Following the tragedy in Valencia, Spain caused by severe flooding that killed at least 95 people, the Palau de la Musica de Valencia has canceled concerts from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3, 2024. The performances in question include the Oct. 31 showcase that featured Rubén Gimeno conducting the Orquesta de València and the Nov. 3 concert that was part of {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has announced cast changes for its productions of “Turandot” and “Macbeth.” The company noted that Saioa Hernandez will take over the title role, replacing Sondra Radvanovsky. Meanwhile, Radvanovsky has withdrawn from the role of Lady Macbeth and Anastasia Bartoli will sing it making her company debut in her stead. Hernandez recently performed the title role of “Turandot” {…}
Saioa Hernández announced she was canceling her performance on July 15, 2024 of “Madama Butterfly” at the Teatro Real. The soprano took to social media and said, “Dear friends. I’m very sorry, I’ve had to cancel my participation in today’s performance. I would like to briefly explain to you what has happened to me during the last few days, as {…}
The Ópera de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has announced its 2025 season. The season opens with a double bill of Puccini’s “Il tabarro” and “Le villi.” The production will star Jonathan Tetelman, Carmen Giannattasio, and Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar. Lorenzo Passerini conducts. Performance Dates: Feb. 17-21, 2025 Bizet’s “Carmen“ is set to star Yulia Matochkina, Arturo Chacón-Cruz, Miren Urbieta Vega, and Maharram {…}
The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma has announced its 2024-25 season. Opera The season opens with Verdi’s “Simon Boccanegra“ in a production by Richard Jones. Michele Mariotti conducts the production with a cast that includes Luca Salsi in the title role, Eleonora Buratto, Stefan Pop, and Michele Pertusi. The opening night will be streamed on Rai5 and Radio3. Another cast will {…}
The Savonlinna Opera Festival has unveiled its 2025 season. First up is the “550 Years of Olavinlinna” anniversary concert. Erkki Lasonpalo conducts. Soloists will be announced at a later date. Performance Date: July 3, 2025 Ludovic Tézier, Saioa Hernández, Goran Juric, and Johan Krogius headline “Macbeth.” Lorenzo Passerini conducts Ralf Långbacka’s production. Vilppu Kiljunen will be the revival director. Performance Date: July {…}
The Teatro Regio di Parma has announced its 2025 season. Verdi’s “Giovanna d’Arco” opens the season with Luciano Ganci, Nino Machaidze, and George Petean. Michele Gamba conducts the production by Emma Dante. Performance Dates: Jan. 24-Feb. 1, 2025 Pier Luigi Pizzi’s production of Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” returns with Davide Luciano, Maria Kataeva, Ruzil Gatin, Roberto de Candia, and {…}
Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. This week there will be two choices of Ring Cycles and a debut album by one of the greatest opera singers in the world. Carlos Simon: Songs of Separation The National Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director Gianandrea Noseda releases “Songs of Separation,” {…}
Saioa Hernández has announced her solo debut album, “Il Verismo d’Oro.” The new record will be released on May 31 by San Francisco Classical Recording Company and EuroArts and will feature works by Mascagni, Cilea, Alfano, Giordano, Puccini, Zadonai, and Catalani. The soprano took to social media and said, “I am really excited to finally reveal to all of you {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced a new cast change for its production of “Cavalleria Rusticana.” The company said, “Due to sudden illness, Elīna Garanča has to withdraw from the performance of ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’ on April 28. The Theater thanks Saioa Hernández who will replace her in the role of Santuzza.” This is the second performance Hernández steps into following {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced a cast change for its production of “Cavalleria Rusticana.” The company said, “Due to sudden illness, Elīna Garanča has to withdraw from the performance of Cavalleria Rusticana on April 26. The Theater thanks Saioa Hernández who will replace her in the role of Santuzza.” Hernández, who was already slated to perform on April 30, {…}