Royal Ballet & Opera 2025–26 Review: The Makropulos Case

(Photo: Camilla Greenwell) Pinching twitching nerves, Czech master Janáček’s angst-ridden “The Makropulos Case” warns of extra life. Lead role Emilia Marty’s present incarnation joins a palimpsest: Eugenia Montez, Ellian MacGregor, Ekaterina Myshkin, Else Müller and the titular Elina Makropulos. A magical elixir has sustained her for three centuries. Strife drives the aria-void work. Through strings unhinged, alarming accidentals and duplicitous {…}

Aug 18, 2025

Benjamin Bernheim, Asmik Grigorian, Christian Van Horn, Kelley O’Connor, & Megan Kahts Lead New CD/DVD Releases

Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. This week, audiences get to see a new production of Offenbach’s masterful opera and a new recording of Prokofiev’s rarely performed work. There are also solo album debuts and a new requiem. Requiem of Light Patti Drennan’s newly composed a cappella Requiem Mass {…}

May 13, 2024

Metropolitan Opera 2023-24 Review: The Hours

(Photos: Evan Zimmerman / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera presented the tenth performance of composer Kevin Puts’s “The Hours,” with libretto by Greg Pierce, on Friday, May 10th 2024. In November 2022, OperaWire reviewed “The Hours” debut with great attention towards how the opera came to the Met, including Kevin Puts’s score, Greg Pierce’s libretto, and the undeniable beauty of the {…}

Apr 16, 2024

Opera Forward Festival 2024 Review: Oedipus Rex & Antigone

One of the main events at this year’s Opera Forward Festival in Amsterdam was a Sophocles-inspired double bill featuring Stravinsky’s 1927 work “Oedipus Rex” and the world premiere of Samy Moussa’s new composition “Antigone.” Although neither piece is defined as an opera as such, both sit comfortably at home within the repertoire. “Oedipus Rex” is described as an opera-oratorio and {…}

Mar 20, 2024

Ermonela Jaho, Anna Pirozzi, Riccardo Massi, Sean Panikkar Headline Opéra de Lyon’s 2024-25 Season

The Opéra de Lyon has announced its 2024-25 season. First up is “Wozzeck” in a production by Richard Brunel. Stéphane Degout and Ambur Briad star. Daniele Rustioni conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. 2 -14, 2024 Riccardo Massi, Anna Pirozzi, and Amartuvshin Enkhbat star in a concert version of “Andrea Chénier.” Daniele Rustioni conducts. Performance Dates: Oct. 15, 2024 Giacomo Sagripanti and Clément Lonca {…}

Feb 14, 2024

Dutch National Opera Announces Major Production Change to ‘Jocasta’s Line’

The Dutch National Opera will no longer present “Jocasta’s Line.” Per an official press release, the company made the decision after director Wayne McGregor withdrew from the production due to “private circumstances.” In his stead, Mart van Berckel and Nanine Linning will bring in a new production of Stravinsky’s “Oedipus Rex” and the work premiere of Samy Moussa’s “Antigone.” The {…}

Jan 16, 2024

Dutch National Opera to Give World Premiere of ‘Jocasta’s Line’

(Photo credit: © Marta Syrko) The Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet take the stage together for the world premiere of Wayne McGregor and Samy Moussa’s “Jocasta’s Line.” Choreographer and stage director McGregor along with composer Moussa combined the Greek tragedies “Oedipus Rex” and “Antigone.” Moussa composed new music for “Antigone,” but will use Stravinsky’s original score, with the {…}

Dec 22, 2023

Bayerische Staatsoper to Stream ‘Die Fledermaus’ with Diana Damrau

(Credit: W.Hoesl) Arte.TV is set to present the Bayerische Staatsoper’s new production of “Die Fledermaus” on Dec. 31, 2023. The opera will also be streamed on the company’s STAATSOPER.TV and will be in co-production with ZDF. Vladimir Jurowski will conduct the new production by Barrie Kosky, which will ring in the New Year. The cast will include Georg Nigl (Gabriel {…}

Dec 6, 2023

Benjamin Bernheim Asmik Grigorian, Juan Diego Florez, Elīna Garanča & Cecilia Bartoli Lead Salzburg Festival’s 2024 Season

(Credit: © SF / Peter Rigaud) The Salzburg Festival has announced its 2024 Season. Here is a look at the vocal performances. Opera Strauss’ “Caprricio” is set to be performed in concert form with Elsa Dreisig and Bo Skovhus as Countess and Count. The cast also includes Sebastian Kohlhepp (Flamand), Konstantin Krimmel (Olivier), Mika Kares (La Roche), Ève-Maud Hubeaux (Clairon), {…}

Sep 19, 2023

Royal Opera House to Screen ‘Das Rheingold’ in Cinemas

(© 2023 ROH Photo by Monika Rittershaus) The Royal Opera House is set to present Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” in cinemas in a new production by Barrie Kosky. The opera will be broadcast live from Covent Garden to approximately 800 cinemas in 18 countries on Sept. 20. Antonio Pappano conducts an all-star cast that includes Christopher Maltman, Christopher Purves, Sean Panikkar, {…}

May 6, 2023

Sean Panikkar & Michelle DeYoung Headline Houston Symphony’s ‘Oedipus Rex’

The Houston Symphony is set to bring its 2022-23 season to a close with a performance of Stravinsky’s “Oedipus Rex” on May 19 and 20, 2023. The showcase, which will be conducted by music director Juraj Valcuha, will feature projections by Adam Larsen, and stars Michelle DeYoung as Judith. She will be joined by Sean Panikkar in the title role, {…}