First up is “Silent Night: A Song for the World,” a documentary featuring performances by such artists as Kelly Clarkson, Joss Stone, David Foster, Josh Groban, Rolando Villazón, and the Vienna Boys Choir, among others.

There will also be a staged performance of “Messiah” from South Bohemia’s Cesky Krumlov Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Czech Republic. The work stars Markéta Klaudová, Markéta Cukrová, Marek Žihla, and Roman Hoza. Alongside this rendition is “Der Messias,” a staging of the work by Robert Wilson, using Mozart’s arrangement of the Händel piece.

Fabien Gabel leads the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Boys Choir, and select soloists in “Christmas in Vienna at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.”

Carnegie Hall+ will also stream “La Bohème” from the Arena di Verona starring Julian Grigoryan and Vittorio Grigolo.

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• Carnegie Hall Launches On-Demand Video Network
• J’Nai Bridges, Ana Vieira Leite, Juliette Mey, Rebecca Leggett Headline 2024-25 Season of ‘Carnegie Hall Live’

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The holiday spirit resonated powerfully at the Elbphilharmonie’s recent Christmas-themed concert, a year-end highlight crafted by the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists. Christophe Rousset’s much-anticipated debut as guest conductor, stepping in after Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s departure as artistic director, brought a fresh sense of artistic renewal and festive splendor. Drawing from the rich traditions of French and German Baroque music, Rousset and the ensemble took the audience on an enchanting musical journey, showcasing their exceptional artistry and energy. 

By pairing Charpentier’s “Messe de Minuit” with “Noëls sur les instruments,” Rousset crafted a well-balanced first half through thoughtful programming. The graceful carols served as a charming prelude, while faster-paced pieces after the mass added a spirited finale. This structure not only created a satisfying musical arc but also subtly referenced the tradition of earlier parody masses, where compositions were built on pre-existing tunes. 

Rousset’s direction emphasized dynamic interplay between choir and instruments, highlighting Charpentier’s masterful use of Baroque orchestration. The orchestra’s jubilant tones—especially from the violins, flutes, and basses—captured both the spiritual depth and intricate beauty of the Baroque style. While the positive organ was more limited in tonal range than a grand organ, its rich resonance filled the acoustically stunning Elbphilharmonie. 

Standout Vocalists

The vocalists were standout, blending clarity and expressiveness with remarkable finesse. Their “Kyrie” and “Gloria” radiated festive joy, with soprano lines soaring above the rich choral harmonies. The soloists brought dramatic contrast to the following movements, their voices intertwining with heartfelt precision. A particularly striking moment came with the soprano’s tender “Quoniam tu solus Sanctus,” full of lyrical warmth. The choir’s dynamic control and nuanced articulation shifted the mood effortlessly from the solemn “Crucifixus” to the exuberant “Agnus Dei,” leaving the audience deeply moved by Charpentier’s seamless blend of sacred and popular traditions. 

The second half showcased the young soloists’ brilliance. It opened with Bach’s “Schwingt freudig euch empor,” BWV 36c, a cantata bursting with joy and energy. The oboe d’amore’s lively solo set a cheerful tone, seamlessly leading into the choir’s bright and powerful entrance. Soprano Hilary Cronin’s aria offered a moment of contrast; her voice diverged from the ascending melody, followed by a thoughtful pause that highlighted the interaction with the instruments. Tenor Ruairi Bowen, warmly supported by the oboe d’amore, delivered an emotionally resonant performance. Each soloist sang with clarity and expression, balancing introspective passages with jubilant outbursts.

Rousset’s Inspiring Interpretation

The concert concluded with Bach’s “Unser Mund sei voll Lachens,” BWV 110, a festive cantata composed for Christmas Day 1725. The French-style overture, featuring flute, trumpet, and timpani, set a celebratory tone from the first bar. The choir’s fugal entry filled the hall with joyous energy, drawing appreciative murmurs from the audience. The young soloists embraced a more operatic style in this secular cantata, vividly portraying characters from the joyful to the contemplative while maintaining a dynamic connection with the listeners. Mezzo-soprano Rebecca Leggett conveyed deep introspection and doubt in her aria, offering a reflective counterpoint to the exuberant bass aria. In the latter, Florian Störtz’s commanding voice soared over bold trumpet fanfares and dazzling coloraturas, stirring the crowd. The final triumphant chorale faded, the concert hall erupted with enthusiastic cries of “Merci!” from Rousset’s devoted French fans, adding a heartfelt and spontaneous touch to the evening’s celebration. 

