(Credit; Vladimir Shirokov) Following the announcement that Anna Netrebko will return to the Royal Opera House after six years, new Music Director Jakub Hrůša is defending his choice to hire the soprano in “Tosca,” “Turandot” and a recital. When asked in an interview with the Times of London why he hired Netrebko, Hrůša said “You ask me about Anna. What made {…}
At the risk of repeating myself, opera should be all about the music and the voice. If I’m ever asked to quantify that statement, I readily proffer “Turandot” in support of my assertions. For here is a ridiculous, cruel, convoluted tale that is impossible to like and grasp, perpetrated by a pair of unpleasant, thoroughly dislikeable characters with, were it {…}
(Photo: Ivano Buat) Internationally acclaimed conductor Daniel Oren is particularly recognized for his interpretations of Italian opera, especially works by Verdi, and is noted for his successful career at prestigious opera houses around the world. He has collaborated with conductors Herbert von Karajan and Franco Ferrara and was famously chosen by Leonard Bernstein to sing the role of the boy {…}
The Royal Opera House has announced a cast change for its production of “Faust.” The company said, “Lisette Oropesa has withdrawn from all performances of Faust due to personal reasons.” As a result, “The role of Marguerite will be performed by Carolina López Moreno, who makes her Royal Opera debut.” The Bolivian Albanian soprano won the Eighth Elizabeth Connell Prize {…}
(Photo: Marc Brenner/Royal Ballet & Opera) Entombing doom in monochrome, director Robert Carsen’s 2022 production of “Aïda” buries its protagonists before they’re dead. Façades of forced conformity define it – popping through parades of khaki uniforms, authentic footage of exploding bombs and regimented training. A fictitious flag that features stars and stripes across red, white and blue confirm its commentary {…}
The Royal Ballet And Opera has announced a cast change for its production of “Die Walküre.” The company said, “Natalya Romaniw will be making her role debut as Sieglinde replacing Lise Davidsen who is expecting her first two children.” Romaniw has performed at the Royal Opera House on numerous occasions in “Tosca.” She has also performed at the Welsh National {…}
The Royal Ballet and Opera has announced a cast change for its production of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company said that Raehann Bryce-Davis will replace the originally announced Ekaterina Semenchuk. For her part, Bryce-Davis took to social media and said, “Aaaand, it’s official! I’ll be jumping into a run of Aida at the Royal Ballet and Opera singing my beloved Amneris. {…}
(Photo: Puccini’s most beloved masterpiece is a feast at any time of the year, but as a Christmas treat, promises to deliver many gifts. Alas, like ALL gifts, some are more desirable than others; some special, some expected and some unwanted. As is the case with this fifth revival of Richard Jones’s classic 2017 production, where some presents are more {…}
The Royal Ballet and Royal Opera are teaming up to present “Phaedra + Minotaur” on Feb. 6-11, 2024 at Linbury Theatre. The production will feature Deborah Warner’s production of Britten’s cantata “Phaedra” alongside a ballet by Kim Brandstrup that reworks the Ariadne and Theseus myth. Headlining the production will be mezzo-soprano Christine Rice, who sings the title role of “Phaedra.” {…}
(Photo: Sebastian Nevols) The Royal Opera in London is set to present the world premiere of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s “Festen” this February. The work features a libretto by Lee Hall based on Vinterberg’s revolutionary Dogme 95 film of the same name. The story explores a family reunion gone wrong when secrets expose an abusive relationship between the patriarch and his children. {…}
At the end of its celebratory 75th birthday year, the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama announced Dame Shirley Bassey CH DBE FRWCMD as its new President. For the next three years she will hold the title. The President of the College is an honorary role which supports the College’s position as the national conservatoire of Wales and inspires {…}