Oper Graz 2018-19 Review: Salome
Johanni van Oostrum’s sensational Salome saves a fatally
flawed production from Florentine Klepper.
Salome
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
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 {…}
Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Review – Salome: Vocal Brilliance Throughout, If Not a Complete Package
Boleslaw Barlog and Jürgen Rose’s production of Richard Strauss’ “Salome” was first performed in 1972, under the direction of Karl Böhm, with Leonie Rysanek in the title role. It has now notched-up well over 200 performances and is still going strong. After 45 years you would be forgiven for thinking that it may have lost some of its sheen, that {…}
Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Live Stream Preview: Simeone Young Leads ‘Salome’
On Sept. 21, 2017, the Vienna State Opera will present Richard Strauss’ early masterwork “Salome” as part of its live streaming service. The performance kicks off at 8 p.m. local time and runs through 9:45 p.m. with no intermissions. The work will feature Gun-Brit Barkmin in the title role while Zeljko Lucic will play her obsession Jochanaan. As Herodias, audiences {…}
Anna Netrebko Confirms A Slew of New Roles & A Major Showcase At Bayreuth Festival
Anna Netrebko has recently confirmed a plethora of major productions she will be taking on over the next few years. In an interview with the magazine Classica, the Russian diva announced that she will take on the role of Lisa in “The Queen of Spades” in Salzburg in either 2018 or 2019 with Mariss Jansons at the podium. She also {…}