Puccini is undeniably one of those names that will forever be linked with opera. Born on Dec. 22, 1858 (his full name was Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini) in Lucca, Italy, he was set to occupy the position of maestro di cappella after his father’s death. However, he was only six-years-old and unable to occupy the position his {…}
La Divina, born on Dec. 2, 1923, sang just under 50 roles over the course of her career. From Carmen to Medea to Tosca, she approached each role with the dramatic prowess which truly earned her the title that we so lovingly reference to this day. In musical circles, Callas has always been and will always remain a topic of {…}
Lawrence Tibbett was one of the shining stars of the Metropolitan Opera in the pre-World War II era. The baritone, born on Nov. 16, 1896, would sing over 600 performances with the company between his debut on Nov. 24, 1923 and his final performance on March 24, 1950. Interestingly, he began his Met career as a bit role in “Boris {…}
Jonathan Tetelman is set to replace Fabio Sartori at the Gran Teatre del Liceu. The Liceu announced that Sartori canceled performances of “Tosca” in June due to personal reasons. As a result, Tetelman will perform the role of Cavaradossi alongside Liudmyla Monastryska and Erwin Schrott. Tetelman will make his role debut in the production by Paco Azorín and it will also {…}
Puccini’s “Tosca” received its 966th performance at the Metropolitan Opera on Thursday, Oct. 25. The work featured the second revival of David McVicar’s production from last season, with some unique distinctions. As noted in last year’s review of this production, this version of the work’s success will live or die based on whether the performers bring a strong perspective to {…}
If you wanted to list off the greatest baritones of the 20th century, Tito Gobbi will land somewhere on that list. Born on Oct. 24, 1913, the baritone actually started his career studying law. But a family friend suggested that he study singing. So he moved from Padua, where he was studying, to Rome. In 1935, at the age of {…}
“Tosca” is one of the more popular operas in the entire repertory and this season it will be returning to the Met Opera for a total of 13 performances throughout the months of October, November, March, and April. There are two main casts across the two runs, distinguished by the two leading ladies in the title role. However, the remainder {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Wolfgang Koch has withdrawn from the fall run of “Tosca.” The company announced that Koch, who was set to debut with the company, had to withdraw due to illness. As a result, Željko Lučić will sing the role of Scarpia on opening night on Oct. 25 and Claudio Sgura will sing the remaining six performances {…}
The Lady Gaga of opera. A fashion Icon. An intense singing-actress. A glamorous personality. These are just some of the great descriptions that have also been placed upon star soprano Carmen Giannattasio. These are also some of the reasons for her rise in the opera world since her Operalia win in 2002. Sixteen years after that breakthrough, the soprano begins a {…}
San Francisco Opera has always been in love with Puccini’s “Tosca.” From 1932, when the War Memorial Opera House first opened its doors, until today, this opera has been its darling. Every Opera Director has wanted her on its stage; every dramatic soprano has wanted to perform her. The new production in San Francisco has set her in motion once {…}
Brian Jagde is one of today’s rising stars in the opera world and his powerful tenor has obtained raves. Today he is in high demand around the world and one of the roles that he has garnered him attention is that of Cavaradossi. Currently starring in San Francisco Opera’s new production of “Tosca,” Jagde will break the record this season {…}