Questo e Quello
Two years before she brought the role to Wiener Staatsoper in a production somewhat dominated by Jonas Kaufmann, soprano Nina Stemme sang her first-ever Minnie in La fanciulla del West at Stockholm’s Royal Opera.
On this day in 1908 Arturo Toscanini made his Metropolitan Opera debut conducting a new production of Aïda, with Emmy Destinn, also making her debut, in the title role.
On this day in 1903 Eugen d’Albert‘s Tiefland premiered in Prague.
La Cieca hears that the Metropolitan Opera will perform “La Marseillaise” before this afternoon’s performance of Tosca.
Born on this day in 1926 soprano Leonie Rysanek.
For her third solo recording, Olga Peretyatko summons the two men who launched her career less than a decade ago
Always look for the helpers.
On Thursday evening Jennifer Wilson “finally” made a belated, disappointing Met debut as Turandot.
On this day in 1940, Walt Disney‘s animated film Fantasia was released, with the unique credit “Special Lyrics for ‘Ave Maria’ by Rachel Field.”
Lyric Opera of Chicago’s ticket sale income decreased by almost $3 million between FY 2014 and FY 2015.
“Merry Widow final dress rehearsal was a big success! Renée is simply to die for!”
“‘Fat-pack’ critic-attacked mezzo to debut at Carnegie Hall”
Galina Vishnevskaya, Irina Arkhipova and Yuri Mazurok in Queen of Spades is a rare treat for this week’s “Trove Thursday.”
Born on this day in 1929 actress, later princess Grace Kelly.
“The group originally hoped to mount a lavish production by Franco Zeffirelli….”
Continuing coverage of the Met’s new Alban Berg spectacular.
Though La Cieca hates to put the brakes on anyone’s excitement, the cher public should be aware that a beloved veteran diva is going to be a no-show at the Met Guild luncheon on Friday.
On this day in 1725 Handel’s opera Tamerlano premiered in London.
Why, look: Norman Lebrecht has found yet another reactionary cause to embrace!
Between them, Maria Guleghina, Marcello Giordani, James Morris and John Del Carlo have nearly 150 combined years of service on stage.
On this day in 1955, the musical The Vamp opened at the Winter Garden Theater, to run 60 performances.
“Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Brain Tumor Gone and Cancer-Free, to Sing at Helikon Opera in November,” reads the headline.
In New York, tradition insists, there are no limits to where a preposterous idea, talent and relentless determination will take you, in defiance of all the odds.
It’s time for the annual celebration of the birth of Leonie Rysanek (who, as you know, is your alte Jungfer’s Diva of Divas).
Tell us: Filth or dementia?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
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