Valentina Naforniță is quickly becoming a leading lady in the opera world. Her rise came shortly after winning the Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2011 and since then she has been a main attraction at the Vienna State Opera. While Naforniță may not be a recognizable name yet in the States, this week she expands her horizons as {…}
Donizetti’s “Anna Bolena” returns to the stage of the Teatro alla Scala after an absence of 35 years and with it comes a new leading lady, Hibla Gerzmava. Gerzmava, who has become an international star, is making a role debut in one of Bel Canto most demanding operas. Gerzmava has sung many Bel Canto roles by Donizetti including “Lucia di Lammermoor” {…}
Donizetti’s “Maria Stuarda” is one of the prima donna assoluta roles in the repertoire and one of the most difficult in Bel Canto. This week Marina Rebeka continues her exploration into this repertoire as she makes her stage role of the opera debut at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Earlier in January, the soprano made her role debut in a {…}
Klaus Florian Vogt is regarded as one of the most sought-after Wagnerian tenors his generations. He has marveled audiences with his intense lyricism and his commitment to each role he portrays. This week he returns to the Metropolitan Opera for the first time since 2006 when he made his debut in the title role of Wagner’s “Lohengrin.” This time Met {…}
Anja Harteros is one of the greatest dramatic sopranos of our time. Her repertoire ranges from Verdi, Puccini to Wagner. She has performed in all the greatest opera houses and her performances are often sold out. This week she debuts the role of Maddalena in Giordano’s “Andrea Chenier.” It is quite a surprise that Harteros has never taken on the {…}
Last year was arguably Ryan Speedo Green’s biggest year as he broke out in the operatic world with his showstopping aria “Vecchia Zimarra” in Puccini’s “La Bohème” at the Metropolitan Opera. The bass made the most out his two minute aria and critics said that he was the most memorable performance of the night. A star was essentially born. This {…}
John Holiday is one of the most promising countertenors of his generation. Holiday’s star is rising and this week he will once again have a chance to prove it at the Bruce R. Foote Foundation Concert. The tenor, who is a recipient of the Bruce R. Foote award, will perform a concert that will show his talent in distinct repertoire, which {…}
For years Joyce DiDonato has been a master in the Bel Canto repertoire singing Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti. Her vocal flexibility and nuance has brought new musical insights to some of this neglected repertoire, her approach often innovative. This week DiDonato took on the role of Rossini’s “Semiramide” for the first time at the Bayerische Staatsoper and after listening to the premiere {…}
Charisma, vocal beauty and intelligence are just some qualities that describe Angel Joy Blue. A lyric soprano who has conquered many of the leading opera companies in the world is about to embark in yet another journey performing Robert Schumann’s oratory “Paradise and the Peri.” Schumann is more known for his symphonic works as well as piano, cello and solo works. {…}
Over the past few years Eric Owens has garnered praise for his heartbreaking and commanding work on stage. One only has to look at his ground-breaking portrayal of Alberich in Wagner’s “Das Rheingold” at the Metropolitan Opera to see the depth and emotional range he gives to each one of his roles. This week the bass is adding another important {…}
A month ago Russell Thomas surprised Metropolitan Opera audiences with his immense voice and gleaming high notes. The role was the small but crucial part of Ismaele in Verdi’s “Nabucco.” While this is a character that can sometimes be ignored, Thomas brought undisputed star power to it. With such a big breakout, Thomas is set for another milestone in his {…}