(Photo: Antoine François Prévost’s novel, “The Story of the Chevalier des Grieux and Manon Lescaut,” was published in France in 1731 to great success. Its scandalous subject matter—featuring protagonists who live together out of wedlock, a Manon obsessed with greed to the point of prostitution, and a des Grieux who cheats at cards for money, with both ultimately landing in {…}
(Photo: Genevieve Girling) The main opera presentation at this summer’s Buxton International Festival was Ambroise Thomas’ 1868 composition, “Hamlet,” to a libretto by Michel Carré and Jules Barbier. Although initially successful, it eventually faded from the international stage as the popularity of French grand opera declined; its last Parisian performance took place in 1938. In 1978, however, a staging in {…}
(Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning) The Buxton International Festival has unveiled its 2025 season. This article features opera and choral events only. A full cast list will be announced at a later date. Ambroise Thomas’ “Hamlet” stars Gregory Feldmann in the title role. He is joined by Alastair Miles, Yewon Han, Richard Woodall, and Allison Cook, among others. Jack Furness directs {…}
The Concurso Internacional Tenor Viñas has announced the winners of the 60th edition. The competition, which is one of the most important in the world, saw Yewon Han take home first prize. The South Korean soprano also won the Premio Extraordinario “Mercedes Viñas” and studies at the Internationale OpernWerkstatt. The first prize also includes 25.000€ offered by the Fundacion Gran {…}
