Broadcast: Tristan und Isolde
Today’s conversation piece from Bayreuth: a revival of Tristan und Isolde with Stephen Gould and Petra Lang conducted by Christian Thielemann.
La Cieca
James Jorden (who wrote under the names "La Cieca" and "Our Own JJ") was the founder and editor of parterre box. During his 20 year career as an opera critic he wrote for the New York Times, Opera, Gay City News, Opera Now, Musical America and the New York Post. He also raised his voice in punditry on National Public Radio. From time to time he directed opera, including three unsuccessful productions of Don Giovanni. He also contributed a regular column on opera for the New York Observer. James died in October 2023.
Broadcast: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
The cher public are invited to hear and comment upon the opening performance of the 2017 Bayreuth Festspiele, featuring a new production of Meistersinger directed by Barrie Kosky. Broadcasts from various sources begin between 9:45 and 10:00 AM EDT. (These daytime Bayreuth listening parties continue into next week.)
Annals of gerontocracy
Placido Domingo, who, in 20 years of trying, has never yet got either the words or the rhythms right in the role of Siegmund, has been announced to conduct Die Walküre at Bayreuth next season.
Broadcast(s): Getting medieval
As if to usher in next week’s daily broadcasts from Bayreuth, this afternoon offers a choice between two Wagner operas: Lohengrin from the Vienna State Opera and Tannhäuser from Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Im Körper des Feindes
Congratulations to our friends at the Bayerische Staatsoper for their successful application to real-time opera performances of face-swapping software!
Broadcast: Don Giovanni
Mariusz Kwiecien heads the cast of Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Don Giovanni, starting at 1:00 PM today.
Broadcast: Turandot
Lise Lindstrom and Roberto Alagna (not pictured) head the cast of the Royal Opera House’s Turandot.
Levine to return to triumphant debut opera
The gala New Year’s Eve Tosca at the Met next season is going to be conducted by that hot young talent James Levine.
Someday I’ll step on their freckles
Congratulations to dramatic coloratura soprano Klára Kolonits.
Mike the knife
Broadcast: Tannhäuser
Wagner’s Tannhäuser in a controversial new production by Romeo Castellucci.
Blossoming even as we gaze
When did he get to be a spinto? When did he grow to be so tall?
Vo’ farmi più gaia, più fulgida ancora
“City Opera invites you, our fans, to march with the artists who create the operas you love.”
Broadcast: Norma
Summertime, and the canto is bel from Lyric Opera of Chicago, starting at 1:00 PM EDT.
We’re here, we’re queer (well, some of us)
What the hell is Three Way doing on a list of 7 American Operas That Put LGBTQ Issues Center Stage?
Webcast: Tosca
A telecast from the Norske Opera of Puccini’s Tosca, directed by Calixto Bieito.
Scostatevi, profani!
Not only is Anna Netrebko great, I am beginning to think there was never anyone greater.
Cloud yells at old man
Following the jump, the latest kvetch from joyless Norman Lebrecht.
Broadcast: The Magic Flute
he listening and the commenting on this Lyric Opera of Chicago broadcast begin at 1:00 pm today.
Mai Tosca alla scena
Sonya Yoncheva will make her role debut in the Met’s new production of Puccini’s Tosca next season replacing Kristine Opolais.
Philip Gossett 1941-2017
The American musicologist died earlier today in Chicago.
They’re broke and that’s oak
The important thing to remember about Druids is that they don’t follow fashion very much.
Broadcast: Don Quichotte
This afternoon’s discussion centers around Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Don Quichotte, broadcast at 1:00 PM.
Broadcast: Les Troyens
La Cieca (not pictured) assumes the cher public will be here for the duration of Les Troyens from Lyric Opera of Chicago starting this afternoon at 1:00 PM. (Photo: Todd Rosenberg)