BWW Reviews: Stale Aesthetics Mar Strong Performances in Austin Lyric Opera's FAUST
by Jeff Davis - April 26, 2013
It's the timeless quality of the tale that have inspired director Bernard Uzan to set his production of Faust, first produced at Arizona Opera in 2011 and now re-staged for Austin Lyric Opera, in modern times. Unfortunately, despite the impeccable performances of the incredible cast, the tone and visuals of the production distract from Gounod's masterpiece rather than enhancing it.
by Jeff Davis - April 26, 2013
It's the timeless quality of the tale that have inspired director Bernard Uzan to set his production of Faust, first produced at Arizona Opera in 2011 and now re-staged for Austin Lyric Opera, in modern times. Unfortunately, despite the impeccable performances of the incredible cast, the tone and visuals of the production distract from Gounod's masterpiece rather than enhancing it.
BWW Reviews: Opera in the Height's FALSTAFF is a Delightful and Mirtful Comedy
by David Clarke - April 26, 2013
Last night, Houston's Opera in the Heights opened their production of Giuseppe Verdi's FALSTAFF. The mirthful and comedic opera is the last production of their 2012-2013 season, but the most exhilarating aspect of the production is seeing an opera performed so intimately. This was my first time to visit Lambert Hall, and I was simply blown away by how close to the action I was, even in the last row of the Orchestra level. Opera in the Heights provides a novel and intriguing way to experience opera that I, and I'm sure many others, are simply unaccustomed to.
by David Clarke - April 26, 2013
Last night, Houston's Opera in the Heights opened their production of Giuseppe Verdi's FALSTAFF. The mirthful and comedic opera is the last production of their 2012-2013 season, but the most exhilarating aspect of the production is seeing an opera performed so intimately. This was my first time to visit Lambert Hall, and I was simply blown away by how close to the action I was, even in the last row of the Orchestra level. Opera in the Heights provides a novel and intriguing way to experience opera that I, and I'm sure many others, are simply unaccustomed to.
Renee Fleming Rounds Out Carnegie Hall Perspectives Series with THE STRAND SETTINGS and More Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 26, 2013
Renowned soprano Renee Fleming completes her Carnegie Hall Perspectives series with two concerts in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, tonight, April 26 and May 4.
by BWW News Desk - April 26, 2013
Renowned soprano Renee Fleming completes her Carnegie Hall Perspectives series with two concerts in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, tonight, April 26 and May 4.
STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME to Premiere in Scarsdale and NYC This Weekend
by BWW News Desk - April 25, 2013
Based on the book of the same title by Jaap Polak and Ina Soep Polak, STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME will have its premiere in Scarsdale and New York City, NY this weekend. STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME is a love story set in two concentration camps during World War II. It is based on the true story of Jaap and Ina, whom Gerald has known for the last 25 years, and who just celebrated their 100th and 90th birthdays.
by BWW News Desk - April 25, 2013
Based on the book of the same title by Jaap Polak and Ina Soep Polak, STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME will have its premiere in Scarsdale and New York City, NY this weekend. STEAL A PENCIL FOR ME is a love story set in two concentration camps during World War II. It is based on the true story of Jaap and Ina, whom Gerald has known for the last 25 years, and who just celebrated their 100th and 90th birthdays.
BWW Reviews: A Visually Stunning MAGIC FLUTE at Opera Philadelphia
by Marakay Rogers - April 25, 2013
The Diane Paulus/Canadian Opera production now at Opera Philadelphia dazzles the eye, if not always the ear
by Marakay Rogers - April 25, 2013
The Diane Paulus/Canadian Opera production now at Opera Philadelphia dazzles the eye, if not always the ear
Bronx Opera to Perform LA BOHEME in English in the Bronx and Long Island, Beg. 5/10
by BWW News Desk - April 25, 2013
La boheme presented by The Bronx Opera, will come to the Bronx and Long Island this summer, sung entirely in English.
by BWW News Desk - April 25, 2013
La boheme presented by The Bronx Opera, will come to the Bronx and Long Island this summer, sung entirely in English.
