(Photo: Amati Bacciardi) As the orchestra begins the overture of Rossini’s 1817 opera “Adelaide di Borgogna,” the curtain rises to reveal a busy stage with the stagehands running about, moving scenery and props. The singers are scattered about the stage. Some are preparing themselves for a rehearsal, while others are getting a drink from the vending machine or chatting among {…}
The Teatro San Carlo di Napoli is set to open a production of Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena.” The opera will be directed by Jetske Mijnssen in a co-production with the Dutch National Opera and the Palau de les Arts. Riccardi Frizza conducts a cast that includes Annalisa Stroppa, Maria Agresta, Alexander Vinogradov, and René Barbera. Regarding the opera, Frizza noted, “The score’s elevated, {…}
The Teatro San Carlo has announced a cast change for its production of “Anna Bolena.” The company said, “We inform our audience that, for a sudden unavailability of Xabier Anduaga, the role of Lord Riccardo Percy – for the production of Anna Bolena on stage from June 8 to 17 – will be performed by René Barbera.” Barbera has performed the role on one occasion {…}
The Rossini Opera Festival has announced its 2023 season featuring three productions and concerts. The first production of the season will be “Eduardo e Cristina” in a new production by Stefano Poda. Jader Bignamini conducts Enea Scala, Anastasia Bartoli, Daniela Barcellona, Grigory Shkarupa, and Matteo Roma. Performance Dates: August 11-20, 2023 “Aureliano in Palmira” will be conducted by George Petrou {…}
(Credit: Anna Barbera) The Washington Concert Opera is set to open its new season with Donizetti’s “Roberto Devereux.” The opera, which will be shown at the Lisner Auditorium on Dec. 4, 2022, is arguably the best opera from Donizetti’s dramatic “Tudor trilogy” and focuses on the Earl of Essex during his service to Queen Elizabeth. The cast will showcase René {…}
The Dallas Opera is set to open its 65th Anniversary Season with Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The opera will be directed by Tomer Zvulun and will star George Gagnidze in his TDO debut. The baritone has performed the role around the world at the Teatro alla Scala and the Metropolitan Opera, among others. He will be joined by Madison Leonard in TDO {…}
The Teatro Massimo di Palermo has announced its 2022-23 season. Opera The season opens with the new creation “Kaiserrequiem” by Omer Meir Wellber and Marco Gandini. The work, which unites “Der Kaiser von Atlantis” by Viktor Ullman and the Mozart’s Requiem will be conducted by Omer Meir Wellber and directed by Marco Gandini. Markus Werba, Karl Huml, Antonio Gares, Cameron {…}
The Royal Opera Muscat in Oman has announced its 2022-23 season. Here is a look at the operatic productions. The season opens with Verdi’s “La Traviata” starring Plácido Domingo. Marta Domingo directs the production which will also star Nino Machaidze and Vittorio Grigolo. The opera will be performed by the Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro Carlo Felice of Genova conducted by {…}
The Teatro La Fenice has announced its 2022-23 season. Opera Nicola Alaimo leads Verdi’s “Falstaff” alongside Vladimir Stoyanov, René Barbera, Selene Zanetti, Caterina Sala, Sara Mingardo, and Veronica Simeoni. Myung-Whun Chung conducts the production by Adrian Noble. Performance Dates: Nov. 18-26, 2022 Bruno Maderna’s “Satyricon” will star Francesca Gerbasi, Matteo Ferrara, Manuela Custer, Christopher Lemmings, William Corrò, and Marcello Nardis. Alessandro {…}
The Washington Concert Opera has announced its 2022-23 season. The company will celebrate the Bel Canto tradition with Donizetti and Verdi with the theme “Stories Through Sound.” The season will open with the WCO Gala at the French Embassy. Performance Date: Oct 12, 2022 The first mainstage production will be Donizetti’s “Roberto Devereux” starring René Barbera in the title role, {…}
The Opéra Royale de Wallonie-Liège has announced its 2022-23 season. To kick things off, Jodie Devos takes on the title role in Delibes’ “Lakmé” alongside Philippe Talbot, Lionel Lhote, Pierre Doyen, and Marion Lebègue. Frédéric Chaslin conducts. Performance Dates: Sept. 20-Oct. 1, 2022 Giuseppe Finzi conducts Rossini’s “Il Turco in Italia” with Bruno De Simone, Gianna Cañete Gallo, Guido Loconsolo, {…}