Another day, another “Norma.” Not that that is a hardship: lucky Vienna, has two new productions in which to indulge. And they proved very different beasts. The opera hasn’t been staged at the Staatsoper for almost 50 years so it was long overdue to have an outing there. And Cyril Teste’s production did the job well enough, if not excitingly, {…}
Welcome back for this week’s look at the latest CD and DVD releases in the opera world. This week audiences will get to hear ambitious vocal projects that include multiple world premieres, rarities, and homages to historical artists. Schubert/Beatles The New York Festival of Song releases Schubert/Beatles on NYFOS Records featuring baritone Theo Hoffman, pianists Steven Blier and Kunal Lahiry, {…}
On March 23, ORF III will broadcast the Wiener Staatsoper’s new production of Bellini’s “Norma.” The new production by Cyril marks the first time in 10 years that the work is presented at the Wiener Staatsoper and the first staged production in almost 45 years. Michele Mariotti conducts an all-star cast led by Federica Lombardi, who makes her role debut {…}
The Wiener Staatsoper is set to present a new production of Bellini’s “Norma.” Michele Mariotti is set to conduct a new production by French stage director Cyril Teste. In a statement, Mariotti noted, “‘Norma’ is a triumph of emotions and torments described by the fierce classicism of the music. In my view, there are two moments that make it an {…}
(Credit: Brescia – Amisano © Teatro alla Scala) Legend has it that “La forza del destino” is a cursed opera, associated with tragedies that seem to haunt every new production. From companies falling into bankruptcy after staging it, to severe technical and production errors arising after the famous overture, and even the deaths of artists linked to the work—this reputation {…}
The Rossini Opera Festival has announced its 2025 season. The 46th edition of the event will take place from August 10 to 22, 2025. Operas The festival will open with a new production of “Zelmira,” conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti. The production will be directed by Spanish director Calixto Bieito, making his debut in Pesaro. Pretty Yende stars in the title {…}
(Credit: Brescia – Amisano © Teatro alla Scala) The “Prima della Scala” is more than just an opera performance; it’s a quintessential Italian event that intertwines art, history, and tradition, captivating global audiences every December 7th. This year, Teatro alla Scala inaugurates its 2024/2025 season with Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino.” Here are five essential insights to help you fully {…}
The Teatro alla Scala is set to open its 2024-25 season with Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino,” a work that has rarely appeared on the Milan stage. The work was last presented in 1999 with Riccardo Muti conducting and in 2001 with Valery Gergiev conducting the Mariinsky Theatre. The only time the opera opened the Teatro alla Scala was in {…}
The Teatro alla Scala is set to broadcast Verdi’s La Forza del Destino” on Dec. 7, 2024, continuing its tradition of showcasing opening night on Rai1 and Radio3. The performance will also broadcast on ARTE in France and the French-speaking countries in Europe and out of Europe; in Germany and German-speaking countries, ČESKÁ TELEVIZE in The Czech Republic, RSI in Switzerland, {…}
(Photo Credit: Lena Fainberg) Born in Russia, mezzo-soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya is a graduate of the Russian Gnesin Academy of Music in Moscow and a former member of the Youth Opera Program at the Bolshoi Theatre. Her repertoire encompasses roles of the Italian bel canto of Rossini and Bellini, Mozart, Baroque music such as Vivaldi and Purcell, and roles from Russian {…}
(Photo © Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn) “La Cenerentola” premiered in 1817, shortly after Rossini’s success with “Il Barbiere di Siviglia.” History tells us that it was composed in just three weeks, with only minimal self-plagiarism: the overture was borrowed from “La Gazetta,” and the protagonist’s final rondo from the tenor’s final aria in “Il Barbiere.” The story is a {…}