BWW Reviews: Robert Lepage's RING is in full Rotation
by Scott Frost - April 25, 2013
The first of three complete Ring Cycles concluded on Tuesday night at the Metropolitan Opera as our hero, Siegfried, his true love, Brunnhilde, as well as the entirety of Valhalla went up in a burst of video projected and staged lit flames behind the massive 45-ton set of 24 rotating planks come to be known by some as Robert Lepage's Ring machine. Luckily for everyone involved- audience, performers and technicians alike, this cycle ran quite smoothly in comparison to previous seasons. One mishap happened in Das Rheingold as we descended into Nibelheim and the last five or six planks got stuck in the air and one black clad arm was seen pulling each back into place. Barring this one blip in an otherwise 19 hour breathtaking production is rather impressive given the scale and scope of this production which includes hydraulics, harnesses, flying, dying, fighting, love making, and a host of technical demands all enhancing the complex masterpiece which is Richard Wagner's music and libretto.
by Scott Frost - April 25, 2013
The first of three complete Ring Cycles concluded on Tuesday night at the Metropolitan Opera as our hero, Siegfried, his true love, Brunnhilde, as well as the entirety of Valhalla went up in a burst of video projected and staged lit flames behind the massive 45-ton set of 24 rotating planks come to be known by some as Robert Lepage's Ring machine. Luckily for everyone involved- audience, performers and technicians alike, this cycle ran quite smoothly in comparison to previous seasons. One mishap happened in Das Rheingold as we descended into Nibelheim and the last five or six planks got stuck in the air and one black clad arm was seen pulling each back into place. Barring this one blip in an otherwise 19 hour breathtaking production is rather impressive given the scale and scope of this production which includes hydraulics, harnesses, flying, dying, fighting, love making, and a host of technical demands all enhancing the complex masterpiece which is Richard Wagner's music and libretto.
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Opera Idaho
by Scott Frost - April 25, 2013
Opera Idaho was founded in 1973 though the existence of opera in Boise dates back much earlier. Since the early 1960's, the Boise Philharmonic has been producing annual operas featuring singers from the surrounding region. When these were discontinued in the late 60's, Mrs. Hazel Weston and a large group of local opera enthusiasts formed the Boise Opera Workshop. The early company provided workshop productions, monthly public lecture programs and group studies of operatic works. In the continued efforts to producing grand opera, the company changed its name in 1973 to Boise Civic Opera and by 1977 they were already importing professional singers to perform the principal roles in its productions. In 1983, the company changed its name again, to Boise Opera, to recognize the increasing professionalism of the company's productions.
by Scott Frost - April 25, 2013
Opera Idaho was founded in 1973 though the existence of opera in Boise dates back much earlier. Since the early 1960's, the Boise Philharmonic has been producing annual operas featuring singers from the surrounding region. When these were discontinued in the late 60's, Mrs. Hazel Weston and a large group of local opera enthusiasts formed the Boise Opera Workshop. The early company provided workshop productions, monthly public lecture programs and group studies of operatic works. In the continued efforts to producing grand opera, the company changed its name in 1973 to Boise Civic Opera and by 1977 they were already importing professional singers to perform the principal roles in its productions. In 1983, the company changed its name again, to Boise Opera, to recognize the increasing professionalism of the company's productions.
DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES to Return to the Met on 5/4
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2013
Dialogues des Carmelites, Poulenc's opera about a group of nuns whose faith is tested under the Terror of the French Revolution, will return to the Met repertory on May 4 for the first time since 2002. In role debuts, Isabel Leonard will sing the naive aristocrat Blanche de la Force and Patricia Racette will sing Madame Lidoine, the imposing Prioress of a Carmelite convent. Felicity Palmer will reprise her portrayal of the ailing Madame de Croissy, a role she sang to acclaim in the most recent Met revival of the opera. Louis Langree conducts his first Met performances of the work, with a cast that also includes Elizabeth Bishop as Mother Marie, Erin Morley as Sister Constance, and Paul Appleby as Blanche's brother, the Chevalier de la Force. The opera will be presented in John Dexter's acclaimed 1977 Met premiere production.
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2013
Dialogues des Carmelites, Poulenc's opera about a group of nuns whose faith is tested under the Terror of the French Revolution, will return to the Met repertory on May 4 for the first time since 2002. In role debuts, Isabel Leonard will sing the naive aristocrat Blanche de la Force and Patricia Racette will sing Madame Lidoine, the imposing Prioress of a Carmelite convent. Felicity Palmer will reprise her portrayal of the ailing Madame de Croissy, a role she sang to acclaim in the most recent Met revival of the opera. Louis Langree conducts his first Met performances of the work, with a cast that also includes Elizabeth Bishop as Mother Marie, Erin Morley as Sister Constance, and Paul Appleby as Blanche's brother, the Chevalier de la Force. The opera will be presented in John Dexter's acclaimed 1977 Met premiere production.
