Caroline Wenborne made her unexpected debut as Amelia in Verdi’s ‘Simon Boccanegra.’ The soprano announced via social media that on Oct. 29, 2019, she was called in at the Wiener Staatsoper to make her role debut when Marina Rebeka canceled the performance due to illness. Wenborne is an ensemble member at the Vienna house and has performed Fiordiligi in “Così {…}
Over the summer, the Wiener Staatsoper celebrated its 150th anniversary. The company presented an all-star gala which was showcased throughout the theater and also released two special edition collections. One was a DVD set of previously released content and the other was a CD set with mostly world premiere recordings. The CD set of nine operas and a compilation album {…}
The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a director change for its upcoming world premiere of “Orlando.” The company announced via a press release that by mutual agreement, English director Polly Graham would be directing Olga Neuwirth’s new opera instead of Karoline Gruber. Slated to world premiere on Dec. 8, 2019, the new staging will feature stage designs by Roy Spahn, lighting {…}
(Credit: Eduardo Manna) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for its upcoming performance of Puccini’s “La Bohème.” The company announced that Jinxu Xiahou canceled the Oct. 3 performance due to an injury. As a result, Gianluca Terranova will perform the role of Rodolfo. Terranova has appeared at the Wiener Staatsoper, the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, the Frankfurt Opera, the {…}
(Credit: Camillanylund.com) The Wiener Staatsoper has announced a cast change for the Sept. 27, 2019 performance of “Salome.” The company announced that Ausrine Stundyte has canceled the performance due to illness. As a result, Camilla Nylund will replace the soprano singing the title role. Nylund is currently in Vienna for a revival of R. Strauss’ “Die Frau ohne Schatten” and {…}
(Credit: Michael Pohn/ Wiener Staatsoper) Paolo Rumetz made a surprise role debut at the Wiener Staatsoper on Sept. 19, 2019. The Italian baritone replaced Roberto Frontali who canceled the opening performance of Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” due to illness. Rumetz sang his first Conte di Luna in his career with less than a days notice. The baritone is in Vienna for {…}
Bogdan Roščić, the future director of the Wiener Staatsoper, has revealed that for his first season he will present 10 new productions. In an interview with the Kurier, Roščić announced that he intended to bring Simon Stone’s new production of “La Traviata” to the Vienna house. He also added that he will bring conductor Teodor Currentzis, director Barrie Kosky and {…}
Anja Harteros has canceled the final performance of Verdi’s “Don Carlo” at the Wiener Staatsoper on Sept. 12, 2019. The company announced that due to illness Harteros would not be able to perform. As a result, Dinara Alieva will sing the role of Elisabetta. Alieva is a well-known soprano who has performed with the Bolshoi Theatre, Oper Frankfurt, Deutsche Oper {…}
(Credits: Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn) Verdi’s “Don Carlo” is one of the staples of the repertoire, best-known for its lush ensembles, vocal writing, and impactful drama. It requires six of the greatest voices in the opera world and also requires a conductor who knows how to pace the evening; both are essential to fulfill the work’s masterful potential. On {…}
(Credits: Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn) “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” is one of the touchstone French operas, especially for tenors. It features a role most tenors look to sing because of the acting possibilities and the rich music that Offenbach wrote. But it is also a challenging evening that requires stamina from its leading man, as well as a solid cast {…}
(Credit: Wiener Staatsoper/Michael Pohn) The Wiener Staatsoper’s opening night of the 2019-20 season got off to an interesting start. The season was set to open with a revival of Jean-Francois Sivadier’s production starring Irina Lungu in the title role. But drama struck 20 minutes before the presentation when Lungu canceled. Luckily Ekaterina Siurina, Charles Castronovo’s wife was in the house {…}