(Photo: Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera) “Agamemnon! Agamemnon!” The words and tones rang in my ears still, as I emerged from the powerful rendering of San Francisco Opera’s Strauss and Hofmannsthal’s “Elektra.” The sunshine on the street did not turn it down. The 95 piece orchestra, conducted by San Francisco Orchestra Music Director, Eun Sun Kim, and the powerful voices of {…}
San Francisco Opera is set to present Strauss’ “Elektra” from June 7–27, 2026. The opera will be conducted by Caroline H. Hume Music Director Eun Sun Kim in a production by Keith Warner. The production will star Elena Pankratova in her company debut in the title role alongside Elza van den Heever as Chrysothemis. Michaela Schuster will portray Klytemnestra while {…}
(Photos: Evan Zimmerman / Met Opera) The Metropolitan Opera presented the tenth performance of composer Kevin Puts’s “The Hours,” with libretto by Greg Pierce, on Friday, May 10th 2024. In November 2022, OperaWire reviewed “The Hours” debut with great attention towards how the opera came to the Met, including Kevin Puts’s score, Greg Pierce’s libretto, and the undeniable beauty of the {…}
Des Moines Metro Opera is set to present the world premiere of “American Apollo.” The new opera by composer Damien Geter and librettist Lila Palmer, which was originally conceived as a 20-minute chamber opera in 2021 as part of Washington National Opera’s American Opera Initiative, was expanded and transformed into a full-length work. The cast will include baritone Justin Austin {…}
The Des Moines Metro Opera has announced casting updates and an additional performance for the company’s 2024 Festival Season. The company noted that due to strong early ticket sales, there will be an additional performance of Damien Geter and Lila Palmer’s world premiere opera, “American Apollo.” The added performance will occur on Friday, July 19 at the Blank Performing Arts {…}
(Credit: Dario Acosta) Boston Baroque opens its season with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 alongside his “Coriolan” Overture and “Elegiac Song.” The performances will take place on Oct. 13, 14, and 15 at Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, GBH’s Calderwood Studio in Brighton, and NEC’s Jordan Hall in Boston. The Oct. 15 performance will also be live streamed on the global streaming {…}
The Boston Baroque has announced its 2023-24 season featuring a number of vocal performances. The Boston Baroque opens its season with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 featuring Heidi Stober, Daniela Mack, William Burden, and Eric Owens. The program also includes the “Coriolan” Overture and Elegiac Song. Performance Dates: Oct. 13-15, 2023 The company will also perform Handel’s Messiah with Amanda Forsythe, {…}
Boston Baroque is set to conclude its 50th season with two programs in March and April. The first program will be a concert of Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 and the Sinfonia concertante featuring soloists violinist Christina Day Martinson and violist Jason Fisher. The concert will be held on March 25 and 26 at GBH’s Calderwood Studio, and NEC’s Jordan Hall. {…}
The Met Opera’s 2022-23 season is here. And that also means that one of its most popular aspects, the Live in HD series, is also back with a slew of new entries. So here is a rundown of what opera productions you will get a chance to not only watch live in cinemas, but eventually online and on TV. Sir {…}
The Metropolitan Opera has announced its 2022-23 season featuring seven new productions. Here is a breakdown of the season. New Productions Sir. David McVicar directs a new production of Cherubini’s “Medea” with Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role. The cast will be rounded out by Janai Brugger, Ekaterina Gubanova, Matthew Polenzani, and Michele Pertusi. Carlo Rizzi conducts. Performance Dates: Sept. {…}
This past week offered a wealth of releases from rising stars, established singers, and established ensembles. There is an intriguing solo album of new composers and another dedicated to Mozart. Here is a look at this week’s new releases. From Rags to Riches: 100 Years of American Song The New York Festival of Song releases the new album on its {…}