Is that how they do it?
Così fan tutte presents a considerable challenge to the modern director.
Recent Stories
Strangers when we meet
The San Francisco Opera, perhaps incidentally, continued their exploration of operas based on literary works by mounting the revival of Giacomo Puccini’s first success, Manon Lescaut.
I’ll take the fall
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).
Silver lining
On this day in 1975 soprano Roberta Peters celebrated the 25th anniversary of her Metropolitan Opera debut, singing Despina.
Le nozze di Figaro
Listen and discuss, cher public, beginning at 12:55 PM. Photo: Marty Sohl/The Metropolitan Opera
Living in the past
On this day in 1981 Stephen Sondheim‘s Merrily We Roll Along opened at the Alvin Theatre, to run 16 performances.
Unfriended
The Metropolitan Opera announced today that longtime [almost 40 years!] Artistic Administrator Jonathan Friend will be stepping down from his position following the end of the 2019–20 season.
Meeker inherits
Opera San Antonio’s Board of Directors has announced E. Loren Meeker as General and Artistic Director.
Tristan und Isolde
Christine Goerke and Stephen Gould sing the second act of Wagner’s masterpiece under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda.
A star is born
On this day in 1918 soprano Rosa Ponselle made her Metropolitan Opera debut (and her first appearance in opera!) as Leonora in La forza del destino.
The opposite of sex
Since 1934, Philadelphia’s Academy of Vocal Arts has been preparing emerging artists for operatic careers.
Los Aztecas Galantes
What is opera for if not to commemorate a national epic tragedy and triumph?
We all sleep alone
Dame Judi Dench! Anna Netrebko! Anne Midgette! Need I say more?
Thoroughly Modern Jessye
A second Trove Thursday marking the recent passing of Jessye Norman focuses on the soprano’s catholic repertoire with three 20th century works: Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex; Berg’s Altenberg Lieder; and Franck’s Les Béatitudes.
Light my fire
Born on this day in 1926 soprano Leonie Rysanek.
“Let me feel, not speak”
On this day in 1906 Alla Nazimova made her Broadway debut in the title role of Hedda Gabler at the Princess Theatre.
“Haven’t we all suffered enough?”
Sunday’s matinee at Lyric Opera of Chicago was my first experience of Heggie and McNally’s 2000 opera Dead Man Walking. It certainly won’t be my last.
The constant nymph
On this day in 1993 Dvorak’s Rusalka finally appeared at the Met, with Gabriela Benacková in the title role.
She tells me you’re some sort of a genius
Born on this day in 1889 film and stage actor Claude Rains.
A place in the sun
Friday evening’s Met premiere of Akhnaten was a resounding triumph and an outstanding testament to Philip Glass’s enduring operatic vision.
Amleto
Franco Faccio‘s delightfully obscure operatic version of Hamlet, as recorded at Delaware Opera.
To draw a firm line
Born on this day in 1883 stage and film actress Edna May Oliver.