(A)nything (B)ut <em>(C)armen</em> (A)nything (B)ut <em>(C)armen</em>

Calling from 2066, Brendan Latimer argues that the best way to save opera might be to just blow up the standard repertoire altogether.

Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’ Wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’

Eli Jacobson inaugurates parterre box’s new “Perspectives on the Aria” feature with a deep dive into Leonore’s “Abscheulicher!” from Beethoven’s Fidelio which returns to the Metropolitan Opera tomorrow with the Met’s current dramatic soprano star Lise Davidsen as Leonore.

Keeper of the dumpster fire Keeper of the dumpster fire

To get right to the point, the performance did not come together despite some good elements and was a major missed opportunity.

Antique sonority Antique sonority

On this day in 1926 the Metropolitan Opera opened its season with La vestale with Rosa Ponselle in the title role.

Los Aztecas Galantes Los Aztecas Galantes

What is opera for if not to commemorate a national epic tragedy and triumph?

An old-fashioned wedding An old-fashioned wedding

“Trove Thursday” presents a complete Prodanà Nevesta (aka Die Verkaufte Braut, of course) by Smetana plus extended excerpts from a broadcast of Spontini’s La Vestale in its rarely heard original French version.

Woman behind bars Woman behind bars

“Trove Thursday” presentsFerdinando Paër’s 1804 Leonora ossia L’Amore coniugale.

Keeper of the flame Keeper of the flame

Several prima donnas have ought to resurrect La Vestale, including Renata Scotto, whose priestess highlights this week’s “Trove Thursday.”

Farinelli from heaven Farinelli from heaven

My impossible wish would be to hear one of the great castrati who dominated opera for most of the 18th century.