Old Opera News Articles You May Have Missed
At Opera News, we’re always looking for ways to bring you the best content possible. In this blog, we’ll be highlighting some of our older articles that you may have missed.
January 2017
In January of 2017, Opera News had a lot to offer its readers. From world news to entertainment, there was something for everyone. Here are some articles you may have missed.
“La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini at the Metropolitan Opera
Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème” is one of the most beloved operas of all time, and it remains a favorite of opera fans around the world. The story of young love and heartbreaking loss has been captured onscreen in several film and television adaptations, including the classic 1958 film version starring Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.
The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of “La Bohème” features a star-studded cast, including soprano Sonya Yoncheva in the role of Mimì, tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Rodolfo, baritone Luca Salsi as Marcello, and mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili as Musetta. Conducted by maestro Marco Armiliato, this new production is sure to be a hit with opera fans old and new.
“The Marriage of Figaro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Royal Opera House
As the curtain rose on Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Royal Opera House on January 28, 2017, there was a warm round of applause for conductor Sir Antonio Pappano. It was well deserved—Pappano, who is also the music director of the Royal Opera, has a close connection with this particular work, having conducted it several times at Covent Garden over the past two decades.
The same cannot be said for the production itself, which is new to the Royal Opera and was met with more than a few boos at the final curtain. This Marriage is a radical reinterpretation by director Michael Grandage, best known for his work in theater, and while it has some interesting moments, it ultimately fails to do justice to one of Mozart’s greatest operas.
Grandage’s take on The Marriage of Figaro is a modernization set in late-19th-century Spain. Gone are the elaborate wigs and costumes of Mozart’s time; in their place are sleek suits and sleek coiffures inspired byArt Nouveau. But this new look does not make for a new opera—it’s still very much The Marriage of Figaro we know and love, with all its plot twists and melodic pleasures intact.
While Grandage’s production may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying that Pappano led a superb performance from the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. The playing was polished and refined, with just the right amount of bombast in the big moments. The cast was strong across the board, with particular standouts Adam Plachetka as Figaro and Miah Persson as Susanna. Plachetka brought energy and verve to his role, while Persson sang with sweetness and grace.
In spite of its flaws, this production of The Marriage of Figaro is well worth seeing for Pappano’s conducting alone. If you can get past the modern setting, you’ll be rewarded with a truly top-notch performance of one of Mozart’s greatest operas.
“Don Giovanni” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Vienna State Opera
A new production of “Don Giovanni” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart opened at the Vienna State Opera on January 11, 2017. The production was conducted by Franz Welser-Möst and starred Daniel Behle in the title role.
This production was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising the conducting, direction, and set design. Daniel Behle’s performance as Don Giovanni was particularly lauded, with many calling it a career-defining role.
February 2017
“Carmen” by Georges Bizet at the Opéra National de Paris
Bizet’s operatic masterpiece burst onto the stage in 1875, and its popularity has scarcely dimmed since. Set in Seville, Spain, the work tells the story of the gypsy Carmen and her ill-fated love affair with the soldier Don José. The passionate score – which includes such well-known tunes as the “Toreador Song” and the Habanera – is brought to life by a stellar cast, including soprano Anita Rachvelishvili in the title role and tenor Roberto Alagna as Don José. Conducted by Daniel Barenboim, this new production from director Olivier Py is not to be missed.
“La Traviata” by Giuseppe Verdi at the Teatro alla Scala
When the curtain rose on Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Traviata” at the Teatro alla Scala on December 7, 2016, it revealed a new production by director Nicolas Joël, sets and costumes by Franco Pittaluga, lighting by Carlo Cerri, and video projections by rotozaza. This was the 813th performance of Verdi’s “tragedy of the fallen woman” since its 1853 premiere at La Fenice in Venice, and though it was only Joël’s third opera production—after Aix-en-Provence (2009) and Oslo (2013)—his previous work in theater and dance had already demonstrated an affinity for Verdi. As it turned out, this “Traviata” was one of the most unconventional stagings I have ever seen.
