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 {…}
Willy Decker’s production of Verdi’s “La Traviata” opens on Friday, marking the final revival of the acclaimed production. Sonya Yoncheva reprises her acclaimed Violetta which critics said, “was a creation full of searching details.” The soprano has been hailed as one of the great Violettas of our time and has sung the role in Munich, Paris, Zurich and London. Michael {…}
Every season brings new surprises, some of which may be of the disappointing variety. In disappointment, we mean singers that we love and treasure but are unable to see get the proper representation. Here is a look at the singers that were shockingly left off the roster this year. Diana Damrau: It may not have been the perfect 2016-17 season {…}
Do you have any plans this weekend? If not the world’s greatest singers are currently on stage all over Europe and you may have a chance to catch them singing a great opera. Austria The weekend kicks off at the Vienna state Opera with Korngold’s “Die Tote Stadt” with Klaus Florian Vogt, Camilla Nylund and Adrian Erod. Mikko Franck conducts the {…}
Verdi’s “Don Carlo” makes its return to La Scala for the first time in decades in its five act version. For many this is the best version of the opera, but the bottom line is that there is no such thing as a real version of the opera with differing versions having different strengths. The work premiered in 1867. Heavy {…}
Thomas Hampson has cancelled his upcoming performances with the Orquestra Simfònica de Barcelona. The Baritone was originally scheduled to perform Mahler’s “Des Knaben Wunderhorn” on Dec. 16, 17 and 18. Hampson announced the news on Twitter and stated, “Very disappointed that I must cancel my upcoming concerts in Barcelona. I’m suffering from a viral tracheitis that makes singing impossible.” However, he noted {…}
The past week was flooded with major news on the international stage. Here is a look back at some of the big headlines, in case you missed them. Major Premieres This week saw a plethora of premieres. The Berlin Staatsoper showcased “Manon Lescaut” which was showcased on online; the same happened for the Bayerische Staatsoper which showcased “Lady Macbeth of {…}