Viva Las Vegas! Designer Christine Jones Sets the Stage for the Met's Rat Pack RIGOLETTO
by Richard Sasanow - February 13, 2013
If God is in the details, Christine Jones must certainly be praying at the right church. As the scenic designer for the Metropolitan Opera's new RIGOLETTO, Jones has taken the concept that director Michael Mayer sold to the Met--the '60s Las Vegas of Sinatra's Rat Pack vs. the 16th century Mantua of the original--and flown it to the moon. The result is a smart production that is fun to watch and works visually even when certain directorial details--Rigoletto doesn't live up to his billing as a 'Don Rickles-type'--seem tenuous.
by Richard Sasanow - February 13, 2013
If God is in the details, Christine Jones must certainly be praying at the right church. As the scenic designer for the Metropolitan Opera's new RIGOLETTO, Jones has taken the concept that director Michael Mayer sold to the Met--the '60s Las Vegas of Sinatra's Rat Pack vs. the 16th century Mantua of the original--and flown it to the moon. The result is a smart production that is fun to watch and works visually even when certain directorial details--Rigoletto doesn't live up to his billing as a 'Don Rickles-type'--seem tenuous.
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at Jonas Kaufmann and More in PARSIFAL at the Met
by Stage Tube - February 13, 2013
The new production of PARSIFAL opens in just 2 days! Jonas Kaufmann stars alongside Katarina Dalayman, Peter Mattei, Evgeny Nikitin, and Rene Pape. Daniele Gatti conducts. Check out a sneak peek of Francois Girard's new production below!
by Stage Tube - February 13, 2013
The new production of PARSIFAL opens in just 2 days! Jonas Kaufmann stars alongside Katarina Dalayman, Peter Mattei, Evgeny Nikitin, and Rene Pape. Daniele Gatti conducts. Check out a sneak peek of Francois Girard's new production below!
The Met: Live in HD's PARSIFAL to Screen at Middlebury, VT's Town Hall Theater, 3/2
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2013
Metropolitan Opera's 'Live in HD' presents an all new production of Wagner's PARSIFAL, broadcast at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Saturday, March 2 at noon.
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2013
Metropolitan Opera's 'Live in HD' presents an all new production of Wagner's PARSIFAL, broadcast at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Saturday, March 2 at noon.
Jonas Kaufmann Releases WAGNER on Decca Today
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2013
Donald Runnicles, Deutschen Oper Berlin join forces with the German tenor for an album of Wagner arias and lieder out today, February 12, 2013.
by BWW News Desk - February 12, 2013
Donald Runnicles, Deutschen Oper Berlin join forces with the German tenor for an album of Wagner arias and lieder out today, February 12, 2013.
Thomas Hampson to Make Met Debut as Verdi's Iago in OTELLO, March 11; Announces 2013 US Engagements
by BWW News Desk - February 11, 2013
This spring, Thomas Hampson's U.S. engagements take him from opera house to concert and recital hall, and from Verdi and Mahler to the latest in contemporary American composition. The baritone makes his company role debut as Iago in Otello at the Metropolitan Opera (March 11) and premieres new chamber works by Michael Hersch (Feb 26) and Mark Adamo (April 24), before touring the latter to the Boston Celebrity Series (April 26) and New York's Lincoln Center (April 28). Besides singing songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn with the Indianapolis Symphony (Feb 22-23), his orchestral collaborations also take him back to Europe to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in a star-studded gala benefit (April 10) and reprise the title role of Simon Boccanegra with the Vienna Symphony, in a concert performance that will be recorded for future album release (April 13 & 17).
by BWW News Desk - February 11, 2013
This spring, Thomas Hampson's U.S. engagements take him from opera house to concert and recital hall, and from Verdi and Mahler to the latest in contemporary American composition. The baritone makes his company role debut as Iago in Otello at the Metropolitan Opera (March 11) and premieres new chamber works by Michael Hersch (Feb 26) and Mark Adamo (April 24), before touring the latter to the Boston Celebrity Series (April 26) and New York's Lincoln Center (April 28). Besides singing songs from Des Knaben Wunderhorn with the Indianapolis Symphony (Feb 22-23), his orchestral collaborations also take him back to Europe to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in a star-studded gala benefit (April 10) and reprise the title role of Simon Boccanegra with the Vienna Symphony, in a concert performance that will be recorded for future album release (April 13 & 17).
