“If you’re going to tell people the truth, be funny or they’ll kill you” “If you’re going to tell people the truth, be funny or they’ll kill you”

Born on this day in 1906 filmmaker, screenwriter, producer, artist, and journalist Billy Wilder.

Piangerò la sorte tua

From Twitter.

The queen is back The queen is back

Anna Caterina Antonacci headlines the New York City Opera’s 2019-2020 season with a one night only concert performance of Britten’s Gloriana.

Lenny thing goes Lenny thing goes

With the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Candide, they saved the best (of all possible worlds) for last.

The desert song The desert song

“Darn, it sure is hot in New Mexico.”

“Lovers have a right to betray you… friends don’t” “Lovers have a right to betray you… friends don’t”

Born on this day in 1921 Oscar and Tony winning actress Judy Holliday.

In the air tonight In the air tonight

Michael Fabiano sits down with Matt Baume on The Sewers of Paris podcast.

On the street where you sing On the street where you sing

Trove Thursday presents La Périchole featuring Frederica von Stade’s only performance of the title role in a rare NYC concert version narrated by the inimitable Madeline Kahn.

Bolder sister Bolder sister

Brigitte Fassbaender‘s sound is piquant and, I’d hazard to guess, instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with her work.

Summer madness Summer madness

On this day in 1967, the Metropolitan Opera presented La Gioconda as part of Lincoln Center’s Festival ’67.

Bitch she’s loca Bitch she’s loca

Madonna‘s dream of singing at La Scala has been dashed!

Under the silver lake Under the silver lake

“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?” went the introduction to the 1940s radio program The Shadow, an apt description for the San Francisco Opera’s production of Rusalka.

Ultramontane Ultramontane

Born on this day 1854 composer Alfredo Catalani.

Mistress class Mistress class

Everett Quinton’s Galas is a star at the end of her tether, and she goes nova with the best.

Broadcast: I Masnadieri Broadcast: I Masnadieri

The opening night of a new production of Verdi’s opera (plus Lisette Oropesa‘s La Scala debut!) will be broadcast live starting at 2:00 PM.

È la solita storia del tenore È la solita storia del tenore

While Luciano Pavarotti may have brought opera to the people, once he realized how lucrative it could be, there was a string of promoters who helped him turn all that adoration into cold hard cash.

Band in Boston Band in Boston

In the triumphant American premiere of Orlando Generoso at the Boston Early Music Festival last week, the hippogriff was among the many stars of the show.

Burning down the house Burning down the house

Happy 76th birthday soprano Eva Marton.

Something cool Something cool

Elina Garanca was radiantly present at Carnegie Hall Friday night performing a ravishingly somber Rückert-Lieder with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the MET Orchestra.

Mr. Fabulous Mr. Fabulous

Michael Fabiano is a boss. This is a fact. 

Divine redeemer Divine redeemer

Born on this day in 1818 composer Charles-François Gounod.

Touch me in the mourning Touch me in the mourning

“How far should we give way to grief? How far dare we, without disaster?”

St. Louis woman St. Louis woman

Born on this day in 1899 dramatic soprano Helen Traubel.

Franco Zeffirelli 1923-2019 Franco Zeffirelli 1923-2019

The legendary opera and film director has died. He was 96.