It’s Valentine’s Day weekend and there is arguably no art form that captures the essence of love moreso than opera. With that in mind, we looked around and picked operas that probably won’t cater to ideal feelings of love, but are powerful in their own rights and would probably make for unbelievable nights at the opera. Frida – Anchorage Opera, {…}
(Credit: Jonathan Tichler / Metropolitan Opera) The Metropolitan Opera is set to revive its new production of “Così Fan Tutte” for the first time since its initial run back in 2018. With the exception of Serena Malfi and Ben Bliss, who were among the singers to open the production, every other singer in this run is new to Phelim McDermott’s {…}
The LA Opera has announced its 2020-21 season featuring a number of Main stage productions, of grand and community events. Here is a look at what the ambitious season is set to showcase. Main Stage The season opens with Verdi and Cammarano’s “Il Trovatore” starring Angel Blue in her role debut as Leonora and Gregory Kunde in his LA Opera {…}
(Credit: Cory Weaver) “The Marriage of Figaro” is one of opera’s priceless jewels, of any work of art, many would say. And San Francisco Opera’s new production by Canadian Director, Michael Cavanagh, made it all the more enjoyable and high-spirited. With a cast of singers who romped and preened, sang and danced around the stage, and an orchestra that kept {…}
It’s time for another weekend of opera, with a wide range of impressive offerings coming from around the continent. This week’s selections include a number of repertory staples as well as some unique modern operas by living composers. Frida – Atlanta Opera, Georgia The Atlanta Opera closes out its production of “Frida” with two performances on Friday and Sunday. The {…}
San Francisco Opera is set to present Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” in a new production by director Michael Cavanagh. The production marks the beginning of a multi-year project to weave together Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte’s three operas, “Le Nozze di Figaro,” “Così fan tutte,” and “Don Giovanni” as a trilogy set within an American manor house during {…}
On April 12, 2019, the Metropolitan Opera resumed it season’s run of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Occupying a rather unique space as a dramma giocoso, the work unfolds the allegorical message through often-comedic methods. The cast and crew of Friday’s performance strongly favored these comedic elements, much to the delight of the audience. Michael Grandage’s production highlights the universal nature of {…}
New York operagoers are growing increasingly familiar with Napoli-native mezzo-soprano Serena Malfi’s Mozartean repertoire. After her 2014 Met debut as Cherubino in “Le Nozze di Figaro,” Malfi returned to the big stage in 2016 as Zerlina in “Don Giovanni,” and as of this writing, she’s back as the country girl taken in by the Don’s deceitful charms. Last year, those {…}
Like a prank fallen flat, Jan Philipp Gloger’s 2016 production of “Così fan tutte” is loaded with unfunny clichés the audience always sees coming. Boasting cardboard imitations of forests, a doctor’s costume making its Despina look like Jesus Christ, huge placards with classic fonts spelling out the Italian words “fedeltà,” “amore” and others, some parts are embarrassing to watch. With {…}
The San Francisco Opera has announced its 2019-20 season featuring seven new productions and two new revivals. There will also be a notable company premiere with many rising and established stars taking the stage. Main Stage The 2019–20 season opens with Gounod’s “Roméo et Juliette” in a new production by Jean-Louis Grinda. The opera returns after a 31-year absence with {…}
PBS will showcase “Così Fan Tutte” from the Metropolitan Opera as part of its Great Performances Series on Sunday, July 29, 2018. The broadcast will kick off at 12 p.m. EDT and will star Kelli O’Hara, Amanda Majeski, Adam Plachetka, Ben Bliss, Christopher Maltman, and Serena Malfi under the musical direction of David Robertson. The production, set on Coney Island {…}