(Photo: Michael Cooper) French operas of the nineteenth century were once among the most popular works in the repertoire, but in the last half century, they’ve fallen out of fashion. One reason is the loss of national singing schools, especially the French, in a now globalized opera world. Without an understanding of the French style, and without the required elegance {…}
The Canadian Opera Company is set to present Massenet’s “Werther.” The opera will star tenor Russell Thomas in the title role and mezzo-soprano Victoria Karkacheva as Charlotte. The production also stars bass-baritone Gordon Bintner and soprano Simone Osborne as Albert and Sophie, alongside bass Alain Coulombe and tenor Michael Colvin as Werther’s friends, Johann and Schmidt. The role of Charlotte and {…}
Calgary Opera is set to present Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel.” The opera will be performed between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 2026 at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium and will be directed by Brenna Corner. In a statement the director said, “This production is particularly special as it is so visually exciting. The Trouts have designed a world where design {…}
Oper Frankfurt has announced its 2020-21 season. The German house will present 11 new productions and a number of revivals and recitals. New Productions Monika Buczkowska, Judita Nagyová, Peter Marsh, Simon Neil, and Alfred Reiter star in Ligeti’s “La Grand Macabre.” Sebastian Weigle conducts a production by Vasily Barkhatov. Performance Dates: Sept. 13-Oct. 17, 2020 Katharina Thoma will direct Offenbach’s {…}
On Thursday, the Canadian Opera company has just announced its 2017-18 season which features six opera spanning from October 5, 2017 to May 26, 2018. The works selected for the new season feature mainly staples of the canonical repertoire though there is one rare work making an appearance this season. Jane Archibald is this season’s artist in residence. The announcement {…}