Jennifer Larmore, Morris Robinson & Michael Mayes Headline The Atlanta Opera’s 2019-20 Season

The Atlanta Opera has announced its 2019-20 season. According to the press release, for its 40th anniversary season, The Atlanta Opera will present operas which fall under the overarching theme of “dangerous liaisons,” where the “protagonists share a propensity for self-destructive relationships that threaten to bring about their downfall.” Additionally, during this season four internationally acclaimed artists will return home to {…}

Jan 18, 2019

Jamie Barton, Lawrence Brownlee, Susan Graham Headline Houston Grand Opera’s 2019-20 Season

The Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2019-20 season which includes seven operas, including five new productions, one world premiere, and one company premiere. The season kicks off with Verdi’s “Rigoletto” in a new production by Tomer Zvulun. The famed Italian work will feature Brian Mulligan in the title role and Mané Galoyan and Arturo Chacón-Cruz as Gilda and the {…}

Jan 3, 2019

Spoleto Festival USA 2019 To Showcase Richard Strauss Masterwork

The Spoleto Festival USA has announced its 2019 season, which will feature one major opera production, among other performances. The festival will open with a production of Strauss’ “Salome.” The famed opera will be directed by Patrice Caurier and Mosh Leiser, with the intention of setting the work in a present-day city. It will be the duo’s ninth year with {…}

Dec 7, 2018

Oper Graz 2018-19 Review: Salome

Johanni van Oostrum’s sensational Salome saves a fatally
flawed production from Florentine Klepper.

Aug 20, 2018

Malin Byström Makes Surprise Return To Salzburg Festival

Malin Byström made an unexpected return to the Salzburg Festival this past weekend. The Swedish soprano replaced Asmik Grigorian at last minute in the title role of Strauss’ “Salome” when Grigorian canceled due to illness. Byström had previously performed the title role at the Royal Opera House earlier this season to rave reviews and made her role debut at the Dutch National {…}

Jun 11, 2018

Composer Profile: Richard Strauss, Germany’s Other Opera Genius

Germany has produced a number of great opera composers in its history. Richard Wagner stands supreme among all others, but right after him comes Richard Strauss, born on June 11, 1864. After the great composer from Munich is everyone else. And it isn’t really all that close. Strauss received a thorough musical education throughout his youth and was inspired by {…}

Apr 18, 2018

Artist Profile: Catherine Malfitano, Soprano & Director

Catherine Malfitano is that rare career where the star soprano also becomes a prominent director. The New York native was born on April 18, 1948, to a violinist and a ballet dancer. In such a circumstance it is no surprise that Malfitano would have some sort of career in the arts. And sure enough, her early upbringing cemented that. She {…}

Jan 23, 2018

Teatro Regio di Torino To Semi-Stage ‘Salome’

Due to an accident at the Teatro Regio di Torino, the next opera in the company’s season will be presented in a semi-staged version. The decision was taken after part of the staging of Turandot fell during the Jan. 18 performance. The incident happened at the start of the scene change after the closure of the tabs at the end of the {…}

Jan 15, 2018

Royal Opera House 2017-18 Review – Salome: David McVicar’s Thrilling Production & Michael Volle’s Violent Presence Make For Impactful Evening of Opera

London is a chilly place. Yet on this particularly evening I leave my coat in the hotel and zip to Covent Garden. No room nor time for extra layers, since attending a performance in the Royal Opera House is a cluttered affair. The long lines for cloakrooms stifle with imperial colognes, and the tight, even if velvet, chairs make Ryanair {…}

Dec 9, 2017

Opera Profile: Strauss’ “Salome”

Richard Strauss’ “Salome,” adapted from the play by Oscar Wilde, first premiered on December 9th, 1905. The opera shocked not only the audiences, but many of the original performers as well, due to its themes which blend the violent and erotic within a Christian biblical setting. “Salome” was originally banned in London until 1907, and would not see a production {…}

Oct 9, 2017

Anna Netrebko To Star In Three New Productions

Anna Netrebko is set to star in three new co-productions at the Metroplitan Opera and the Bolshoi. In their first co-production collaboration ever, the Bolshoi and the Met have announced plans to create new productions of “Aida,” “Salome” and “Lohengrin,” with performances to set to take place in New York and Moscow between 2019 and 2022. The two companies will {…}