Here’s our dear Karita Mattila (left), currently occupied playing Émilie du Châtelet in the eponymous new opera by Kaija Saariaho. Read more »
The Met’s premiere production of Verdi’s Attila is terrible. Are you surprised?
Attila is like a self-conscious stroll down Rodeo Drive – or even worse, to the Mall of America – reducing an opera about ruthless tyranny brought down by ruthless vengeance to a quaint and insipid fashion show.
That Issac Mizrahi production of A Little Night Music for Opera Theater of St. Louis just got even gay gay gay gay gayer with the announcement of legendary diva Siân Phillips in the role of Madame Armfeldt. Also appearing will be notable non-slouches Amy Irving as Desiree and Ron Raines as Fredrik. [OTSL]
The legendary Russian mezzo-soprano has died after a brief illness. She was 85. Read more »
Like Liza Minnelli at the Palace or Nomi Malone in Goddess, Renée Fleming's Thaïs is better understood as diva event than Gesamtkunstwerk. It’s an opportunity to watch a star lady do her voodoo in a work that exists largely to showcase her glamour and appeal. Read more »
The "Voice of an Angel" was born February 1, 1922. Read more »
La Cieca hears that Olga Borodina still has whatever it was she had on Wednesday, and so will have to cancel tonight's Met performance of Carmen as well. Read more »
Legendary diva Raina Kabaivanska, who announced her farewell to opera her two years ago as the Countess in Queen of Spades, has changed her mind. The soprano has accepted the leading role in Nino Rota's opera buffa La scuola di guida (The Driving School), as a woman who falls in love with her driving instructor. The opera premiered in Spoleto in 1959, but has not been performed since. The production will play in July at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena.
Cher Public