Q & A: Soprano Linda Ballová On Her Career Path, ‘Salome,’ & the Challenges for Slovak Singers in Europe

(Photo: Tamara Cerna SofiG) Immediately after the curtain came down on Brno National Theater’s excellent production of Richard Strauss’ “Salome,” OperaWire nipped around to the stage door for an interview appointment with Slovakian soprano Linda Ballová, who had just produced a stunning performance in the titular role. It is unlikely that many opera-goers in Western countries will have heard the {…}

R. Strauss’ Musical Legacy Celebrated in Curtis Symphony Orchestra’s Season Opener

The Curtis Symphony Orchestra and members of the Curtis Opera Theatre will open the 2023–24 season on October 22 at 7 p.m. at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Cultural Campus, with a tribute to composer Richard Strauss entitled ‘Spectacular Strauss.’ Curtis’ young musicians will showcase their talent, led by conductors Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Micah Gleason. Nézet-Séguin holds the position of music director {…}

Daniela Köhler and AJ Glueckert to Lead Oper Köln’s Season Opening Premiere of ‘Die Frau ohne Schatten’

On Sept. 17, Oper Köln will kick off its 2023-24 season with the premiere of R. Strauss and Von Hoffmansthal’s “Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman Without a Shadow).” Considered exceptionally demanding, and requiring a massive orchestra, the opera is a fairy tale that Strauss believed was his most important work. The story relates the tale of an ethereal Empress {…}

Pacific Chorale to Showcase World Premiere in ‘Cathedral of Sound’ Concert

Music Director Carl St. Clair will lead the Pacific Symphony & Pacific Chorale in “Cathedral of Sound” on June 15 – 17, 2023 as part of the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Series. The program will feature Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere mei, Deus,” Richard Strauss‘  “Death and Transfiguration,” and the world premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s “Fiat Lux,” featuring {…}