parterre box

Joyce DiDonato is taking her Mary Stuart on the road, so to speak. She’ll sing it in London, Berlin, and Barcelona. She’ll be working with Patrice Caurier as director. For those who want an idea of what to expect, the Met has now released on DVD last season’s production of Maria Stuarda.  It’ll be interesting to see how DiDonato’s portrayal changes and grows with different directors and increased familiarity with the role. I’m also curious to see how she’s received in this role abroad. Read more »

The legions of New York opera buffs who now can’t talk about anything but Javier Camarena will be happy to know that there’s now a DVD release of their new favorite tenor in Rossini’s Le Comte Ory available. The performance was actually filmed in 2011 in Zurich, and will be of immense interest not only to Camareniacs, but to Rossini scholars and to fans of Cecilia Bartoli, who limits her staged operatic performances outside her artistic home in Zurich.  Read more »

Joyce, Javier and now Julia—this week these three remarkable Js brought New York City memorable “Cinderella stories.” On Monday, one of opera’s reigning superstars returned to the Met shining in a Rossini role that suits her to a T alongside an exciting tenor having a thrilling breakout season.  Just two nights later, Juilliard Opera presented Cendrillon, Massenet’s hauntingly different 1899 take on Perrault’s fairy tale, featuring the luminous young soprano Julia Bullock in the title role, a star-making performance instantly becoming one of the season’s must-see events.   Read more »