Thomas Hampson Presents World, Boston and NY Debuts of Mark Adamo's ARISTOTLE, Now thru 4/28
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2013
Baritone Thomas Hampson looks forward to giving the world premiere performance of a new song commission from one of America's principal younger composers, Mark Adamo. Scored for baritone and string quartet, Adamo's Aristotle (2013) was written for Hampson to sing with the Jupiter String Quartet. After giving its world premiere performance together at UC Davis tonight, April 24, they will tour the new work to Boston's Celebrity Series (Fri, April 26) and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where they will present its New York premiere on Sunday, April 28.
by BWW News Desk - April 24, 2013
Baritone Thomas Hampson looks forward to giving the world premiere performance of a new song commission from one of America's principal younger composers, Mark Adamo. Scored for baritone and string quartet, Adamo's Aristotle (2013) was written for Hampson to sing with the Jupiter String Quartet. After giving its world premiere performance together at UC Davis tonight, April 24, they will tour the new work to Boston's Celebrity Series (Fri, April 26) and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where they will present its New York premiere on Sunday, April 28.
BWW Reviews: Monty Python Meets Offenbach in City Opera's Daffy LA PERICHOLE
by Richard Sasanow - April 23, 2013
New York City Opera's production of Jacques Offenbach's LA PERICHOLE feels right at home at City Center, home of the 'Encores!' series, which reintroduces audiences to lesser known Broadway musicals that failed or went out of fashion despite wonderful scores. PERICHOLE doesn't have a care in the world in Christopher Alden's boisterous vision. It's a cheerful reminder of a musical style that has unjustifiably fallen by the wayside.
by Richard Sasanow - April 23, 2013
New York City Opera's production of Jacques Offenbach's LA PERICHOLE feels right at home at City Center, home of the 'Encores!' series, which reintroduces audiences to lesser known Broadway musicals that failed or went out of fashion despite wonderful scores. PERICHOLE doesn't have a care in the world in Christopher Alden's boisterous vision. It's a cheerful reminder of a musical style that has unjustifiably fallen by the wayside.
STAGE TUBE: Sesame Street Meets Isabel Leonard of the Metropolitan Opera
by Stage Tube - April 23, 2013
Murray Monster and Ovejita travel to Lincoln Center to join Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. While dancers tell stories with their bodies, Isabel will show how stories are sung by opera singers and give a demonstration of a funny vocal exercise. Murray gets to sing his own vocal line when he joins Isabel in Rosina's aria from Rossini's Barber of Seville. Check out the video below!
by Stage Tube - April 23, 2013
Murray Monster and Ovejita travel to Lincoln Center to join Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard. While dancers tell stories with their bodies, Isabel will show how stories are sung by opera singers and give a demonstration of a funny vocal exercise. Murray gets to sing his own vocal line when he joins Isabel in Rosina's aria from Rossini's Barber of Seville. Check out the video below!
Thomas Hampson to Present World, Boston and NY Debuts of Mark Adamo's ARISTOTLE, 4/24-28
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2013
Baritone Thomas Hampson looks forward to giving the world premiere performance of a new song commission from one of America's principal younger composers, Mark Adamo. Scored for baritone and string quartet, Adamo's Aristotle (2013) was written for Hampson to sing with the Jupiter String Quartet. After giving its world premiere performance together at UC Davis on Wednesday, April 24, they will tour the new work to Boston's Celebrity Series (Fri, April 26) and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where they will present its New York premiere on Sunday, April 28.
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2013
Baritone Thomas Hampson looks forward to giving the world premiere performance of a new song commission from one of America's principal younger composers, Mark Adamo. Scored for baritone and string quartet, Adamo's Aristotle (2013) was written for Hampson to sing with the Jupiter String Quartet. After giving its world premiere performance together at UC Davis on Wednesday, April 24, they will tour the new work to Boston's Celebrity Series (Fri, April 26) and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, where they will present its New York premiere on Sunday, April 28.
Loyola Opera Workshop to Celebrate 'GREAT BRITTEN' with English Opera Highlights, 4/30
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2013
The opera program at Loyola University New Orleans presents its spring workshop 'Great Britten: Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Benjamin Britten' Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Nunemaker Auditorium in Monroe Hall.
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2013
The opera program at Loyola University New Orleans presents its spring workshop 'Great Britten: Celebrating the 100th Birthday of Benjamin Britten' Tuesday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Nunemaker Auditorium in Monroe Hall.
The Metropolitan Opera Announces the Return of Summer Recital Series and Summer HD Festival
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2013
The Metropolitan Opera announced the return of its two popular series of free summer events, the Summer Recital Series and the Summer HD Festival. For the fifth consecutive year, the Met will present operatic recitals in parks in all five boroughs, as well as a ten-day outdoor festival of encore screenings from the Met's popular HD transmissions.
by BWW News Desk - April 22, 2013
The Metropolitan Opera announced the return of its two popular series of free summer events, the Summer Recital Series and the Summer HD Festival. For the fifth consecutive year, the Met will present operatic recitals in parks in all five boroughs, as well as a ten-day outdoor festival of encore screenings from the Met's popular HD transmissions.