Though the concert faced a conductor change, Mr. Rousset’s debut with the English Baroque Soloists more than made up for any initial disappointment. For devoted Baroque enthusiasts who might have attended Sir Gardiner’s performance with his newly formed ensemble, The Constellation Orchestra, just a week earlier—featuring a similar program—this was a rare opportunity to compare the artistry of two distinguished early music specialists. Ultimately, Rousset’s interpretation stood out for its vitality, elegance, and emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on all present.

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Les Arts Florissants are set to take the stage of Carnegie Hall for a special concert on featuring works by Charpentier, Lully, and Rameau.

The event, set for Jan. 28, 2025, will celebrate the 80th birthday of artistic director and conductor William Christie as he takes on some of his favorite works. Audiences will hear passages from such works as “Médée,” “Atys,” “Pigmalion,” “Les fêtes d’Hébé,” “Platée,” “Les Indes Galantes,” and “Hippolyte et Aricie.”

Soloists include Ana Vieira Leite, Juliette Mey, Rebecca Leggett, Bastien Rimondi, and Matthieu Walendzik; all of them are laureates of Le Jardin des Voix, the vocal academy for young singers that Christie created in 2002.

The performance will be broadcast live to listeners around the world via the Carnegie Hall Live broadcast and digital series as well as WQXR.

The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

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The Mozart masterpiece will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 at Temple Speech Room, Rugby, and features James Gillett at the piano and conducting a cast that stars Mike Dewis in the title role.

Richard Tegid Jones’ production showcases the infamous anti-hero as an aging rock star who is still able to draw crows and break any wannabe popstar’s career. Leporello, played by Tegid Jones, himself, is Giovanni’s manager. Meanwhile, Donna Anna (Lorna McLean) is an award-winning solo artist and Il Commendatore (Matthew Tilley) is a legendary producer. Don Ottavio (Sam Leggett) remains her fiancée while Donna Elvira (Beren Kader Fidan) is a superfan of Giovanni and has been abandoned by him. Finally, Masetto (Fraser Robinson) and Zerlina (Rebecca Madden) are presented as session musicians celebrating their wedding day.

Also joining the ensemble are Sophis Ellis and Phoebe Watts.

The post Random Opera Presents Unique ‘Rockstar’ Take on Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ appeared first on OperaWire.

The showcase features vocalists Amy Carson, Timothy Dickinson, Frederick Long, Emily Vine, Rebecca Leggett, Edmund Hastings, and David de Winter and instrumentalists Margaret Faultless (violin), Rachel Stroud (violin), Francesca Gilbert (viola), Jonathan Rees (cello), Katie Lodge (trumpet), Oliver John Ruthven (continuo).

The performance will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Bruton, Somerset, and begins at 6 p.m. local time.

The Echoing Air is a vocal ensemble of eight singers while “Music for a While” is an instrumental ensemble, a quartet of baroque string players, a harpsichordist and a trumpeter.

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Carnegie Hall and WQXR have announced the 14th season of “Carnegie Hall Live.”

The showcase will feature numerous live concert radio broadcasts hosted by Jeff Spurgeon of WQXR and John Schaefer of WNYC. For the purposes of this article, only vocal performances will be spotlighted.

William Christie leads Les Arts Florissants in a concert featuring the works of Lully, Charpentier, and Rameau. Vocal soloists include Ana Vieira Leite, Juliette Mey, Rebecca Leggett, Bastien Rimondi, and Matthieu Walendzik.

Streaming Date: Jan. 28, 2025

The final stream of the season features J’Nai Bridges performing songs and spirituals in a program featuring symphonies by Dvorák and William Dawson. Anthony Parnther conducts the Gateways Festival Orchestra.

Streaming Date: April 27, 2025

The post J’Nai Bridges, Ana Vieira Leite, Juliette Mey, Rebecca Leggett Headline 2024-25 Season of ‘Carnegie Hall Live’ appeared first on OperaWire.

The competition announced that mezzo Judith Le Breuilly won the top prize alongside pianist George Ireland. The second prize went to the soprano Clara Orif and pianist Jack Redman.

The competition saw semi-finalists Florian Stoertz (Bass-Baritone) and Aleksandra Myslek (Piano), Annabel Kennedy (Mezzo-Soprano) and Daniel Peter Silcock (Piano), Lauren Lodge-Campbell (Soprano) and Collin Shay (Harpsichord), Ava Dodd (Soprano) and Firoze Madon (Piano), Caroline Taylor (Soprano) and George Ireland (Piano), Samuel Stopford (Tenor) and Daniel Peter Silcock (Piano), and Rebecca Leggett (Mezzo-Soprano) and George Ireland (Piano).

