Maria Callas and Montserrat Caballé are two of the most highly-regarded and esteemed exponents of the great soprano roles in both bel canto and in the operas of Verdi, and their recordings are held as artistic triumphs of the highest order.
Born on this day in 1904 definitive film star Joan Crawford.
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).
Starring Danielle de Niese, Heidi Grant Murphy, and Stephanie Blythe, conducted by James Levine. Production by Mark Morris. From January 24, 2009.
The Met recently submitted another eye-roll inducing entry for the Woke Olympics with their Women’s History Month slate.
Born on this day in 1912, the protean Martha Mödl.
Starring Brenda Rae, Joyce DiDonato, Kate Lindsey, Iestyn Davies, Duncan Rock, and Matthew Rose, conducted by Harry Bicket. Production by Sir David McVicar. From February 29, 2020.
Born on this day in 1867 impresario Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.
From the Bayerische Staatsoper, Vladimir Jurowski conducts a new production by Barrie Kosky.
Starring Renée Fleming, Ramón Vargas, and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, conducted by Valery Gergiev. Production by Robert Carsen. From February 24, 2007.
Francesca Zambello directs and Sir Donald Runnicles conducts the all-star cast including Daniel Brenna, Greer Grimsley, Iréne Theorin, Ronnita Miller and David Cangelosi.
Starring Joyce DiDonato, Juan Diego Flórez, Peter Mattei, John Del Carlo, and John Relyea, conducted by Maurizio Benini. Production by Bartlett Sher. From March 24, 2007.
Starting March 19, Vocal Arts DC’s latest virtual concert lavishes listeners with a sumptuous recital of art songs from the Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen.
Happy 74th birthday to actress Glenn Close.
Starring Dísella Lárusdóttir, J’Nai Bridges, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Aaron Blake, Will Liverman, Richard Bernstein, and Zachary James, conducted by Karen Kamensek. Production by Phelim McDermott. From November 23, 2019.
Trove Thursday offers Mozart’s Requiem with Lucia Popp, Christa Ludwig, Peter Schreier and Walter Berry conducted by James Levine from the 1981 Salzburg Festival.
On this day in 1963, the musical Tovarich opened at the Broadway Theatre, starring Vivien Leigh and Jean Pierre Aumont.
The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra has accepted a deal to receive bridge pay in return for returning to the bargaining table.
Starring Anna Netrebko, Ekaterina Gubanova, Tamara Mumford, Stephen Costello, and Ildar Abdrazakov, conducted by Marco Armiliato. Production by Sir David McVicar. From October 15, 2011.
The conductor and former music director of the Metropolitan Opera died on March 9.
On this day in 1951 soprano Victoria de los Angeles made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Marguerite.
From the Vienna State Opera: Evelino Pidò leads Carlos Álvarez, Juan Diego Flórez and Olga Peretyatko.
On this day in 1894 Massenet’s Thaïs premiered in Paris.
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