Thomas Hampson has long been one of the greatest opera singers of his generation singing in all the great opera houses in the world and interpreting some of the most iconic roles in the art form. He has also been recognized as a great recitalist showing great enthusiasm for the American Songbook and a big proponent of Mahler’s music in {…}
Tanglewood has announced that its star-studded gala concert, celebrating Leonard Bernstein’s centennial on August 25, 2018, will be recorded by Great Performances and broadcast on PBS, bringing this event to audiences in their homes throughout America, Europe, and Asia on December 28, 2018. The concert will be hosted by Audra McDonald and directed by James Darrah; among the names appearing {…}
Baritone Thomas Hampson is one of the most intellectually-inspiring artists in the opera world. Born on June 28, 1955, the baritone is one of the most thoughtful and insightful people in the business. Just listen to an interview (see below). The Indiana native sang as a child and studied at the Eastern Washington State College, majoring in political science and {…}
Every year, one superstar rises above the rest to become one the centerpieces of a particular Teatro alla Scala season. This season, OperaWire pointed out five major artists that are poised to make high profile debuts or returns or headline major productions that are sure to see their profiles surge. Saioa Herenandez The Spanish soprano is set to make her {…}
The Teatro alla Scala has announced its 2018-19 season featuring a number of new productions and operatic classics. The season will once again include a number of Italian operas continuing the theater’s initiative to bring back Italian opera. Here is a look! Productions The season opens with a new production of Verdi’s “Attila” starring Ildar Abdrazakov. David Livermore directs the {…}
The Vienna State Opera’s live stream series resumes this Sunday, May 13, 2018, when the company showcases Verdi’s middle period masterwork “Simon Boccanegra.” Per the official website, the Peter Stein production will be conducted by Evelino Pidò and stars Thomas Hampson in his iconic signature interpretation of the conflicted Doge. Dmitry Belosselskiy, coming off a successful run of “Luisa Miller” {…}
Going into its 114th year, the Ravinia Festival brings together artists from all over the world to perform in the longest-running music festival in America. Here are some of the highlights of Ravinia Festival’s 2018 season: Soprano Jeanine De Bique: BGH Classics Series The program will include selections from Mozart, Strauss, and Wolf. De Bique will also perform a number {…}
UPDATE: Hampson posted a message on his Facebook account to clarify his health situation. “I regrettably announce that I had to withdraw from last Saturday’s performance in Oviedo. Unfortunately, I had an extremely aggravating flu last week following a truly enjoyable Operetta tour with Piotr and Annette, and needed time to recover. I’ve been looking forward to my debut as Don {…}
The Bayerische Staatsoper has undergone two cast changes in the past few days. The first is Thomas Hampson who has withdrawn from his upcoming performances of “Così fan tutte.” As a result, Luca Tittoto will replace the baritone As Don Alfonso. Over the past years Tittoto has become a sought-after bass, singing at La Fenice, Venice, Teatro Comunale, Teatro di {…}
On Jan. 21, 2018, fans of Leonard Bernstein gathered in The Greene Space of Lower Manhattan for a night of songs and celebration in honor of the 100th birthday of the great composer. Hosted by WQXR’s Elliott Forrest, the event was equal parts reminiscence and reverie, in large part due to pianist Laura Downes, who performed much of her upcoming {…}
The Houston Grand Opera is primed for an exciting 2018-19 season after a tumultuous fall of 2017. Combining major classics with some unique modern works. What makes these productions all the more exciting are the artists themselves. And the company did a tremendous casting job this season. Here are the five artists that will make some major headlines this season {…}