(Credit: Michael Taubenheim) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced a cast change for two performances of “Tannhaüser” on its official website. Per the company, on May 1 and May 10, 2020, bass Ante Jerkunica will perform the role of Landgraf Hermann instead of Tobias Kehrer. Jerkunica has been recently seen in the role of König Marke in Wagner’s “Tristan und {…}
Tanglewood has announced its 2020 slate, which is, as per usual, filled with some of the most recognized artists on the planet. For the purposes of this article, we will focus on opera related programming. Angel Blue will make her company debut in the Opening Night at Tanglewood concert alongside the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the musical direction of Ken-David {…}
It seems like a lot of older conductors are slowly getting a chance to make their Bayreuth Festival debuts these days. This year it is all about Plácido Domingo and his debut in “Die Walküre.” And next year will be about Russian conductor Valery Gergiev. The famed maestro is set to take on “Tannhäuser” in the summer of 2019 with {…}
This Saturday, March 3, 2018, the Washington National Opera will be staging a four-act version of “Don Carlo” with a superstar cast. While many might turn to the likes of Leah Crocetto, Jamie Barton, or Eric Owens, for the star power, tenor Russell Thomas is poised to have a big night in his Washington National Opera debut. Thomas recently spoke {…}
Simon Estes, born on March 2, 1938, did not have an easy career path. While the bass-baritone succeeded in Europe in his early years, the United States didn’t take too well to him. He was only accepted for minor roles at most prominent theaters and it wasn’t until 1981, 16 years after his professional debut, that the Metropolitan Opera offered {…}
Daniel Barenboim, born on Nov. 15, 1942, is one of the world’s greatest conductors. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he would go to become a child prodigy as a pianist, taking on conducting in later years. Nowadays he is well-regarded for his wide-ranging musicianship, which has undoubtedly extended into the world of opera. His opera conducting debut came in 1973 {…}
Wagner’s ‘Tannhaüser’ is an opera that combines elements of Romantic-era storytelling with those of French grand opera. Premiering on October 19, 1845, the story grapples with the theme of lust versus love, and centers on the experiences of a knight/bard minnesinger named Tannhaüser. Shortly after its premiere, Wagner made a number of changes; after adding vocal selection and clarifying the {…}
Opinions on regietheater can be quite divided although anyone with a negative one should have a level of understanding for what Oper Köln is currently undergoing. The company’s opera house, located in the center of the city in the square named for native son Jacques Offenbach, is currently being renovated. That has required Oper Köln to shift to several locations {…}
Jessye Norman is a singer who defied fach — she sang what she wanted, when she wanted, but more importantly, she took on what felt right for her. In fact, she once stated in her youth that “pigeonholes are only comfortable for pigeons.” And what a blessing it is that she listened to her gut, or else one might not {…}
Within the last quarter of the 20th century, there was perhaps no dramatic soprano as influential as Deborah Voigt. Born August 4th, 1960, the American soprano is most celebrated for her interpretations by Strauss and Wagner, and other German composers. Though Voigt’s repertoire ranges from bel canto to new American premieres, the “down to earth diva” had most of her {…}
This weekend, audiences not able to head to Munich will get a chance to see a live performance of Wagner’s “Tannhäuser” from the Staatsoper. The performance kicks off at 9:45 p.m. CET, though the performance officially kicks off at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday July 9 and features Kirill Petrenko at the podium, leading the production by Romeo Castellucci. {…}