The finals were held on June 18, 2024. The jury panel included Sir John Tomlinson CBE (Bass & President of the Royal Northern College of Music); Sholto Kynoch FRAM (Founder & Artistic Director of the Oxford Lieder Festival); Edward Gardner OBE (Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Chief Conductor of the Bergen Philharmonic); Robert Ogden (Festival Director of the Northern Aldborough Festival); and Sir Andrew Lawson-Tancred (Panel Chair and Chairman of the Northern Aldborough Festival).

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Raphaël Pichon will conduct “Vespro della Beata Vergine.” The work stars Perrine Devillers, Zachary Wilder, Robin Tritschler, Antonin Rondepierre, Nicolas Brooyymans, Etienne Bazola, and Renaud Brès.

Performance Date: Sept. 22, 2024

Lauranne Oliva, Juliette Mey, Léo Vermot-Desroches, and Halidou Nombre headline “Joyaux du bel canto.” Gaétan Jarry and Stefan Piewniak conduct.

Performance Date: Sept. 29, 2024

Victor Jacob conducted Fauré’s “Requiem.” Isaure Brunner and Jean-Gabriel Saint-Martin conduct.

Performance Date: Oct. 12, 2024

Stefan Plewniak conducts a production of “Dido and Aeneas” by Cécile Roussat and Julien Lubek. Sonya Yoncheva, Sarah Charles, Halidou Nombre, Attila Varga-Tóth, Pauline Gaillard, Arnaud Gluck, and Lili Aymonino.

Performance Date: Oct. 7 – Oct. 26, 2024

Andrès Gabetta conducts a recital featuring Marina Viotti.

Performance Date: Nov. 4, 2024

Jean-Baptise Nicolas conducts Charpentier’s “Messe à Quarte Choeurs. The soloists include Pauline Gaillard, Attila Varga-Tóth, Léo Guillou-Kérédan, Halidou Nombre.

Performance Date: Nov. 12, 2024

Camille Delaforge conducts Mozart’s “Le Devoir du Premier Commandement.” The work features the vocal talents of Gwendoline Blondel, Mathilde Ortscheidt, Julien Behr, and Jordan Mouaissia.

Performance Date: Nov. 16, 2024

Théotime Langlois de Swarte conducts Mozart’s Requiem starring Marie Prebost, Mathilde Ortscheidt, Bastien Rimondi, and Edwin Fardini.

Performance Date: Nov. 23 & 24, 2024

Porpora’s “Polfiemo” stars Franco Fagioli, Julia Lezhneva, Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian, José Coca Loza, and Éléonore Pancrazi. Stefan Plewniak conducts and Justin Way directs.

Performance Date: Dec. 4 – 8, 2024

Eva Zaïck, Lucile Richardot, Victoire Bunel, Anas Seguin, Victor Sicard, and François Rougier star in “L’Uomo Femina.”

Performance Date: Dec. 13 – 15, 2024

Marco Angioloni conducts Händel’s “Sosarme.” Rémy Brès-Feuillet, Marco Angioloni, Éléonore Pancrazi, Nicolò Balducci, Logan Lopez Gonzalez, and Giacomo Nanni.

Performance Date: Dec. 16, 2024

Paul-Antoine Bénos-Djian performs in a concert conducted by Théotime Langlois de Swarte.

Performance Date: Dec. 20, 2024

Händel’s “Messiah” stars Marie Lys, Nicolò Balducci, Rémy Burnens, and Haliou Nombre. Gaétan Jarry conducts.

Performance Date: Dec. 21 & 22, 2024

Sonya Yoncheva performs a Christmas concert conducted by Stefan Plewniak.

Performance Date: Dec. 23, 2024

Mary Lys and Rémy Burnens will perform a New Year’s Eve concert with Stefan Plewniak conducting.

Performance Date: Dec. 30, 2024

Sonya Yoncheva leads the Gstaad New Year Festival in a couple of concerts conducted by Stefan Plewniak.

Performance Date: Jan. 1 & 2, 2025

Adèle Charvet and Éléonore Pancrazi headline “Carmen.” Julien Behr and Kevin Amiel star as Don José alongside Alexandre Duhamel, Florie Valiquette, and Vannina Santoni. Hervé Niquet conducts a production by Romain Gilbert directs.

Performance Date: Jan. 14 – 22, 2025 & March 20 – 30, 2025

William Christie conducts “Happy Birthday Bill!” The vocal soloists include Ana Vieira Leite, Juliette Mey, Rebecca Leggett, Bastien Rimondi, and Matthieu Walendzik.

Performance Date: Jan. 26, 2025

Stefan Plewniak conducts “Les Trois Contre-Ténors” with Samuel Mariño, Théo Imart, and Raphal Tomkiewicz.

