The relationship between a conductor and a singer is one of the least examined and most consequential elements of operatic performance. Audiences follow the voice. Critics assess the voice. The conductor, who shapes the tempo the voice breathes within, the space it is given, the dynamic world it moves through, tends to appear in reviews as a presence behind the {…}
(Photo credits: Ealovega, Ehm) The Royal College of Music has announced new appointment for conductors Martyn Brabbins ,Vasily Petrenko, and Speranza Scappucci. Following a five-year term as Prince Consort Professor, Martyn Brabbins will join the Royal College of Music as a professor of conducting. In this position, Brabbins will work with conducting students several times each term as well as leading at least one performance project each year. In addition, Speranza Scappucci and Vasily Petrenko will join the {…}
Throughout Dec. the Juilliard School will present a series of free and low-cost concerts. This article only features classical vocal concerts. First up is the “Leontyne Price Master Class Series” led by Speranza Scappucci. Performance Date: December 2, 2025 The “Pre-College Winter Songbook” concert is next. Performance Date: December 6, 2025 Juilliard415, Gotham Early Music Scene, and Music Before 1800 {…}
(Photo: © Klara Beck) From October 29 to November 9, the Strasbourg Opera will be performing Verdi’s “Otello.” As always with the Strasbourg Opera, the Filature in Mulhouse will be staging this production as well on, November 16 and 18. The staging has been given to the director Ted Huffman, who employs a highly effective minimalist approach, focusing the drama {…}
Juilliard announces its 2025-26 season. This article only features classical voice events. Juilliard and Columbia University Present Italian Opera 200. Performance Date: October 5, 2025 Up next is the start of school’s “Liederabend” series. Performance Dates: October 8, November 19, December 10, 2025 & February 25 & April 1 & 29, 2026 “Sound On: Inward Journeys” features the Neue Vocalsolisten {…}
(Photo: Puccini’s most beloved masterpiece is a feast at any time of the year, but as a Christmas treat, promises to deliver many gifts. Alas, like ALL gifts, some are more desirable than others; some special, some expected and some unwanted. As is the case with this fifth revival of Richard Jones’s classic 2017 production, where some presents are more {…}
Against the Grain Theatre and the Canadian Opera Company led the Dora Award’s Opera Division. The Canadian Opera Company’s production of “Macbeth” took home Outstanding Musical Direction for Speranza Scappucci, as well as Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble for its Chorus. The company also won Outstanding Achievement in Design for David Finn’s lighting in the David McVicar production. Meanwhile, Against {…}
Photos: Dario Acosta The Richard Tucker Award and Gala came back in full force after two years with no awards. A galaxy of operatic stars was on hand for the event held in the newly renovated David Geffen Hall, which was designed to remedy the venue’s seemingly intractable issue with—of all things—acoustics. (Geffen Hall is the home of the New {…}
(Credit: Curtis Brown) In a recent interview with OperaWire, composer Lori Laitman noted that Verdi’s “Rigoletto” was among her favorite operas. “Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ is one of my favorites and the use of music to reveal the horrific fact that the Duke is still alive is so chilling,” she noted. Taking in the work on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022 for the {…}
(Credit: Speranza Scappucci official website) The Teatro alla Scala has announced that conductor Evelino Pidò has withdrawn from the production of Bellini’s “I Capuleti e i Montecchi” due to a health emergency. As a result, Speranza Scappucci, the Music Director of the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège, will take over in the pit. Scappucci will lead a cast that includes Marianne {…}
(Credit: Speranza Scappucci official website) Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège has officially announced that Speranza Scappucci will not renew her term as the Music Director of the house, which is set to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season. Per an official statement, Scappucci declined the offer made by ORW’s General Director Stefano Pace to extend her term as the {…}