Elza van den Heever and the MET Orchestra: A stunning all-Strauss program
Talking with singers: Sidney Outlaw
Interview"I try my best to lead by example," he says. Outlaw sees his singing as an opportunity for putting something positive in the world, "to perform and sing and be a blessing in people's lives, so if they have that kind of hate in their heart, when I'm done with them, they don't any more."
Women in the arts: is it our turn, yet?
EditorialAnd what if they remain ignored? What if women never make up 50% of our conductor, choreographers, and General Directors? Does that mean that our artistic experiences have been, and will always be, limited? Are we missing out on masterpieces without more women calling the artistic shots? Are there certain avenues of the arts that women are simply less interested in pursuing, like technical direction or stage direction?
In review: Così fan tutte at ROH
ReviewIt's not a bad solution to look to the show's theatrical context, itself a way of addressing the suspended disbelief. If the action takes place in a theatre, each scene can be something new, even heavy-handed in its symbolism. There are chorus members and stage crew to help create scenes that depict temptation, or a fab wedding banquet, or an entire train station.
In review: Renée Fleming joins opening night at the TSO
ReviewAfter three encores that included a sing-along of "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "Summertime", her third encore closed the show with a touching and soaring rendition of "O mio babbino caro". The ovation went on for what seemed like several minutes and people were reluctant to leave their seats.
Big history & big operas: Festival Verdi 2016
InterviewFrom October 1-30, the Festival Verdi takes over theatres in Parma and Busseto for their annual celebration of Giuseppe Verdi. On the performance line-up for 2016 are Il trovatore, Giovanna d'Arco, I masdanieri and Don Carlo; plus, the month is filled with gala concerts, recitals, and community building programs, like Emozioni Under 30, Il piccolo Verdi, and their Verdi Off series.
Aria guides: Va, laisse couler mes larmes
How-ToShortly after the famous "Letter Scene" where she re-reads correspondence between her and Werther, Charlotte sings "Va! laisse couler mes larmes" to Sophie, her younger, more optimistic sister, telling her that it is sometimes a good thing to grieve, and not be consoled.
AtG's Opera Pubs: "It can all get a bit wild."
EditorialOpera Pubs accommodate the kind of listeners who simply enjoy the sound of operatic singing, and who aren't necessarily itching to know the details of the story. Even better, the common ground of a pub environment allows listeners to feel as though they're among the group of singers, rather than watching from afar.
Actual opera buzz: The Swarm, in review
ReviewThemes of community, even sisterhood, poured through The Swarm, and we begin to get a sense of the relationship among the individuals in the hive. They were curious together, scared together, and when they finally take flight together, there was something reminiscent of Wagner's Valkyries.
Aria guides: "Je suis encor tout étourdie"
How-toIt's the first time we meet Manon, and she has just stepped out of the carriage that took her on her very first journey. Despite her being *en route* to a convent, Manon still finds excitement in all the new things surrounding her. Along with your trusted teachers and coaches, we can offer up some tips and tricks to get you started with Manon, one of Massenet's many complicated ladies.
Shh! Confidential Opera Project is back!
NewsAfter an incredibly successful first show in June, we are #stokedissimo to bring you another one of the opera world's most beloved works, sung by some of the best up-and-coming talent here in Toronto.