Ghena Dimitrova, born on May 6, 1941, was a powerhouse soprano in every possible way. Known for a massive instrument, she would go on to sing some of the heaviest repertoire possible throughout her career. Her massive voice was recognized from her youth when she sang in the school choir in her native Bulgaria. She was offered a spot at {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment we will take a {…}
The Arena di Verona has announced its casting for the 2018 festival, showcasing some of the biggest stars in the opera world. Here is a breakdown of what stars will grace the stage of the famous arena. Carmen Three mezzos take on the iconic role of “Carmen” including Anna Goryachova and Carmen Topciu. They are joined by four Don José’s including Brian Jagde, {…}
Premiering on April 25, 1926, Puccini’s final opera “Turandot” has always suffered a controversial legacy. The opera is a fixed repertory staple best-known for one particular piece of music. And yet, it would be hard to claim it the composer’s greatest work overall, as he died before its completion. Puccini famously struggled with writing its ending and upon his passing {…}
Puccini’s “Turandot” hits the web this week from the Vienna State Opera as part of its live stream series throughout the season. The showcase on April 20 is set to star Lise Lindstrom in the title role of the icy princess while Roberto Alagna plays Calaf and his wife Aleksandra Kurzak takes on the role of Liù. Frédéric Chaslin conducts {…}
“Opera Meets Film” is a feature dedicated to exploring the way that opera has been employed in cinema. We will select a section or a film in its entirety, highlighting the impact that utilizing the operatic form or sections from an opera can alter our perception of a film that we are viewing. This week’s installment we will take a {…}
The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera’s Artistic Director, Lucine Amara, has announced the cast performing this season’s premiere of Giacomo Puccini’s last opera, “Turandot.” Soprano Zhanna Alkhazova will make her company debut as the ice princess Turandot. The soprano has been recognized for her work as Donna Elvira in “Don Giovanni” with Geneva Opera, Leonora in “Il Trovatore” with {…}
The New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera has announced that in March the “Bring the Family to the Opera” initiative will resume. This well-received program introduces children and the extended family to live, fully-staged performances of grand opera, as the composer intended. The program offers 40% off special ticket rates on $55 and $45 tickets with a promotion code (TURANDOT) {…}
During a performance of “Turandot” at the Teatro Regio di Torino, part of the staging fell. According to local media, the accident caused injuries to at least two choristers but according to reports, the injuries were not grave. The accident occurred at the end of the second act and as a result, the performance was suspended. Rebeka Lokar and Jorge {…}
Puccini, born on Dec. 22, 1858, has provided the entire world with some of the greatest operas ever conceived by mankind. With his lush melodies that pull on anyone’s heartstrings and his incredible sense of drama, the composer became the Italian heir to Verdi and essentially the end of the formal line of Italian tradition. After Puccini’s death in the {…}
Stepping into the opera house is almost always about stepping into the past. If that past is a vision of lavishness and grandeur, seeing the current production of Puccini’s “Turandot” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago is emblematic of what anyone would envision as the quintessential operatic experience. Now that’s not to say that this production, directed by Rob Kearley {…}