Walter Scott, born on August 15, 1771, is among the most important English-language writers, his works essential parts of the literary canon. In fact, he created some true masterpieces that would go on to inspire some of the greatest opera composers as well. Here is a look at the important operas based on the works of Scott. Ivanhoe Scott’s most {…}
The Wexford Opera has announced its ShortWorks Daytime Opera slate for 2017. The festival offers a unique way to experience opera from the Clayton Whites Hotel. The daytime productions showcase shortened versions of works, running in at around one hour in length. This year’s festival will feature one repertory staple, an Italian rarity and a world premiere. First up is {…}
The Wolf Trap Opera gets off to a start this month with numerous operas being showcased. The season begins on June 14, 2017, with Puccini’s “Tosca” starring Alexandra Loutsion in the title role. Grant Gershon conducts the National Symphony Orchestra in this one-performance event. Joseph Li conducts Philip Glass’ “The Fall of the House of Usher” for one performance on June {…}
When audiences headed to see Rossini’s “Otello” this past March at LoftOpera, many were looking forward to seeing the rare bel canto opera and its famed three tenor roles. But when all was said and done, the consensus seemed to be quite surprising – soprano Cecilia Violetta Lopez owned the run. Here at OperaWire, we singled out her work as {…}
Olga Peretyatko, born on May 21, 1980, is one of in-demand coloratura sopranos of her time. She is currently dominating the role of Gilda in Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” Violetta in Verdi’s “La Traviata” and Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor.” However, before Olga Peretyatko was a huge star in the opera world the soprano was a household name at the Rossini Opera Festival {…}
“It’s like having a crime and then trying to justify it and find why it was committed.” That is how soprano Marina Rebeka, currently making her role debut as Donna Elvira at the Metropolitan Opera, approaches every single opera role or artistic endeavor she takes on. The soprano recently spoke with OperaWire regarding her upcoming projects, putting a spotlight on {…}
The Royal Danish Opera has announced its 2017-18 season with a varied repertoire. The opera season opens on Sept. 9, 2017, with a new production of Verdi’s “Rigoletto” starring Johan Reuter in the title character. David Kempster alternates with Reuter as Paolo Carignani conducts the run. The following production will be Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly” with Elizabeth Llewellyn in the title {…}
OperaDelaware will celebrate the 225th anniversary of Rossini’s birth by performing “Semiramide” and “La Cenerentola” as a part of the company’s 2017 festival. Starting on Saturday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. OperaDelaware presents Rossini’s final Italian opera, “Semiramide.” This rarely performed masterpiece will appear again on May 7 at 2:00 p.m. Maestro Anthony Barrese will conduct as Dean Anthony directs. {…}
Over the last few weeks, major opera houses around the world have announced their offerings for 2017-18. Now Opera Tampa has now joined the fray, revealing three major works. To kick off their sixth season, Opera Tampa will showcase Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” on Feb. 2, 2018, with a second performance on Feb. 4, 2018, at the Carol Morsani Hall. {…}
It’s the holiday season with Easter and Passover taking place at the same time. As a result, OperaWire is taking a look at some of the operas that are set during these very sacred holidays. Easter For those not familiar with what Easter Sunday celebrates, it is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as {…}
I preface this by stating that this review is for the performance on March 20, 2017. I would also like to recognize that this is just one performance of a six-performance run. In an ideal situation, I would attend every performance and write a detailed review of the overall work. As it stands, I can only go on my perspective of one performance. A few months ago, I wrote about {…}