Let’s be clear. This weekend is not one generally associated with opera in the US or North America at large. With Christmas just a few days away, most companies are not keen on risking small audiences simply because most of their greatest supporters are away with family or other activities. So for the first time in weeks, there will be {…}
This review is for the performance on Dec. 14, 2017. It’s an interesting time at the Metropolitan Opera right now. Undeniably taking into account the jolly spirit of the holidays the company is only showcasing comedies between now and Dec. 31, when it presents a new production of one of the most violent of all operas – “Tosca.” But for {…}
As we move deeper and deeper into the holiday season, more and more companies will be taking breaks and closing shop. So as you might have noticed from the title, this week will not feature five but three major offerings. Some of this might also have to do with that movie coming out this weekend, but in any case, some {…}
On Thursday Dec. 14, 2017, Franz Lehár’s “The Merry Widow” makes a return to the Metropolitan Opera. To this date, the company has given just 40 performances of the operetta, its first ever coming as recently as Feb. 17, 2000. This season, Susan Graham will take up the mantle of the title role, making her the foremost interpreter of the {…}
Rene Kollo (or René Kollodzieyski, as he was born on Nov. 20, 1937), was a renowned Wagnerian tenor. He took on every major leading role by the great composer, recording almost all of his interpretations to great acclaim with the best of conductors. His Siegfried was recorded with Wolfgang Sawallisch, his Lohengrin and Walther von Stolzing with Herbert Von Karajan, {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2017-18 season and as promised, it contains a lot of hotly anticipated productions and performances. Here is a quick rundown with OperaWire set to include additional content throughout the day. The New Productions The Metropolitan Opera season will feature five new productions. David McVicar’s new production of Bellini’s “Norma” will open the season on {…}
