Semperoper Dresden is set to present a concert performance of Verdi’s “Attila” for the first time in the company’s history. The famed Verdi opera will feature Georg Zeppenfeld, Andrzej Dobber, Anna Smirnova, Tomislav Mužek, Timothy Oliver, and Tilmann Rönnebeck, under the baton of Jordi Bernàcer. Zeppenfeld will be making his role debut as the title character while Mužek will take {…}
Washington Concert Opera has announced a cast addition for its upcoming performance of “Nabucco.” The company revealed that mezzo-soprano Melody Wilson would be joining the cast as Fenena in her WCO debut. She joins a cast that stars Lester Lynch in the title role, Alexandra Loutsion as Abigaile, Peter Volpe as Zaccaria, and Andres Acosta as Ismaele. Wilson is a {…}
There are few performers as magnetic as Ermonela Jaho. From the moment the Albanian soprano takes the stage, she is so entranced in the world she’s living in and the character she is bringing to life, that you can’t keep your eyes away. This was the case last season when she proved the standout amidst Zeffirelli’s gargantuan “Turandot” production and {…}
The Dutch National Opera & Ballet is set to present “Messa da Requiem” starting on February 9, 2023. The showcase, which runs for a total of 12 performances through Feb. 25, presents a reimagined exploration of Verdi’s famed “Requiem” through the eyes of Christian Spuck, who will direct and choreograph the piece. Per an official press release, “drawing on a {…}
Maryland Lyric Opera is set to present Verdi’s “Falstaff” on Jan. 20 and 22, 2023. The production of Verdi’s final opera will star Mark Delavan as Sir John Falstaff, Brian Major as Ford, Rachel Blaustein as Nannetta, Mary Feminear as Alice Ford, Allegra De Vita as Meg Page, Catherine Martin as Mistress Quickly, Yi Li as Fenton, Mauricio Miranda as {…}
In very direct terms: Paris’s “La Forza del Destino” is the best production of the opera company this season so far. The success is living proof of the golden rule of opera: great music with great musicians make opera (always) great. It seems to be an easy rule, but it is often forgotten. “La Forza” is an Opera with capital {…}
Sonya Yoncheva is set to appear at the Metropolitan Opera in future performances of “Un Ballo in Maschera,” “Medea,” and “Pique Dame.” Per an article by The Associated Press entitled “At top of opera, Yoncheva worries about classical music,” the Bulgarian soprano will be involved in a new production of the Verdi classic as well as revivals of the Tchaikovsky {…}
Detroit Opera has announced a major cast change for its concert performance of Verdi’s “Aida.” The company revealed that Alfred Walker will be taking on the role of Amonasro for the December 30 performance, replacing Reginald Smith, Jr., who has withdrawn due to illness. Walker previously appeared in Detroit Opera’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” in 2021. His 2022-23 season will see him {…}
The Greek National Opera is set to present a new production of Verdi’s “Falstaff” starting on Jan. 26, 2023. The showcase, which will be directed by Stephen Langridge, will run through Feb. 10 for a total of six performances. “Our production is set in England in the 1930s. A time between the wars (Falstaff was an old soldier), with a {…}
The Opéra National de Paris is set to present Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” starting on Jan. 21, 2023. The opera, which will run through Feb. 17, 2023 for nine performances, will be conducted by Carlo Rizzi. It will star Anna Pirozzi as Leonora with Yusif Eyvazov as Manrico. In the role of Il Conte di Luna, audiences will see Étienne Dupuis. {…}
There is no doubt Jonathan Tetelman’s “Arias” is one of the most sensational solo debuts in past months, as it combines the infinitely rich and malleable voice of a dark tenore lirico with a level of artistic maturity that is nothing short of exceptional. A Magisterial Debut Produced for Deutsche Grammophon the album offers a selection of French and mostly {…}