Performance Date: Jan. 30 & Feb. 22, 2025

Emiliano Gonzalez Toro conducts Francesca Caccini’s “Alcina.”

Performance Date: March 3, 2025

Gaétan Jarry conducts Charpentier’s “Te Deum” and Händel’s “Coronation Anthems.”

Performance Date: March 14, 2025

Gaétan Jarry conducts and Jean-Romain Vesperini directs “La Fille du Régiment.” Gwendoline Blondeel, Enea Scala, Jean-François Lapointe, Éléonore Pancrazi, and Jean-Gabriel Saint-Martin star.

Performance Date: April 4 – 12, 2025

Marie Lys performs a concert, conducted by Gaétan Jarry.

Performance Date: May 5, 2025

Valentin Tournet conducts “Rameau: Les Fêtes de Ramire” with Mélissa Petit, Mathias Vidal, Nahuel di Pierro, Jehanne Amzal, Floriane Hasler, and David Tricou.

Performance Date: May 22, 2025 

Reinoud Van Mechelen conducts Clérambault’s “Te Deum – Histoire de la Femme adultère.”

Performance Date: May 23, 2025

Sébastien Rouland’s “Siegfried” with Tilmann Unger, Paul McNamara, Simon Bailey, Werner van Michelen, and Aile Asszonyi.

Performance Date: May 25, 2025

Lully’s “Prosperine” will star Ambroisine Bré, Véronique Gens, Jean-Sébastien Bou, Marie Lys, Nick Pritchard, Laurence Kilsby, Olivier Gourdy, and Olivier Cesarini. Christophe Rousset conducts.

Performance Date: June 15, 2025

Hande Kodja directs Vivaldi’s “La Senna Festeggiante.” Franciana Nogues, Rafal Tomkiewicz, and Timothée Varon star.

Performance Date: July 5 & 6, 2025

The post Sonya Yoncheva, Éléonore Pancrazi, Franco Fagioli, Julia Lezhneva, Enea Scala Headline L’Opéra Royal du Château de Versailles’ 2024-25 Season appeared first on OperaWire.

Sunhae Im, Núria Rial, Xavier Sabata, and Juan Sancho star in Händel’s “Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno.” Dani Espasa conducts.

Performance Date: August 3, 2024

William Christie conducts Purcell’s “The Fairy Queen” with Paulina Francisco, Georgia Burashko, Rebecca Leggett, Juliette Mey, Ilja Aksionov, Rodrigo Carreto, Hugo Herman-Wilson, and Benjamin Schilperoort starring.

Performance Date: August 10, 2024

Masaaki Suzuki conducts Bach Cantatas with the Bach Collegium Japan. Soloists include Carolyn Sampson, Alexander Chance, Benjamin Bruns, and Christian Immler.

Performance Date: August 13, 2024

Florencia Menconi, Andrew Hallock, Albert Riera, Gabriel Belkheiri, Andrés Miravete, Marius Peterson, Tomàs Maxé, and Arnout Malfliet perform “Laments for Absalon.” Jonathan. Björn Schmelzer conducts.

Performance Date: August 16, 2024

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This summer, Les Arts Florissants tours its semi-stage production of Purcell’s “The Fairy Queen” throughout North America.

William Christie leads Les Arts Florissants and Le Jardin des Voix on the tour. Soloists include soprano Paulina Francisco, mezzo-sopranos Georgia Burashko, Rebecca Leggett, and Juliette Mey, tenor Ilja Aksionov and Rodrigo Carreto, baritone Hugo Herman-Wilson, and bass-baritone Benjamin Schilperoort. Student from The Juilliard School joining the ensemble are Baptiste Coppin, Samuel Florimond, Anahi Passi, Alary Ravin, Timothée Zig, and Ian Debono, as well as Compagnie Käfig and The Juilliard School dancers. Mourad Merzouki serves as stage director and choreographer.

The ensemble’s first performance takes place at the Toronto Summer Music Festival on July 11, followed by an appearance at the Festival de Lanaudière on July 13. Les Arts Florissants also gives a concert at the Church of Saint-Ambroise-de-Kildare the following day.

Les Arts Florissants returns to the U.S. in a performance at Tanglewood on July 18. A performance at Caramoor on July 20 closes the North American leg of the tour .

Dans les Jardins de William Christie and Les Arts Florissants’ own summer festival is set to take place in Thiré, France from August 24-31. Audiences will enjoy performances of Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas,” conducted by William Christie, and Paul Agnew conducting Gluck’s “Orphée et Euridice,” as well as Baroque performances.

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