Metropolitan Opera 2016-17 Review – La Traviata: Sonya Yoncheva Strong Vocally But Dramatically Amiss in Surprisingly Unfulfilling Rendition of Willy Decker’s Masterpiece Production

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 {…}

Feb 23, 2017

Teatro alla Scala Preview 2016-17 Season: Ailyn Pérez and Anna Netrebko Tackle Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’

This week the Teatro alla Scala will revive the 1990 Liliana Cavani production of Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The production returns after DmItri Tcherniakov’s 2013 staGing failed to please Scala audiences. This time the Cavani production will be sung by two leading sopranos. First Ailyn Pérez will bring her acclaimed Violetta to the theater. Perez has performed the role around the {…}

Feb 16, 2017

Verdi Film ‘In the Mouth of the Wolf” Gets Special Screening at Film Forum Feb. 20

Film Forum will showcase “In the Mouth of the Wolf” for the first time in over 50 years on Monday, Feb. 20. According to the website, the film showcases the Verdi-obsessed culture in Parma. The film was showcased on U.S. television just once 54 years ago. The event will showcase the sole existing 16 mm print. The film lasts around {…}

Feb 6, 2017

The Specialist – Javier Camarena’s Passion For Bel Canto & Continued Development of His Voice [Exclusive]

For Javier Camarena, the start of 2017 has been a blending of the past, present and future. His year started with an operatic goodbye and the month of February he will slide into comfortable repertoire that he feels will be his meat and potatoes in the immediate future. And in March, he ventures into unknown terrain that might just prove {…}

Feb 5, 2017

On This Day: Religion As Dramatic Structure in Verdi’s ‘Otello’

Verdi’s “Otello” is arguably the greatest opera ever written. Premiering on Feb. 5, 1887 amidst tremendous fanfare and anticipation, Verdi’s second-to-last work was one of the few instances where the hype was not only met but tremendously exceeded. To that point, Verdi was recognized as a genius, his operatic output among the greatest work of any composer to that time. {…}

Jan 24, 2017

From Hate to Undying Love – Riccardo Frizza’s Ever-Growing Passion For ‘Norma’ & Italian Opera [Exclusive]

At age 14, Riccardo Frizza decided he wanted nothing to do with opera. The catalyst? Bellini’s “I Puritani.” “I was studying in the conservatory and they took us to see ‘I Puritani,’” the famed conductor told OperaWire in an exclusive interview. “I thought it was so boring. It was a mistake to take me to see that first before any {…}

Jan 21, 2017

Jonas Kaufmann to Release ‘Das Lied Von Der Erde’ Album

Jonas Kaufmann has just announced that he will be releasing a recording of Mahler’s “Das Lied von der Erde.” The recording will be released April 7, 2017 and features Jonathan Nott is conducting the Vienna Philharmonic. As of yet there are no details on who the mezzo soprano in the recording will be, though there were previous reports that the {…}

Jan 19, 2017

Committing Murder to Create Life – Bass Andrea Mastroni On Playing the Evil Sparafucile & Moving Beyond Italian Repertoire [Exclusive]

This article was a joint collaboration between David & Francisco Salazar. “I like playing the villain.” That quote, as generic as it is, has been uttered in some variation by numerous actors throughout history. There is an excitement that comes with being the bad guy or girl. Of committing acts onscreen or onstage that you could never imagine doing out {…}

Jan 17, 2017

San Francisco Opera 2017-18 Season To Feature New John Adams Opera & Wagner Ring

The San Francisco has announced its 2017-18 season with major classics making a return to the house and one significant world premiere slated to close out 2017. The big announcement of the day was that this season is music director Nicola Liusiotti’s last with the company, though it was hinted that the company would find ways to have him return {…}

Jan 17, 2017

Clemency & Self-Reflection in Opera’s Just & Benevolent Rulers

Corrupt power is at the heart of most drama. Seeing rulers misuse their power for personal greed or arrogance is at the heart of the mythology on ruling. Moreover, it is impossible not to find some degree of corruption in every leader regardless of his or her greatness. After all, this is a world where a Nobel Peace Prize winner {…}

Jan 16, 2017

Artist of the Week: Angela Meade Continues Her Exploration In Early Verdi With ‘Stiffelio’

The Verdi and Bel Canto repertoire has some of the most challenging music for soprano. It requires flexibility in the voice as well as high and low testitura. Coloratura runs are a must and clear diction and attention to the text are paramount. Among contemporary artists, Angela Meade has been championing this repertoire by not only performing the warhorses such {…}

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