(Photo: Tosca © ROH 2024) One of the more frequent criticisms aimed at opera singers, by those not acquainted in any way with the art form, pertains to what it is, exactly, they do other than sing. In OperaWire’s interview with the Cavaradossi of this production, Russell Thomas, the tenor said of many critics: “it’s a career that everybody who {…}
(Credit: Fay Fox) Content Warning: Please note the following includes some explicit language. American tenor Russell Thomas is now one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation having established his reputation in key lyric roles such as Don Carlo, Manrico in “Il trovatore,” Don Alvaro in “La forza del destino,” and Pollione “Norma.” As an alumnus of the Metropolitan {…}
Classical Pride has announced its five-day festival for Pride 2024. Tenor Nicky Spence and “RuPaul’s Drag Race’s” Monet X Change and Thorgy Thor, among other queens, kick off the celebration with “Classical Drag.” This crossover event features drag performances of arias from “Carmen,” “Turandot,” “Tosca,” and more. Following this, the Fourth Choir, conducted by Nicholas Chalmers presents works by Benjamin {…}
(Credit: Fay Fox) Los Angeles Opera is set to present the world premiere of Joel Thompson’s “Fire and Blue Sky” on June 6, 2024. The showcase will feature Russell Thomas and Deborah Nansteel as the featured soloists for the new song cycle that is written by librettist Imani Tolliver. The work was created for Thomas who is the LA Opera’s {…}
Though the most iconic grand opera in the art form’s canon, Verdi’s “Aïda” shouldn’t challenge a house of Lyric’s caliber too strenuously. The work requires four good-to-great singers, but we expect a top-five American opera house to arrange them. Though “Aïda” lends itself to maximalist stagings, smaller companies pare it down successfully by foregoing equestrian participants, or downshifting parades to {…}
The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2024-25 season. The season opens with Verdi’s “Il Trovatore“ starring Michael Spyres, Ailyn Perez, Raehann Bryce-Davis, Lucas Meachem, and Morris Robinson. Patrick Summers conducts the production by Stephen Wadsworth. Performance Dates: Oct. 18-Nov. 3, 2024 Isabel Leonard leads Rossini’s “La Cenerentola” with Jack Swanson, Alessandro Corbelli, Iurii Samoilov, and Cory McGee. Lorenzo Passerini {…}
The Lyric Opera of Chicago has announced its 2024-25 season. Here is a look at the productions. Verdi’s “Rigoletto” is set to star Igor Golovatenko, Soloman Howard, Javier Camarena, and Mané Galoyan. Enrique Mazzola conducts the production by Director Mary Birnbaum. Performance Dates: Sept. 14-Oct. 6 2024 Elza van den Heever, Russell Thomas, Mika Kares, and Brian Mulligan star in {…}
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra announced its 2024-25 season. Here are the vocal performances. Jader Bignamini conducts Bizet’s “Carmen” with J’Nai Bridges, Russell Thomas, Ailyn Pérez, and Paulo Szot. Performance Dates: Feb. 21 & 23, 2025 Enrico Lopez-Yañez conducts Ben Folds who performs on piano and vocals. Performance Date: May 23 & 24, 2025 The season will also include soloists Bertrand {…}
(Credit: Metropolitan Opera) The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra has announced its first international tour in over 20 years. The company revealed that it would perform concerts in London, Paris, and Baden-Baden. “It has been more than 20 years since the Met Orchestra was last on tour in Europe, and I am so delighted to lead these wonderful musicians in programs that {…}
Vocal Arts DC has announced its 2023-24 season, which will feature some of opera’s biggest stars. It all kicks off with a recital featuring Anthony Roth Costanzo and Bryan Wagorn performing songs and cantatas. Performance Date: Sept. 21, 2023 Next up is Jonah Hoskins and pianist William Woodard presenting a program of music by Heggie, Lee Hoiby, and Erike Satie. {…}
The Los Angeles Opera is set to present a free live broadcast for the opening performance of Verdi’s “Otello.” The company will showcase the famed opera on May 13, 2023 at the Santa Monica Pier and CSU Dominguez Hills. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. at both location with the opera set to kick off two hours later. There will {…}