Weekend Preview – International (6/24-26): Jonas Kaufmann, Olga Peretyatko, Nina Stemme & Piotr Beczala Headline The Weekend

The opera season continues in full swing as many of the top stars continue runs of important operas around the world. Austria The Vienna State Opera kicks off its weekend with Strauss’ “Elektra” starring Waltraud Meier, Nina Stemme, Regine Hangler, Herbert Lippert and Alan Held. It follows on Saturday with Debussy “Pelléas et Mélisande” with Franz-Josef Selig, Bernarda Fink, Adrian Eröd, Simon {…}

May 31, 2017

Anna Netrebko, Sonya Yoncheva, And Francesco Meli Headline Starry Teatro Alla Scala 2017-18 Season

The Teatro alla Scala has announced its 2017-18 season. The season opens with Giordano’s “Andrea Chénier” starring Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov, and Luca Salsi. Riccardo Chailly and Mario Martone direct the production, which opens on Dec. 7, 2017. On Jan. 11, 2018, Cornelius Obonya and Carolin Pienkos direct a new production of Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” starring Eva Mei, Markus Werba, {…}

Apr 6, 2017

Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Season: Six Productions Opera Lovers Can Not Miss

The Vienna State Opera is presenting over 50 operas next season and that can be overwhelming for any opera lover trying to pick out what they want to see. After analyzing the immense season, OperaWire has selected what we think will be unmissable nights at the Vienna State Opera. Adriana Lecouvreur The revival of this famed production marks the second {…}

Apr 5, 2017

All The Major Opera Stars Performing At The Vienna State Opera 2017-18 Season

The Vienna State Opera has announced its 2017-18 season with six new productions and 48 revivals. Given the sheer size of the schedule, you might expect the company to feature opera’s greatest stars. You would be absolutely right. As always the company will feature the biggest stars in the world including Anna Netrebko in her second run of performances of {…}

Jan 12, 2017

‘Don Carlo’ Or ‘Don Carlos’ – What is the Best Version of Verdi’s Titanic Masterwork?

Verdi’s “Don Carlo” makes its return to La Scala for the first time in decades in its five act version. For many this is the best version of the opera, but the bottom line is that there is no such thing as a real version of the opera with differing versions having different strengths. The work premiered in 1867. Heavy {…}

Jan 9, 2017

On This Day: A Look At Waltraud Meier’s Roles Outside the Wagner Repertory

Waltraud Meier is recognized as one of the world’s greatest Wagnerians as she has performed most of the great soprano and mezzo roles from the composer. For 20 years she was the Isolde of choice for most houses and she also succeeded as Kundry in “Parsifal.” However, most will forget that the singer accomplished great acclaim in the types of {…}

Dec 23, 2016

Weekend Preview (12/23-25) – International: Piotr Beczala and Nino Machaidze Celebrate the Holidays in Two Different Productions of “La Boheme’

This weekend is a time to celebrate and to get into the Christmas spirit. And that is exactly what all the opera companies are doing. The weekend will see works by Mozart, Puccini, Humperdinck and Verdi presented. Many of the world’s most famous are on vacation but there are still stars ready to sing including Piotr Beczala, Rene Pape, Nino {…}

Dec 5, 2016

Teatro alla Scala Opening Night 2016-17: Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Diana Damrau Featured in 5 Memorable La Scala Inaugurations of Last 10 Years

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the legendary Teatro all Scala opens its 2016-17 season with Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.” The opera stars rising star Maria Jose Siri, Bryan Hymel and Carlos Alvarez and is led by music director Riccardo Chailly. The opening continues La Scala’s tradition of inaugurating the season on Dec. 7 and continues Chailly’s Puccini cycle, which he began back {…}