This week the Staatsoper Berlin is set to stage Leoš Janáček’s satirical opera “Die Ausflüge des Herrn Brouček” for the very first time in the company’s history. Leading the production will be Robert Carsen, one of opera’s most acclaimed and greatest directors. Interestingly enough Carsen has never directed the Staatsoper Berlin, so the occasion will be his debut. Throughout his {…}
(Photo: Szofi Raffay) Domènec Terradellas, a composer born in 1711 in Catalonia, remains a somewhat elusive figure in the case of 18th-century opera. Following training at the prestigious Naples conservatory, his music flourished in Italy and London prior to his untimely death in suspicious circumstances in 1751. His “La Merope,” a testament to the abiding popularity of Merope’s tragic tale, {…}
The Berlin State Opera has announced that it will cut a production from the 2025-26 season. In an interview, General Director Elisabeth Sobotka said there will be around 5 million euros for budget cuts. She said ” We will cancel a premiere, but that only affects the 25-26 season. We can’t cut anything in the current season, that would cause {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin is set to present “Einfach Mozart” on April 26, 2024. The children’s show will follow the travels of Wolfgang and his sister Nannerl as they travel to Paris, London, and Vienna. Mozart’s “La finta semplice” serves as the musical foundation for the showcase; this opera was written when Mozart was 12 years old in 1768. It is {…}
(Credit: Dragosh Cojocaru) Soprano Valentina Nafornita has announced that she will be canceling her contract in Berlin to sing “La Bohème” following the birth of her child. In a social media post, the soprano stated, “My dear friends, I hope you are all doing great. I am having a wonderful time with my baby boy, but unfortunately I have to {…}
Berlin’s opera houses and orchestras have released statement against anti-semitism in reaction to current events and in commemoration of tomorrow’s 85th anniversary of the November pogroms in Germany. It also calls for peaceful co-existence. The statement reads, “Berlin’s major orchestras and three opera houses call on all Berliners to take a stand against anti-Semitism and hatred. Even in turbulent times, {…}
The Royal Opera House and Staatsoper Berlin have announced conductor changes for their productions of “Don Carlo.” Conductor Daniele Rustioni will no longer conduct the production of the Verdi opera in London, instead taking over the Staatsoper Berlin’s “Don Carlo” which was originally set to be conducted by Daniel Barenboim. In his stead, Bertrand de Billy will lead the Royal {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has announced conductor changes for upcoming performances. The company said that Bertrand de Billy will conduct the revival of Georges Bizet’s ‘Carmen’ for all performances (Feb. 5 to March 3). Meanwhile, the last three performances of Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Samson et Dalila” in February will be conducted by Thomas Guggeis, who has already rehearsed and conducted the revival {…}
The Staatsoper Berlin has announced a cast change for its upcoming production of “Turandot.” The company said that Anna Samuil will sing the title role on March 17 and 21 replacing Elena Pankratova. Samuil made her Staatsoper Berlin debut in 2003 and has sin performed such roles as Donna Anna, Fiordiligi, Contessa, Tatjana, Mimì, Musetta, Adina, Micaëla, Elisabetta, Agathe, Rosalinde, Ariadne, {…}
(© Decca / Simon Fowler) Soprano Aida Garifullina has announced that she is canceling her next two appearances at the Staatsoper Berlin on Dec. 27 and 29. The soprano took to social media to make the announcement, noting “My dear friends….This is my absolute favorite time of the year, even though it is a period where we are exposed to {…}
Following a controversy over the use of more than 30 live guinea pigs and rabbits in a new production of The Ring Cycle at the Berlin State Opera, the company is speaking out and is making changes to its production. In a statement, the Berlin company said, “The appearance of the animals in the new productions of ‘DAS RHEINGOLD’ and {…}