BWW Reviews: HGO's TRISTAN AND ISOLDE is Immaculately Profound, Riveting, and Unforgettable
by David Clarke - April 22, 2013
The 2012-2013 season at Houston Grand Opera (HGO) has been filled with stunning performances of astounding operatic talent; however, their current production of Richard Wagner's TRISTAN AND ISOLDE may be the sparkling gem of this fascinating season. Every aspect of the production gels with perfection, making this production remarkable and truly unforgettable.
by David Clarke - April 22, 2013
The 2012-2013 season at Houston Grand Opera (HGO) has been filled with stunning performances of astounding operatic talent; however, their current production of Richard Wagner's TRISTAN AND ISOLDE may be the sparkling gem of this fascinating season. Every aspect of the production gels with perfection, making this production remarkable and truly unforgettable.
BWW Blog: Leah Edwards of MASTER CLASS - Natural Beauty
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 22, 2013
I used to be a skeptic when it came to making an event out of watching the sun set. It does this every day. It always has and always will. So why halt everything and take the time to watch it? And ring a bell, clap and cheer as though it will never happen again? Because it won't. Each day we are presented with a new and awesome display of colors and light that will never be repeated.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 22, 2013
I used to be a skeptic when it came to making an event out of watching the sun set. It does this every day. It always has and always will. So why halt everything and take the time to watch it? And ring a bell, clap and cheer as though it will never happen again? Because it won't. Each day we are presented with a new and awesome display of colors and light that will never be repeated.
Canadian Opera Presents Richard Strauss' SALOME, Now thru May 22
by BWW News Desk - April 21, 2013
The Canadian Opera Company's 2013 spring season marks the return of celebrated Canadian director Atom Egoyan with his searing, critically acclaimed COC production of Richard Strauss's Salome.
by BWW News Desk - April 21, 2013
The Canadian Opera Company's 2013 spring season marks the return of celebrated Canadian director Atom Egoyan with his searing, critically acclaimed COC production of Richard Strauss's Salome.
Indianapolis Opera Hosts DIVINELY DUTCH Ball Tonight
by BWW News Desk - April 20, 2013
Indianapolis Opera will celebrate the beauty of the voice at the uber-elegant Indy Opera Ball featuring the recognition of Honorary Junior Committee Chair, Arie Luyendyk Jr. Born of Dutch descent, Luyendyk Jr. is best known for his auto racing career and for participating on ABC's The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. While Luyendyk Jr. will be honored, he will not be in attendance due to prior racing commitments.
by BWW News Desk - April 20, 2013
Indianapolis Opera will celebrate the beauty of the voice at the uber-elegant Indy Opera Ball featuring the recognition of Honorary Junior Committee Chair, Arie Luyendyk Jr. Born of Dutch descent, Luyendyk Jr. is best known for his auto racing career and for participating on ABC's The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. While Luyendyk Jr. will be honored, he will not be in attendance due to prior racing commitments.
TELL-TALE HEART and VAN GOGH Set for Long Beach Opera Double Bill, 5/11-19
by BWW News Desk - April 19, 2013
Long Beach Opera's new double bill explores creative minds on the border between genius and madness. Former rocker Stewart Copeland delves into the twisted psyche of Edgar Allan Poe's manic murderer in the US premiere of Tell-Tale Heart and Bang on a Can composer, Michael Gordon, observes the anguished spirit of a brilliant artist in the West Coast stage premiere of Van Gogh. Featuring music at the edge of rock, jazz and classical modernism, this double bill of delusion and illusion, paranoia and inspiration begins May 11 and continues on May 18 and 19, 2013 at theEXPO Art Center, 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA.
by BWW News Desk - April 19, 2013
Long Beach Opera's new double bill explores creative minds on the border between genius and madness. Former rocker Stewart Copeland delves into the twisted psyche of Edgar Allan Poe's manic murderer in the US premiere of Tell-Tale Heart and Bang on a Can composer, Michael Gordon, observes the anguished spirit of a brilliant artist in the West Coast stage premiere of Van Gogh. Featuring music at the edge of rock, jazz and classical modernism, this double bill of delusion and illusion, paranoia and inspiration begins May 11 and continues on May 18 and 19, 2013 at theEXPO Art Center, 4321 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA.
Additional Details Announced for Spoleto Festival USA
by BWW News Desk - April 19, 2013
Internationally recognized for its adventurous opera and classical music programming, Spoleto Festival USA offers an eclectic program of music and opera for its 37th season. In addition to the American premiere of Matsukaze-the first of Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa's operas to be produced in the United States-the program includes American premiere performances of P?teris Vasks' Credo and Pierre Boulez's arrangement of Ravel's Frontispice. Also to be performed are a double-bill of rarely performed Italian operas, Puccini's Le Villi and Giordano's Mese Mariano, and Verdi's Messa da Requiem conducted by Joseph Flummerfelt in his farewell appearance as Spoleto's Artistic Director for Choral Activities.
by BWW News Desk - April 19, 2013
Internationally recognized for its adventurous opera and classical music programming, Spoleto Festival USA offers an eclectic program of music and opera for its 37th season. In addition to the American premiere of Matsukaze-the first of Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa's operas to be produced in the United States-the program includes American premiere performances of P?teris Vasks' Credo and Pierre Boulez's arrangement of Ravel's Frontispice. Also to be performed are a double-bill of rarely performed Italian operas, Puccini's Le Villi and Giordano's Mese Mariano, and Verdi's Messa da Requiem conducted by Joseph Flummerfelt in his farewell appearance as Spoleto's Artistic Director for Choral Activities.
BWW Blog: Leah Edwards of MASTER CLASS - Family
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 19, 2013
When you look up the word family in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first definition you find is: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head. Only after that do explanations regarding common ancestry show up. As a freelance artist, I have chosen a lifestyle where my group of individuals, roofs and heads are constantly changing. Since working in this profession already ensures that I have at least one thing in common with others, it is always a joy to discover other things that make artists tick, and it is through exploring those fancies that you grow from being a cast into being a family. Because I have been graced with such an amazing cast recently, I want to introduce three special people to you. I'm not going to outline their resumes or cut and paste their bios. Please go to their websites to find out what outstanding professionals they are. What I want to share is what incredible individuals they are and how my world is a better place because I met them.
by Guest Blogger: Leah Edwards - April 19, 2013
When you look up the word family in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first definition you find is: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head. Only after that do explanations regarding common ancestry show up. As a freelance artist, I have chosen a lifestyle where my group of individuals, roofs and heads are constantly changing. Since working in this profession already ensures that I have at least one thing in common with others, it is always a joy to discover other things that make artists tick, and it is through exploring those fancies that you grow from being a cast into being a family. Because I have been graced with such an amazing cast recently, I want to introduce three special people to you. I'm not going to outline their resumes or cut and paste their bios. Please go to their websites to find out what outstanding professionals they are. What I want to share is what incredible individuals they are and how my world is a better place because I met them.
Opera Philadelphia's THE MAGIC FLUTE Comes to the Academy, Now thru 4/28
by BWW News Desk - April 19, 2013
The path to wisdom has never been so whimsical! Opera Philadelphia casts a spell on audiences this spring with a colorful production of The Magic Flute. Mozart's masterpiece of good versus evil and the search for true love runs in five performances at the Academy of Music, tonight, April 19-28, 2013.
by BWW News Desk - April 19, 2013
The path to wisdom has never been so whimsical! Opera Philadelphia casts a spell on audiences this spring with a colorful production of The Magic Flute. Mozart's masterpiece of good versus evil and the search for true love runs in five performances at the Academy of Music, tonight, April 19-28, 2013.
The Met: Live in HD to Broadcast GIULIO CESARE in Local Theaters, 4/27
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2013
The Met: Live in HD will broadcast David Daniels and Natalie Dessay as Caesar and Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare, transmitted live to your local movie theater on Saturday, April 27 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
by BWW News Desk - April 18, 2013
The Met: Live in HD will broadcast David Daniels and Natalie Dessay as Caesar and Cleopatra in Handel's Giulio Cesare, transmitted live to your local movie theater on Saturday, April 27 at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT.
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Dallas Opera
by BWW Features - April 18, 2013
More than half a century of artistic excellence and community engagement has earned The Dallas Opera a major role in shaping the national/international cultural reputation of Dallas. TDO has also made-and continues to make-an important contribution to the economic impact of the performing arts in North Texas.
by BWW Features - April 18, 2013
More than half a century of artistic excellence and community engagement has earned The Dallas Opera a major role in shaping the national/international cultural reputation of Dallas. TDO has also made-and continues to make-an important contribution to the economic impact of the performing arts in North Texas.
Videos
Get Opera's #1 Theatre Newsletter
All the show news & discounts for Opera & beyond.
