Francesca Sassu and Raffaella Lupinacci’s long-awaited debuts at the Lithuanian Opera in “Anna Bolena” proved quite a unique experience for both artists. Namely due to COVID-19. The Italian singers were set to perform the work for the first time in August until they tested positive for the virus. As a result, the company postponed the opening of the production while {…}
At a press conference that took place two days prior to the opening night, Sesto Quatrini, the art-director of LNOBT and musical director of this production, stood there all alone. One could not fault him if he had been in a cautious mood. After all, he had to contend with postponed premieres, the constant closing of the theater, and a {…}
(Credit: Musacchio & Ianniello) The Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Italy has announced its 2020-21 season. For the purposes of this article, we will only focus on the vocal performances. The season opens with Gerhild Romberger and Clay Hilley performing Bruckner’s “Te Deum” and Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde.” Antonio Pappano conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. 16-18, 2020 {…}
Following the postponement of “Anna Bolena” at the Lithuanian Opera, the company will open the production on Oct. 4. The showcase, which was originally set to open on August 25, will star Francesca Sassu in the title role and Raffaella Lupinacci in her role debut as Giovanna Seymour. Michele Angelini and Tadas Girininkas round out the first cast. The second {…}
The Wexford Festival Opera has announced that it will team up with RTÉ and ARTE to bring opera to audiences in Ireland and worldwide. The festival will run between Oct. 11-18 and features performances by Lisette Oropesa, Antonio Pappano, Angela Meade, Celine Byrne, Ermonela Jaho, Aigul Akhmetshina, Simone Alberghini, Nicola Alaimo, Daniela Barcellona, Joseph Calleja, Roberto de Candia, Paolo Bordogna, Helena {…}
The Lithuanian National Opera has announced its 2020-21 season. Here is a look at the operas and operettas for the upcoming season. Opera Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena“ opens the season with Sesto Quatrini and Ričardas Šumila conducting. Francesca Sassu and Joana Gedmintaitė headline the cast in the title role, with Raffaella Lupinacci, Justina Gringytė, and Eglė Šidlauskaitė as Giovanna, Tadas Girininkas {…}
The Teatro Carlo Felice has announced the programing for streaming from March 23 through the 29. After 550,000 transmissions in over 68 countries in the first 10 days, the theater will continue to stream operas from its archives every evening at 8 p.m. on its official website, Facebook, and the company’s YouTube page. Here is the schedule: March 23 Giacomo {…}
(Credit: Gran Theatre del Liceu/Bayerische Staatsoper/Metropolitan Opera) This weekend is stacked with a number of new productions and revivals with some of the biggest stars. Here is a look at seven works we think are unmissable. Guillaume Tell – Chorégies d’Orange, France Nicola Alaimo takes on Rossini’s final opera, a work that has become his signature. He is joined by {…}
The role of Carmen is one of the most iconic in the repertoire. It’s a role that most mezzos dream of performing for its famous arias and its complex heroine. This week mezzo-soprano Raffaella Lupinacci sings the title role for the first time in her career. Lupinacci will bring her first interpretation of the title role to the prestigious Luglio {…}
Five new Cds and DVDs are set for releases this week. Audiences will get a chance to hear a solo album debut, two rarely performed operas, and two crossover CDs. Here is a look! Attila Verdi’s “Attila”‘ from the Teatro Comunale gets a release on C major. The January 2016 by Daniele Abbado, stars Maria José Siri, Ildebrando d’Arcangelo in {…}
The holiday weekend is here and that means many companies are on hiatus. However, there are a number of festivals going on and a number of productions ending runs. Here is a look at some new productions and festival performances we are excited about. Mavra / Iolanta – Bayerische Staatsoper, Germany The Munich opera house presents a new production of a {…}