STAGE TUBE: Director Michael Mayer Talks Verdi's RIGOLETTO at the Metropolitan Opera
by Stage Tube - February 11, 2013
Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer will make his Met debut with a new production of Verdi's Rigoletto, in a staging that moves the opera's tragic events from a decadent 16th-century Italian court to the glitzy, depraved setting of the Las Vegas strip circa 1960. Check out the video below of Director, Michael Mayer, talking about the production.
by Stage Tube - February 11, 2013
Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer will make his Met debut with a new production of Verdi's Rigoletto, in a staging that moves the opera's tragic events from a decadent 16th-century Italian court to the glitzy, depraved setting of the Las Vegas strip circa 1960. Check out the video below of Director, Michael Mayer, talking about the production.
Thomson Smillie to Host DEMYSTIFYING OPERA Event at The Bard's Town, 2/27
by BWW News Desk - February 10, 2013
Many people are intimidated by the very word 'opera', yet would love to know more. IF University will team with Louisville writer and speaker Thomson Smillie to pull back the curtain on the complexity and meaning of opera. We'll delve into the music, the maestros, and the masterpieces and have fun learning the basics of the four hundred year-old art form.
by BWW News Desk - February 10, 2013
Many people are intimidated by the very word 'opera', yet would love to know more. IF University will team with Louisville writer and speaker Thomson Smillie to pull back the curtain on the complexity and meaning of opera. We'll delve into the music, the maestros, and the masterpieces and have fun learning the basics of the four hundred year-old art form.
Opera Ebony's Heritage Weekend Debuts Master Class THE ART OF THE SPIRITUAL and More, 2/9-10
by BWW News Desk - February 09, 2013
Opera Ebony, the longest running African - American opera company in the United States, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a special celebration weekend with 2 events. The Art of The Spiritual, - a master class to be taught by Florence Quivar, mezzo-soprano, a prominent Opera singer known for her warm, and rich voice, will be taught today, February 9, 2013 at 4PM at Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew (Chapel - 263 West 86th Street New York, NY 10024), Admission is $10 (mail payments to: Opera Ebony Guild, 305 West 90th Street, Suite G, New York, NY 10024).
by BWW News Desk - February 09, 2013
Opera Ebony, the longest running African - American opera company in the United States, is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with a special celebration weekend with 2 events. The Art of The Spiritual, - a master class to be taught by Florence Quivar, mezzo-soprano, a prominent Opera singer known for her warm, and rich voice, will be taught today, February 9, 2013 at 4PM at Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew (Chapel - 263 West 86th Street New York, NY 10024), Admission is $10 (mail payments to: Opera Ebony Guild, 305 West 90th Street, Suite G, New York, NY 10024).
Opera San Jose Presents Verdi's IL TROVATORE, Now thru 2/24
by BWW News Desk - February 09, 2013
Opera San Jose continues its 29th season with Giuseppe Verdi's powerful drama, Il trovatore. Eight performances are scheduled from tonight, February 9 through 24 at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose.
by BWW News Desk - February 09, 2013
Opera San Jose continues its 29th season with Giuseppe Verdi's powerful drama, Il trovatore. Eight performances are scheduled from tonight, February 9 through 24 at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose.
