Is there anything that Ildar Abdrazakov cannot do with his voice? In a programme that began with Giordani (Caro mio ben) and finished with Rachmaninov (Spring Waters) he visited coloratura and patter songs, sang the longest of phrases, and displayed the most extraordinarily dulcet pianissimi contrasting with laser-sharp fortissimi. And although it was all so (ostensibly) … [Read more...]
San Francisco Opera removes David Daniels after allegations of sexual assault
A surprising and sad press release has arrived from San Francisco Opera: San Francisco Opera today announced it is removing countertenor David Daniels from the role of Medoro in the Company’s June 2019 presentation of Handel’s Orlando. The decision to part ways with Mr. Daniels, for business and professional reasons, was reached after considerable deliberation given the … [Read more...]
Aged 97, Franco Zeffirelli will stage a new production of Rigoletto
At 95, Franco Zeffirelli is returning to the opera house to direct a new production of Rigoletto. The opera will open in September 2020 at the Royal Opera House in Muscat when the Zeffirelli will be 97. The theatre’s director, Umberto Fanni, announced the news from Zeffirelli’s glorious villa on Rome’s via Appia Antica. His last production was a Don Giovanni for the Arena in … [Read more...]
Interview: Carmen Giannattasio on her first Tosca, Lady Gaga, and homicide
Soprano Carmen Giannattasio has been in demand since she was thrust before the public eye when she won both the First Prize and the Audience Award at Placido Domingo’s Operalia in Paris in 2002. She took on one of the most challenging soprano roles soon after, singing Violetta La Traviata. Reviewing a 2007 performance at Scottish Opera, Rupert Christiansen wrote in the Daily … [Read more...]
Royal Swedish Opera auctions costumes to finance its activities for children
UPDATE 25 October 2018: The auction generated over €48,000 which will go to fund the opera house's activities for children and young people. "With this money, the Opera can offer performances for schools at a discounted prices," said Anna Karinsdotter, artistic director of the Young at the Opera programme. You might be just in time to pick up a prop or costume from The Royal … [Read more...]