(Photo Credit: Bernd Uhlig) There is something unique about waiting for the curtain to rise on “Götterdämmerung.” Anyone who has followed a “Ring” in the theatre, may take their seat in sadness as this evening will end the journey through the most fabled, mythical and symbolic landscape of all. Though the images and sentiments confronted in any given production condition {…}
(Fotos von Bernd Uhlig, Kontakt: [email protected]) It does seem that the 2021 Deutsche Oper Berlin’s Ring has been somewhat of a success over the last few years. And this is good for opera. A major achievement, this as other cycles, after the centennial Patrice Chéreau staging have created negative stirrings, indeed vivid contestations largely due to mistaken stage-director conceptions ingrained {…}
(Photo credit: Bernd Uhlig) The man who gave the opera world its most dazzling 21st century “Parsifal,” Stefan Herheim, continues his quest to interrogate the Romantic text that is Richard Wagner’s “Ring of the Nibelungen.” Inspired refreshing of a 150-year-old work of art can provide new insights and flashes of illumination. But conceptual pyrotechnics can just as easily destroy its {…}
(Photo by Bernd Uhlig) I’m back in Berlin, a city I favor and enjoy so much, ready for yet another Ring cycle at Deutsche Oper, a large, comfortable 1850-seat theatre boldly designed in the Modernist style and simply ideal for large-scale productions. And none comes much larger than those penned by Giacomo Meyerbeer, Richard Strauss and Richard Wagner Therefore, with {…}
Richard Wagner fell in love with the story of Lohengrin. How could he not? A handsome knight, with a golden disposition of purity, nobility and generosity. The son of Parsifal. The leader of the Grail. Destined to rescue, save and uplift all who needed rescuing and salvation. With soaring and beauteous romantic melodies, rich choral support, dazzling duets between glorious {…}
The Grand Teton Music Festival in Wyoming is set to livestream its semi-staged production of “La bohème.” The production will be streamed on August 27 and features an all-star cast led by Nicole Cabell as Mimì, Jose Simerilla Romero as Rodolfo, Meechot Marrero as Musetta, Ryan Speedo Green as Colline, Thomas Lehman as Marcello, and Carlton Ford as Schaunard. Sir {…}
The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced a major cast change for its production of “Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.” The company stated via social media that Sir Donald Runnicles was forced to withdraw from the production due to an “acute shoulder illness.” In his stead, audiences will see and hear conductor Markus Stenz at the podium. He will join a production {…}
(Credit: Det Kongelige Bibliotek) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced the upcoming premiere Rued Langgaard’s “Antikrist.” The opera is set to open on Jan. 30, and will last until Feb. 11, 2022, for a total of four performances. The opera will star Thomas Lehman as the Satan, Jonas Grundner-Culemann as Voice of God, Valeriia Savinskaia in the role of Echo {…}
(Credit: © Simon Pauly) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced that Spanish bass-baritone Carlos Álvarez will not be appearing in the role of Count René Anckarström in the December 2021 performances of Verdi’s “Un Ballo in Maschera.” American baritone Thomas Lehman will take over the performances scheduled for Dec. 20, 22, and 29, 2021. Lehman joins a cast that includes {…}
(Credit: Klaus Frahm) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced multiple cast changes for Wagner’s “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” For the performances of “Die Walküre” on Oct. 29, Nov. 10 & 17, 2021, Iain Paterson will replace John Lundgren in the role of Wotan. Paterson joins a cast that includes Brandon Jovanovich as Siegmund, Elisabeth Teige as Sieglinde, Tobias Kehrer as {…}
(Credits: Bettina Stöß / Bernd Uhlig) The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced all the premieres of its 2021-22 season. Here is a look. The “Best of Carmen” concert will spotlight Valeriia Savinskaia, Arianna Manganello, Elena Tsallagova, Matthew Newlin, Joel Allison, and Ève-Maud Hubeaux in the title role. Daniel Carter conducts a production by Silke Sense. Performance dates: Aug. 21 – {…}