STAGE TUBE: Chatting with the Cast and Creative Team of Opera Colorado's ROMEO AND JULIET
by Stage Tube - February 08, 2013
Opera Colorado opens its 30th Anniversary Season with Charles Gounod's classic French opera Romeo and Juliet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Soprano Ava Pine, who made her Opera Colorado debut last season in The Marriage of Figaro, stars alongside Italian tenor Giuseppe Varano, making his Opera Colorado debut, as the ill-fated young lovers from Shakespeare's tragic tale. This production is conducted by RoBert Wood and directed by Bill Murray. Click below to watch interviews with the cast and creative team!
by Stage Tube - February 08, 2013
Opera Colorado opens its 30th Anniversary Season with Charles Gounod's classic French opera Romeo and Juliet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Soprano Ava Pine, who made her Opera Colorado debut last season in The Marriage of Figaro, stars alongside Italian tenor Giuseppe Varano, making his Opera Colorado debut, as the ill-fated young lovers from Shakespeare's tragic tale. This production is conducted by RoBert Wood and directed by Bill Murray. Click below to watch interviews with the cast and creative team!
Opera Colorado to Present Gounod's ROMEO AND JULIET, 2/9-17
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
Opera Colorado opens its 30th Anniversary Season with Charles Gounod's classic French opera Romeo and Juliet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
Opera Colorado opens its 30th Anniversary Season with Charles Gounod's classic French opera Romeo and Juliet at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Zanne Stapelberg to Perform with USSO at Stellenbosch's Woordfees Festival, March 1 & 3
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
The flamboyant opera diva Zanne Stapelberg will perform in two Opera Gala concerts with the outstanding University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra (USSO), in Stellenbosch as part of the Woordfees festival, on 1 and 3 March 2013.
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
The flamboyant opera diva Zanne Stapelberg will perform in two Opera Gala concerts with the outstanding University of Stellenbosch Symphony Orchestra (USSO), in Stellenbosch as part of the Woordfees festival, on 1 and 3 March 2013.
Metropolitan Opera Announces Cast Change Advisory for February 9, 13, and 16
by Kelsey Denette - February 08, 2013
Dwayne Croft will sing the role of Escamillo in Bizet's Carmen on February 9, 13, and 16, replacing Teddy Tahu Rhodes, who determined in rehearsals that the role was no longer suitable for his voice. Casting for the performances on February 20, 23 matinee, 26, and March 1 will be announced at a later date.
by Kelsey Denette - February 08, 2013
Dwayne Croft will sing the role of Escamillo in Bizet's Carmen on February 9, 13, and 16, replacing Teddy Tahu Rhodes, who determined in rehearsals that the role was no longer suitable for his voice. Casting for the performances on February 20, 23 matinee, 26, and March 1 will be announced at a later date.
BWW Interviews: Charles Swan Talks About His Career, Being a Swing, SHOW BOAT, and Teaching
by David Clarke - February 08, 2013
As Houston Grand Opera began rehearsing SHOW BOAT, the Houston theatre community started to focus a lot of attention on the production. Utilizing social media, friends and followers of the artists got inside looks into the impressive amounts of dedicated labor, passion, and sheer hard work that went into getting SHOW BOAT to float and sail on stage. Yet, 140 characters on Twitter, a Facebook status update, and a photo on Instagram can only say so much. Luckily, I was able to converse with Houston area native, Charles Swan, about his career, being a swing for SHOW BOAT, and how he juggles being a professional performer and a teacher.
by David Clarke - February 08, 2013
As Houston Grand Opera began rehearsing SHOW BOAT, the Houston theatre community started to focus a lot of attention on the production. Utilizing social media, friends and followers of the artists got inside looks into the impressive amounts of dedicated labor, passion, and sheer hard work that went into getting SHOW BOAT to float and sail on stage. Yet, 140 characters on Twitter, a Facebook status update, and a photo on Instagram can only say so much. Luckily, I was able to converse with Houston area native, Charles Swan, about his career, being a swing for SHOW BOAT, and how he juggles being a professional performer and a teacher.
Singer and Composer Nathan Pacheco Comes to Mesa Arts Center Tonight
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
Like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban before him, Nathan Pacheco mastered the art of pop/classical crossover. In the album's 12 tracks (seven of which he co-wrote) the versatile tenor sings in four languages - English, Spanish, Italian and French - as well as multiple genres, from pop to folk to opera. He will play the Mesa Arts Center tonight, February 8, 2013.
