The Teatro alla Scala’s opening night is one of the most important evenings in the opera world. The opening is always held on December 7, which celebrates the feast of Sant’Ambrogio. It is also streamed globally, creating much buzz around the world. For this year’s celebration, the Milan theater has chosen Shostakovich’s masterwork “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” with Sara Jakubiak {…}
(Credits: Brescia e Amisano) This week the Teatro alla Scala opens its 2025-26 season celebrating the 50th anniversary of Shostakovich’s death, presenting the 1934 edition of his masterwork “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk.” It’s a work that is rarely performed due to its challenging score and huge cast. With La Scala’s new production, several cast members will be appearing with the {…}
(Credits: Brescia e Amisano) The Teatro alla Scala is set to broadcast Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” on Dec. 7, 2025, continuing its tradition of showcasing opening night on Rai1, Raiplay, and Radio3.It will also be available on demand on RayPlay until 15 days after the live. The performance will also broadcast on ARTE in France and the French-speaking countries {…}
Rai Cultura has announced that it will collaborate with the Teatro alla Scala to bring three performances to audiences from the 2025-26 season. The first performance of the season will be the opening performance of “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk,” which will be conducted by Riccardo Chailly and directed by Vasily Barkhatov. The cast will include Alexander Roslavets, Sara Jakubiak, Najmiddin {…}
(Credit: Deutsche Oper) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced its 2025-26 season. Premieres Detlev Glanert ‘s “Die drei Rätsel” will be conducted by Dominic Limburg and directed by Brigitte Dethier. The production will star Martina Baroni, Philipp Jekal, Chance Jonas-O’Toole, Joel Allison, Padraic Rowan, Maria Vasilevskaya, and Alexandra Oomens. Performance Dates: Oct. 11, 2025-Feb. 15, 2026 Sir Donald Runnicles will {…}
The Norwegian Opera has announced its 2025-26 season. Opera Puccini’s “Tosca” will be revived. Performance Dates: August 23-Sept. 4, 2025 Sara Jakubiak headlines Dvořák’s “Rusalka” alongside Dmytro Popov, Birgitte Christensen, Jerzy Butryn, Jennifer Johnston, and Magnus Ingemund Kjelstad. Edward Gardner conducts the production by Tatjana Gürbaca. Performance Dates: August 24-Oct. 9, 2025 Sir Wayne McGregor’s “Jocasta’s Line” will be performed. Performance {…}
The London Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2025-26 season. Here is a look at the vocal performances. The season opens with Sir Antonio Pappano conducting a Bernstein and Copland program featuring Dame Felicity Palmer and Katharina Konradi. Performance Date: Sept. 14, 2025 Sir Simon Rattle conducts Janáček’s “The Makropulos Affair” with Marlis Petersen, Aleš Briscein, Jan Martiník, Svatopluk Semand Peter {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has advanced plans for the Teatro alla Scala’s 2025-26 season. The season will open with Shostakovich’s “Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk” directed by Vasily Barkhatov and Sara Jakubiak. Riccardo Chailly will conduct. In February 2026, the company will give the entire “Ring Cycle” with Simone Young and Alexander Soddy. In April, the company will revive “Turandot” in {…}
Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. It’s a big week for releases with a leading tenor releasing a DVD, a major soprano making her debut album and several world premieres. There are also several rare pieces and a big verismo piece you have to hear. O Listen! To the {…}
The International Classical Music Awards has announced the nominations for its 2025 Awards. The winners will be revealed on Jan. 14 and will receive their trophies at the gala at the Tonhalle in Düsseldorf on March 19. Here are the vocal nominees. Baroque Vocal Johann Sebastian Bach: Complete Solo Cantatas for Alto and Bass: J.S. Bach: Cantatas BWV 56, BWV {…}
Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. This week audiences will get to hear two complete Salzburg productions and two world premiere recordings. Joy Too The Vertex Duo, composed of mezzo-soprano Kristin Gornstein and pianist Jeremy Chan release an album about grief. The result is “JOY, TOO,” a collection of {…}
