia. Gavriel Heine conducts the masterpiece which will also star Rafael Porto and Peter {…}
(Credit: Marty Sohl / Ken Howard) The Metropolitan Opera has announced new casts for its added performances in February. In the company’s production of Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” Michele Angelini will sing the role of Almaviva and James Morris will take over the role of Basilio. They will join a cast that includes Brenda Rae and Joshua Hopkins for {…}
(Credit: Chris Singer) Opera Naples has announced that it will present “Florida Tosca and Friends,” starring Jennifer Rowley. The gala, which is also set to include Rafael Davila, Raymond Diaz, and Jesse Martins, will be streamed online on Saturday May 30th at 1 p.m. EST on operanaples.live. The recital will be performed from the Wang Center in Naples, Florida. There {…}
(Credit: Millington) Sarasota Opera will present a fully staged version of Catalani’s “La Wally” starting on March 7, 2020. The production, which will include a total of six performances through March 22, 2020, will be the first in the U.S. in 30 years; the opera, which was written by Luigi Illica, has only been staged eight times in the U.S. {…}
(Credit: Terrence McCarthy/San Francisc Opera) The San Francisco Opera is set to present Puccini’s “Manon Lescaut.” The company will present a revival of director Olivier Tambosi’s production reuniting soprano Lianna Haroutounian and tenor Brian Jagde for role debuts in yet another Puccini opera, after their last appearance together in San Francisco Opera’s 2014 “Tosca.” The stars will be led by former San {…}
Opera San Antonio has announced the cast for its upcoming production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” Jennifer Rowley will bring her acclaimed turn in the title role alongside side Rafael Davila as Cavaradossi and Michael Chioldi as Scarpia. Francesco Milioto is set to conduct the production by E. Loren Meeker. When Rowley performed the title role at the Metropolitan Opera, OperaWire stated, “Jennifer Rowley Triumphs {…}
Opera Naples is set to present Bizet’s “Carmen” next month. The premier company in Naples will feature an international cast that will include rising star French mezzo-soprano Gaëlle Arquez in the title role and Rafael Davila as Don José. Soprano Heather Phillips will sing Micaëla while Baritone Anatoli Sivko will portray the bullfighter Escamillo. The Naples Philharmonic will perform alongside Maestro Ramón {…}
Opera Colorado has announced its 2019-20 season featuring three classic operas. The season includes rising stars in the business as well as veterans. Here is a look at what to expect. The season opens with Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” with Megan Marino and Andrew Stenson headlining the cast. Bruno Taddia sings the title role, while Stefano De Peppo and Harold Wilson {…}