The protagonist Violetta is traditionally presented as a fading courtesan in early-19th-century Paris; in Pittaluga’s designs, she is a successful businesswoman in contemporary Milan. As befits a woman of means in our era, her apartment (one of three settings used here) is sleekly furnished and decorated with works by Arturo Di Modica, Enzo Cucchi, Mimmo Paladino, and other Italian artists of our time. When we first see her there, she is seated at her computer working on a presentation for potential investors; later, she will be shown typing out a love letter to Alfredo Germont (sung by Francesco Meli), who has just moved into her building.
“The Barber of Seville” by Gioachino Rossini at the Gran Teatre del Liceu
The Barber of Seville is one of the most popular operas by Gioachino Rossini. It was first performed in Rome in 1816, and has since beenperformed thousands of times all over the world. The Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona is one of the most important opera houses in Europe, and it is currently hosting a production of The Barber of Seville.
This particular production is directed by Josep García and stars Juan Diego Flórez as Figaro, Javier Camarena as Count Almaviva, and Rosanna Savoia as Rosina. The Gran Teatre del Liceu Orchestra will be conducted by Enrique Múñoz.
The Barber of Seville will be performed four times between February 11 and February 25, 2017. Tickets start at €30 and can be purchased online or at the box office.
March 2017
In case you missed it, here are some old opera news articles from March of 2017. This was a big month for opera, as many new productions premiered and some old favorites returned to the stage. Highlights include “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Metropolitan Opera, “Don Giovanni” at La Scala, and “Carmen” at the Royal Opera House.
“The Marriage of Figaro” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Teatro Real
In 1786, Mozart wrote what would become one of the most popular operas of all time, “The Marriage of Figaro.” The opera tells the story of a young couple, Figaro and Susanna, who are preparing for their wedding day. But things quickly become complicated when it is revealed that Figaro’s former employer, Count Almaviva, is planning to marry Susanna himself.
“The Marriage of Figaro” was an instant success when it was first performed in Vienna. It has since been performed countless times all over the world, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’re a fan of Mozart’s music, or if you’re simply looking for a good opera to watch, “The Marriage of Figaro” is a great choice. It’s currently being performed at the Teatro Real in Madrid, and you can catch it there through March 2017.
“Don Pasquale” by Gaetano Donizetti at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo
On February 11, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo presented a new production of Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale,” conducted by Valerio Galli and staged by Jean-Louis Grinda. This was the first time that “Don Pasquale” had been performed at the Salle Garnier since 1978, when it was conducted by Maurizio Arena and staged by Giorgio Strehler. The 2017 production features a cast of young singers making their debuts at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo: Bruno de Simone as Malatesta, Marco Caria as Ernesto, Paolo Fanale as Pasquale and Laura Brioli as Norina.
The revival of “Don Pasquale” is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the Opéra de Monte-Carlo to make its repertoire more accessible to younger audiences. In addition to offering reduced-price tickets to those under 30, the Opéra de Monte-Carlo has also begun broadcasting live performances on giant screens in public squares in Monaco and around the French Riviera.
“La Bohème” by Giacomo Puccini at the Lyric Opera of Chicago
The Lyric Opera of Chicago is currently presenting Giacomo Puccini’s classic opera La Bohème. The production is by director Sir David McVicar and conducted by Michele Mariotti. It features a star-studded cast, including soprano Nicole Car as the tragic heroine Mimi, tenor Javier Camarena as her doomed lover Rodolfo, baritone Lucas Meachem as the philandering Marcello, and mezzo-soprano Samantha Hankey as Musetta.
This timeless tale of young love in Paris has captivated audiences around the world for over a century. Puccini’s gorgeous music and emotionally charged story are brought to life in this new production, which is sure to be a hit with fans of the opera.
