Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Madama Butterfly: Ermonela Jaho Triumphs In Tragic Portrayal Of Puccini’s Heroine

Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” has been a staple of the repertoire for years and at the Metropolitan Opera, it has had somewhat of a renaissance ever since Anthony Minghella’s inventive production came opened in 2006. The opera is really a showcase for a great soprano who can bring forth intense emotions and who can captivate an audience with the lead character’s suffering. For this {…}

Nov 20, 2017

Metropolitan Opera 2017-18 Review – Madama Butterfly: Hui He Leads Classic Anthony Minghella Production In Memorable Night

The beauty of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” could render any critique almost unseemly. After all, to hear that seamless music, the moments that turn transcendent — and then to cavil? I’d suggest that even a modest performance, say, even in the dense rainforest (echoing, of course, Werner Herzog’s “Ftizcarraldo”) would still, inevitably, move one. The score simply flows, with audience and performers {…}

Feb 16, 2017

Breaking News: Roberto Aronica To Sing Final Performance of ‘Carmen’

Roberto Aronica will sing the final performance of Bizet’s “Carmen” on Feb. 18. He will replace Marcelo Álvarez, who is ill. Aronica stepped in for the previous Feb 7, 11 and 15 performances after Rafael Davila filled in for two performances including the opening night. Álvarez sang three performances of the run but opted out of finishing it. Aronica made his Met debut as Alfredo in {…}

Feb 13, 2017

Breaking News: Pretty Yende Replaces Diana Damrau in ‘I Puritani;’ Alvarez Cancels Another ‘Carmen’ Performance

Two major cancellations were announced on Monday at the Metropolitan Opera. First it was announced that Diana Damrau would not partake in the second performance of “I Puritani” on Tuesday, Feb. 14 and then it was revealed tenor Marcelo Alvarez would also withhold from performing the performance of “Carmen” on Feb. 15. Pretty Yende, coming off a thrilling running of {…}

Feb 3, 2017

Breaking News: Roberto Aronica Replaces Marcelo Alvarez In ‘Carmen’

Roberto Aronicia will take over the role of Don Jose on Feb. 7 and 11 in Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Metropolitan Opera. The tenor will step in for Marcelo Alvarez who is ill. Aronica becomes the second tenor this season who is filling in for Alvarez. On opening night Rafael Davila made a heroic debut as he stepped in an {…}

Jan 19, 2017

Weekend Preview – International (1/20-1/22): Juan Diego Florez and Aida Garifullina Team Up while Jonas Kaufmann Perform’s ‘Lohengrin’

Do you have any plans this weekend? If not the world’s greatest singers are currently on stage all over Europe and you may have a chance to catch them singing a great opera. Austria The weekend kicks off at the Vienna state Opera with Korngold’s “Die Tote Stadt” with Klaus Florian Vogt, Camilla Nylund and Adrian Erod. Mikko Franck conducts the {…}

Jan 6, 2017

Marek Janowski to Replace Riccardo Chailly in Verdi Requiem

Riccardo Chailly has cancelled performances of the Verdi Requiem due to illness. The Italian conductor was scheduled to conduct three performances of the piece. Marek Janowski will now take over the run which is set to star soprano Maria Jose Siri and mezzo soprano Daniela Barcellona. Tenor Roberto Arnica will also join them alongside bass. Riccardo Zanellato. The Rundfunkchor Berlin will also perform {…}