Chapman University’s Musco Center for the Arts has announced its 2019-20 season. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on opera and other vocal performances. The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and Chapman University Big Band, directed by Scotty Barnhart, will “serve up that signature, feel-good Basie sound: foot-stomping swing, soaring dynamic contrasts and very, very danceable rhythms.” Carmen {…}
The 14th annual OPERA NEWS Awards were held on April 7, 2019, with a star-studded gala that honored five major figures of the opera world. The evening began with a cocktail hour before guests and honorees were brought to the main hall of the Plaza Hall to get the ceremony underway. OPERA NEWS editor F. Paul Driscoll kicked off the proceedings by {…}
Mozart’s “La Clemenza di Tito” has only had 45 performances to date at the Metropolitan Opera. Compared to other major works by the iconic composer, that number is rather low. The opera actually had its Met premiere on Oct. 18, 1984. It’s history with the company has been marked by a wide range of major stars in the three main {…}
The French Institute / Alliance Française (FIAF) will present an HD screening of Robert Carson’s production of Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffman,” performed at the Paris Opera during the 2016/17 season. The screening, a co-presentation with American Friends of The Paris Opera & Ballet in celebration of the company’s 350th anniversary, will be introduced by conductor Joseph Colaneri. Starring Ramón Vargas, the {…}
The LA Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring six new productions, two company premieres, and one world pmiere. Here is a look at what to expect. Main Stage Barrie Kosky directs the first production of Puccini’s “La Bohème” in 25 years. Marina Costa-Jackson makes her LA Opera debut in the title role with Saimir Pirgu as Rodolfo. Erica Petroelli, {…}
The Vienna State Opera will continue its annual tradition of performing “Die Fledermaus” as part of its New Year’s celebration. And this season, the company will also live stream the showcase. The famed Otto Schenk production will be presented by a cast that includes Adrian Eröd, Annette Dasch, Hans Peter Kammerer, Elena Maximova, Ramón Vargas, Daniela Fally, and Peter Simonischek. {…}
The 150th Chorégies d’Orange has been announced. It will feature a number of major works and artists, including Anna Netrebko and Plácido Domingo. Operas Rossini’s “Guillaume Tell” will be the first work presented at the festival. Led by music director Gianluca Capuano, the work will be directed by Jean-Louis Grinda and will star Nicola Alaimo, Annick Massis, and Celso Albelo. {…}
The Teatro Colón has announced its 2019 season featuring eight main stage productions, concert operas, and a number of international star-making debuts. Here is a look at what to expect next season. Mainstage Opera Maurizio Benini conducts a new production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” directed by Jorge Takla. Fabián Veloz and Leonardo López Linares share the title role while Pavel Valuzhin and {…}
OPERA NEWS Editor in Chief F. Paul Driscoll has announced the recipients of the 14th Annual OPERA NEWS Awards. This year, the magazine will honor mezzo-soprano Rosalind Elias, stage director and designer Laurent Pelly, soprano Ailyn Pérez, bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni, and tenor Ramón Vargas. In a press statement Driscoll said, “Since the Awards’ inception in 2005, OPERA NEWS looks forward to {…}
I arrived at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Thursday night, Oct. 11, 2018, just in time to catch some of conductor James Conlon’s pre-performance talk to several hundred audience-members attending that evening’s Los Angeles Opera production of Verdi’s “Don Carlo.” Yes, Conlon regularly delivers these incredibly insightful introductions to the evening’s opera even as he’s about to go out and {…}
Mexican tenor Ramón Vargas is no stranger to Verdi’s “Don Carlo.” The Mexican tenor, who takes on the role at the Los Angeles Opera for the first time this season on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2018, has performed the role all around the world. He has appeared as the Spanish prince in Vienna, in Munich, and in Zurich, among other cities. {…}