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
Like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban before him, Nathan Pacheco mastered the art of pop/classical crossover. In the album's 12 tracks (seven of which he co-wrote) the versatile tenor sings in four languages - English, Spanish, Italian and French - as well as multiple genres, from pop to folk to opera. He will play the Mesa Arts Center tonight, February 8, 2013.
Susanna Phillips Makes Carnegie Recital Debut with Schubert, Berg and More Tonight
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
Rising-star soprano Susanna Phillips - who returned to the Metropolitan Opera to acclaim in Don Giovanni earlier this season - will make her Carnegie recital debut in Weill Recital Hall tonight, February 8, with a program that ranges from Schubert, Chausson and Granados to Berg, Messiaen and Gordon Myers.
by BWW News Desk - February 08, 2013
Rising-star soprano Susanna Phillips - who returned to the Metropolitan Opera to acclaim in Don Giovanni earlier this season - will make her Carnegie recital debut in Weill Recital Hall tonight, February 8, with a program that ranges from Schubert, Chausson and Granados to Berg, Messiaen and Gordon Myers.
Palm Beach Opera's Daniel Biaggi to be Honored by National Society of Arts and Letters, 4/4
by BWW News Desk - February 07, 2013
The Florida East Coast Chapter of The National Society of Arts and Letters will honor Palm Beach Opera's General Director Daniel Biaggi at their annual Red Rose Dinner Gala on April 4th at the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club.
by BWW News Desk - February 07, 2013
The Florida East Coast Chapter of The National Society of Arts and Letters will honor Palm Beach Opera's General Director Daniel Biaggi at their annual Red Rose Dinner Gala on April 4th at the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club.
STAGE TUBE: Interview and Behind-the-Scenes With Director François Girard of Wagner's PARSIFAL at the Met
by Stage Tube - February 07, 2013
Jonas Kaufmann will sing the title role in a new staging of Wagner's final opera, Parsifal, conducted by Daniele Gatti and directed by Francois Girard in his Met debut. BroadwayWorld has a behind-the-scenes interview with Director, Francois Girard. Check it out below.
by Stage Tube - February 07, 2013
Jonas Kaufmann will sing the title role in a new staging of Wagner's final opera, Parsifal, conducted by Daniele Gatti and directed by Francois Girard in his Met debut. BroadwayWorld has a behind-the-scenes interview with Director, Francois Girard. Check it out below.
Photo Flash: First Look at Jonas Kaufmann and More in Wagner's PARSIFAL at the Metropolitan Opera
by BWW News Desk - February 07, 2013
Jonas Kaufmann will sing the title role in a new staging of Wagner's final opera, Parsifal, conducted by Daniele Gatti and directed by Francois Girard in his Met debut. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.
by BWW News Desk - February 07, 2013
Jonas Kaufmann will sing the title role in a new staging of Wagner's final opera, Parsifal, conducted by Daniele Gatti and directed by Francois Girard in his Met debut. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Minnesota Opera
by Scott Frost - February 07, 2013
Minnesota Opera stems all the way back to 1963 when The Masque of Angelsby Dominick Argento was commissioned by the Walker Art Center for its performing arts program, Center Opera. The group continued to grow until it became its own entity in 1969 and changed the name in 1971 to the Minnesota Opera. The company quickly became known as an 'alternative opera company' to complement the traditional Metropolitan Opera tour that came through each year and the St. Paul Opera Company but in 1975 Minnesota Opera and St. Paul Opera merged and set their focus on both traditional repertory and contemporary opera.
by Scott Frost - February 07, 2013
Minnesota Opera stems all the way back to 1963 when The Masque of Angelsby Dominick Argento was commissioned by the Walker Art Center for its performing arts program, Center Opera. The group continued to grow until it became its own entity in 1969 and changed the name in 1971 to the Minnesota Opera. The company quickly became known as an 'alternative opera company' to complement the traditional Metropolitan Opera tour that came through each year and the St. Paul Opera Company but in 1975 Minnesota Opera and St. Paul Opera merged and set their focus on both traditional repertory and contemporary opera.
