On Feb. 12 Joyce DiDonato adds her name to the pantheon of sopranos who have performed the daunting role of Rossini’s “Semiramide.” DiDonato will premiere a new production from the Bayerische Staatsoper and it is her role debut as well. Having been Rossini’s final Italian opera, there is a reason it has become so popular in recent times. As a {…}
This Friday, Feb. 10, Opera Philadelphia will showcase Rossini’s “Tancredi.” The run is set to last five performances, the final one on Feb. 19. The opera is not particularly renowned among the composer’s output, with most of Rossini’s comic scores winning the popularity contest. “Tancredi” is of a different mold, a medieval story that features tragic love. The Cast The {…}
For Javier Camarena, the start of 2017 has been a blending of the past, present and future. His year started with an operatic goodbye and the month of February he will slide into comfortable repertoire that he feels will be his meat and potatoes in the immediate future. And in March, he ventures into unknown terrain that might just prove {…}
How does one discover opera? Is it through recordings, family or through music in schools? The answer is never a simple one and at times it is merely by coincidence. For some it is about discovery and curiosity. That’s Michele Angelini’s story. Discovering Opera “It was the movie ‘Amadeus.’ Specifically June Anderson singing the Queen of the Night,” Angelini revealed {…}
On Jan. 25, 1817 Rossini premiered one of his most famous works, “La Cenerentola.” The opera, which is based on the classic tale of Cinderella, has become a vehicle for tenors and mezzos to showcase their virtuosic abilities and it has also been a work that has inspired many directors to explore the fairy tale in very eccentric ways. However, it is {…}
The world is set to undergo a change this week with a massive transfer of power. There is tremendous uncertainty regarding this situation, some expecting the very worst. Art represents an interesting window into our deepest fears and opera has its fair share of oppressive regimes and tyrannical rule in all guises. What follows is a look at some of {…}
Another weekend in 2017, even more operatic activity around the United States. Of course the Metropolitan Opera continues its busy schedule with “Il Barbiere di Sivilgia,” “La Bohème” and “Roméo et Juliette” the three major offerings with such stars as Javier Camarena, Pretty Yende, Ailyn Pérez, Michael Fabiano, Vittorio Grigolo and Diana Damrau leading the casts for their respective operas {…}
This review is for the performance on Monday Jan. 10, 2017. Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” is one of the most famous works in the operatic repertoire as well as one of the funniest. It contains some of the most memorable melodies and space for singers to fool around and provide vocal fireworks. In recent years, the Metropolitan Opera has {…}
Rossini’s famed “Il Barbiere di Sivilgia” or “The Barber of Seville” returns to the Metropolitan Opera on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017 with an all-star cast for a whopping 10 performances through early February. Here is a look at what to expect from the company’s revival of the beloved work. The Performers A few years ago, Peter Mattei made a name {…}
The Rossini Opera Festival has announced its 2017 summer season, featuring a mix of rare works by the famed Bel Canto composer. The season opens on August 10 with “Le Siège de Corinthe” starring Nino Machaidze, Alex Esposito and John Irwin. Robert Abbado will conduct a new production by La Fura dels Baus. The opera, which Beverly Sills is recognized for {…}