Danielle De Niese News

San Francisco Opera presents the Company premiere of George Frideric Handel's comedy Partenope in six performances October 15-November 2, 2014 at the War Memorial Opera House. Winner of London's 2009 Olivier Award for 'Best New Production,' this production is directed by Christopher Alden with sets designed by Andrew Lieberman. Set in 1920s Paris, the production's surrealist aesthetic is inspired by the artwork of Dadaist Man Ray. Lyric soprano and baroque specialist Danielle de Niese stars in the title role opposite leading countertenor David Daniels, who thrilled audiences in 2011's Xerxes, as her suitor Arsace. Argentinean mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack is the crafty Rosmira, Arsace's scorned lover who attempts to use a cross-dressing disguise to enact her revenge. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo makes his Company debut as another of Partenope's admirers, Armindo, and tenor Alek Shrader is Emilio. Grammy-nominated American conductor Julian Wachner makes his San Francisco Opera debut with these performances.

San Francisco Opera Guild presents an Insight Panel discussion exploring George Frideric Handel's comic opera Partenope. Insight Panels feature renowned cast and production team members sharing behind-the-scenes experiences and inspirations during moderated discussions.

San Francisco Opera presents the Company premiere of George Frideric Handel's comedy Partenope in six performances October 15-November 2, 2014 at the War Memorial Opera House.

San Francisco Opera today announced that Grammy-nominated American conductor Julian Wachner will make his San Francisco Opera debut conducting George Frideric Handel's Partenope, presented October 15–November 2, 2014 at the War Memorial Opera House. Mr. Wachner replaces British conductor Christian Curnyn, who has withdrawn from the production for personal reasons. Check out a look at the cast below!

The Metropolitan Opera will open its 130th season on Monday, September 22 with a new production of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, conducted by Met Music Director James Levine and directed by Richard Eyre.

American soprano Rachel Willis-Sørensen, who last week won First Prize at the prestigious Operalia competition, will make her Met debut as Countess Almaviva in this December's performances of Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro. Willis-Sørensen will sing the role on December 4, 8, 12, 15, and 20 matinee, replacing the originally announced Amanda Majeski, who now sings the September and October performances of the opera.

Met Music Director James Levine conducts Mozart's barbed romance Cosi fan tutte, a comic masterpiece about the romantic complications that ensue when a pair of friends decide to test their fiancees' fidelity.

American Soprano Amanda Majeski will be singing the role of Countess Almaviva in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro in replacement of Marian Poplavskaya, who has withdrawn due to health reasons.

Composer Jimmy López and librettist Nilo Cruz heard their music and words come to life recently when members of The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago sang through portions of Bel Canto backstage at the Civic Opera House on Friday, July 11. Sir Andrew Davis conducted the workshop, with pianists Maureen Zoltek and Craig Terry accompanying 11 singers performing multiple roles.

International opera sensation Danielle de Niese is taking on a new role today, becoming an 'IRC Voice' to help the International Rescue Committee raise awareness of the needs of refugees and people who have been displaced by conflict, religious persecution or political oppression around the world. Danielle is the latest talent to become an 'IRC Voice,' joining a group of young, prominent artists including Morena Baccarin, Rashida Jones, John Legend, and Piper Perabo, who have all committed to do their part to speak up on behalf of some of the world's most vulnerable.

Spend a summer's eve experiencing the grandeur of opera close to home at The Ridgefield Playhouse Handel's The Enchanted Island is broadcast Live in HD from the Met tonight, July 16, at 6 p.m. Fans of Baroque opera have the world's best singers, glorious music of the Baroque masters, and a story drawn from Shakespeare in The Enchanted Island, which showcases the talents of William Christie, David Daniels, Joyce DiDonato and Pacido Domingo. Behind-the-scenes tours and interviews make this event even more memorable.

THE MET: LIVE IN HD SUMMER ENCORES presents THE ENCHANTED ISLAND, a new baroque fantasy inspired by the pastiches of the 18th Century. Stars Joyce Didonato, David Daniels and Placido Domingo.

Two spectacular operas from the Met are coming to The Ridgefield Playhouse as encore productions this month. Verdi's Shakespearean masterpiece Otello stars Johan Botha in the title role opposite acclaimed soprano Renee Fleming as Desdemona today, July 9. On Wednesday, July 16, Handel's The Enchanted Island showcases the talents of William Christie, David Daniels, Joyce DiDonato and Pacido Domingo. These performances start at 6 p.m. Advantages of the HD broadcasts are the interesting camera angles, behind-the-scenes tours and interviews.

Spend a summer's eve experiencing the grandeur of opera close to home at The Ridgefield Playhouse Handel's The Enchanted Island is broadcast Live in HD from the Met on Wednesday, July 16, at 6 p.m. Fans of Baroque opera have the world's best singers, glorious music of the Baroque masters, and a story drawn from Shakespeare in The Enchanted Island, which showcases the talents of William Christie, David Daniels, Joyce DiDonato and Pacido Domingo. Behind-the-scenes tours and interviews make this event even more memorable. For tickets ($25 adults, $20 seniors/members, $15 students, $18 each for all in the series), call the box office at (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. -- Photos courtesy of the Met

THE MET: LIVE IN HD SUMMER ENCORES presents THE ENCHANTED ISLAND, a new baroque fantasy inspired by the pastiches of the 18th Century. Stars Joyce Didonato, David Daniels and Placido Domingo.

Two spectacular operas from the Met are coming to The Ridgefield Playhouse as encore productions this month. Verdi's Shakespearean masterpiece Otello stars Johan Botha in the title role opposite acclaimed soprano Renee Fleming as Desdemona on Wednesday, July 9. On Wednesday, July 16, Handel's The Enchanted Island showcases the talents of William Christie, David Daniels, Joyce DiDonato and Pacido Domingo. These performances start at 6 p.m. Advantages of the HD broadcasts are the interesting camera angles, behind-the-scenes tours and interviews.

Met Music Director James Levine conducts the first Live in HD performance of Mozart's barbed romance Così fan tutte, a comic masterpiece about the romantic complications that ensue when a pair of friends decide to test their fiancée's fidelity. Lesley Koenig's sleek production features a cast filled with rising Met stars, including Susanna Phillips and Isabel Leonard as the sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella; Matthew Polenzani and Rodion Pogossov as their fiancés, Ferrando and Guglielmo; and Danielle de Niese as their feisty maid Despina. Maurizio Muraro is the cynical Don Alfonso.

The Met: Live in HD Series continues today, April 26th at 1 pm in the Warner's Nancy Marine Studio Theatre with Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte.

The Met: Live in HD Series continues on Saturday, April 26th at 1 pm in the Warner's Nancy Marine Studio Theatre with Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutte.