Thomas Hampson, born on June 28, is one of the great American singers of the past few decades. He has dominated many of the famed baritone roles, constantly expanding his own limits of what many have thought possible. But Hampson’s career has not been limited to what he can do in the opera house or concert hall. He has sought {…}
Sony Classical will be releasing the Royal Opera House’s “Les Contes D’Hoffmann.” The production stars Vittorio Grigolo in the title role as well as Sonya Yoncheva as Antonia. Kate Lindsey, Thomas Hampson, Christine Rice, and Sofia Fomina also star in the production, which was conducted by Evelino Pido. When the production opened last fall, critics were ecstatic and said, “Vittorio Grigolo {…}
Want some Anna Netrebko in your weekend? Want to see a rising new star who will be a major player in June at the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competition? Or simply looking for opera on your travels? Here is what is in store this weekend around the world. Austria The Vienna State Opera kicks off its weekend presenting {…}
The weekend has a number of operatic classics being offered even though many companies are in the midst of ballet season. Take a look as there is something for everyone. Austria The Vienna State Opera is in Ballet mode but will present Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” with Olga Bezsmertna, Christopher Maltman, Pavol Breslik and Mika Kares. Czech Republic The Prague National Opera {…}
The Vienna State Opera has announced its 2017-18 season with six new productions and 48 revivals. Given the sheer size of the schedule, you might expect the company to feature opera’s greatest stars. You would be absolutely right. As always the company will feature the biggest stars in the world including Anna Netrebko in her second run of performances of {…}
No opera house has more superstars on the roster next season than the Bayerische Staatsoper. Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann, arguably the two biggest stars in the opera world, will both appear in Munich in 2017-18, albeit in limited runs. Their appearances in America are limited to a total of eight shows between the two of them. In Munich, that {…}
A lot of opera stars have dogs. From Franco Zeffirelli to Ailyn Pérez to Elza Von den Heever, the canine is a great companion for the opera star as they travel around the world. Here is a look at some of the most famous dogs in the history of opera, both past, and present as we celebrate National Puppy day. {…}
Back in 2007, baritone Thomas Hampson gave a Distance Learning Voice Master Class at the Manhattan School of Music. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of that event, the American singer and the renowned conservatory are rejoining forces for the same program. In a press release on Monday, the Manhattan School of Music announced that its program, which counts among {…}
I preface this by stating that this review is for the performance on March 5, 2017. I would also like to recognize that this is just one performance of a seven-performance run. In an ideal situation, I would attend every performance and write a detailed review of the overall work. As it stands, I can only go on my perspective {…}
Nelson Martínez will sing the role of Giorgio Germont in tonight’s performance of Verdi’s “La Traviata” at the Metropolitan Opera The Cuban baritone will replace the originally scheduled Thomas Hampson, who is ill. Martínez made his Metropolitan Opera debut this season in the role of Monterone in Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” Born in Cuba, he graduated from the Superior Institute of the Arts and {…}
The Indiana Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2017-18 Season with many great singers scheduled to perform. The biggest headline of all revolves around Renée Fleming making her ISO debut on opening night. The concert is scheduled on Sept. 23 featuring conductor Krzysztof Urbański. That said, the program remains a mystery and will be announced as the concert date draws nearer. Baritone Thomas Hampson will {…}