Utah Symphony and Opera Announce George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation as New Season Sponsor
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2013
Today at Abravanel Hall, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera announced that the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, a long-time benefactor of the organization and other arts programs in Utah, will be its season sponsor for the 2013-2014 Season.
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2013
Today at Abravanel Hall, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera announced that the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, a long-time benefactor of the organization and other arts programs in Utah, will be its season sponsor for the 2013-2014 Season.
medici.tv Presents World Premiere of Philip Glass' PERFECT AMERICAN Tonight
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2013
Tonight, February 6, medici.tv will present a live webcast of the historic world premiere production of The Perfect American, Philip Glass's new opera about Walt Disney. At 75, Glass is one of the towering figures of 20th-century music, and perhaps the most successful composer alive today. The world premiere of his new opera will take place at Madrid's Teatro Real, which commissioned the piece.
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2013
Tonight, February 6, medici.tv will present a live webcast of the historic world premiere production of The Perfect American, Philip Glass's new opera about Walt Disney. At 75, Glass is one of the towering figures of 20th-century music, and perhaps the most successful composer alive today. The world premiere of his new opera will take place at Madrid's Teatro Real, which commissioned the piece.
American Lyric Theater Presents THE LIVING LIBRETTO at National Opera Center Tonight
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2013
American Lyric Theater presents the next installment in its popular series, The Living Libretto, at the National Opera Center, tonight, February 6th, 2013. Featuring guest actors from the Broadway and off-Broadway stage, each event is the culminating reading of extensive libretto workshops conducted for new operas currently being written by ALT Resident Artists.
by BWW News Desk - February 06, 2013
American Lyric Theater presents the next installment in its popular series, The Living Libretto, at the National Opera Center, tonight, February 6th, 2013. Featuring guest actors from the Broadway and off-Broadway stage, each event is the culminating reading of extensive libretto workshops conducted for new operas currently being written by ALT Resident Artists.
David T. Little's SOLDIER SONGS Gets Digital Release Today
by BWW News Desk - February 05, 2013
On Tuesday, February 26, the debut recording of David T. Little's 'sharp, elegantly bristling' opera-theatre piece, Soldier Songs (2006), which recently completed a wildly successful NYC premiere run on the inaugural PROTOTYPE festival, is released on audio CD from Innova Recordings, produced by Lawson White. The recording receives its digital release on iTunes and Amazon today, February 5, 2013.
by BWW News Desk - February 05, 2013
On Tuesday, February 26, the debut recording of David T. Little's 'sharp, elegantly bristling' opera-theatre piece, Soldier Songs (2006), which recently completed a wildly successful NYC premiere run on the inaugural PROTOTYPE festival, is released on audio CD from Innova Recordings, produced by Lawson White. The recording receives its digital release on iTunes and Amazon today, February 5, 2013.
Grand Opera of Belarus Presents Puccini's MADAM BUTTERFLY, 3/3
by Sally Henry Fuller - February 05, 2013
Puccini's Madam Butterfly will be presented by the Grand Opera of Belarus at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday 3 March at 7:30pm. The renowned opera tells the magnificent story of a trusting Japanese maiden that catches the attention and affections of an American officer. In order to become his bride she must cross cultural boundaries and defy the will of her family. Alone, she faithfully awaits his return.
by Sally Henry Fuller - February 05, 2013
Puccini's Madam Butterfly will be presented by the Grand Opera of Belarus at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday 3 March at 7:30pm. The renowned opera tells the magnificent story of a trusting Japanese maiden that catches the attention and affections of an American officer. In order to become his bride she must cross cultural boundaries and defy the will of her family. Alone, she faithfully awaits his return.
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