San Diego Opera's 60th Anniversary La bohème sees Mimì as a ghost
The future of opera? Holograms & dream casts
HumourOr! Don Carlo, with Plácido Domingo's hologram in the title role, and the real-life Plácido Domingo as Rodrigo? Add a little Jamie Barton as Eboli, and Nicolai Ghiaurov as Philip II? Delicious.
Holiday recap: forbiddens & traditions
EditorialThere's little wrong, though, with heading into a new year with good tunes in one's head, and an acute anticipation of good things to come.
Talking with singers: Eva-Maria Westbroek
Interview"The audiences in Covent Garden are just unbelievable, so generous and warm! I am so grateful for this and absolutely love singing here."
2018 in review: a confession
EditorialI guess that's my 2018 year-in-review: finding my way back to opera. It certainly helped to have, always bubbling in the background like happy reminders, the insatiable enthusiasm for opera of our writers and readers. So, thanks.
Counter/Culture
ReviewThere was literally something for everyone who enjoys culture. Though many elements tied together, in the end it had the same effect as a large, complex mosaic - no surprise since it was the result of a collaboration between many: Mr. Costanzo conceived the project in conjunction with the artistic directors of Visionaire and National Sawdust, which is known for its interdisciplinary productions.
"Pop-Up Opera"
ReviewMenotti holds an unusual niche in musical history – he's one of the rare post-Puccini composers who continued in the romantic or verismo style while the opera world became mostly atonal and minimalist. He is also one of only a handful of composers – like Wagner – who wrote his own libretti.
Talking with singers: Siobhan Stagg
InterviewFor the moment, Stagg is enjoying Chicago. Recent highlights include bundling up for a walk through Millennium Park, an outing to hear Verdi's Requiem with Riccardo Muti at the Chicago Symphony, and a trip to the city's famed Art Institute, where she especially enjoyed the collection of French impressionist paintings.
Amahl production a charming gift of youthful energy
ReviewAmahl's widowed mother, played by soprano Megan Miceli, was another bright star of this production. Like Pfeifer, Miceli's portrayal was honest and nuanced, her round, vibrant tone filling the performance space with ease.
Check it out: an online hub for new opera
NewsMyNewOpera is searchable by composer, theme, artist, and synopsis, making it a valuable resource for those curious what's happening among opera's small companies and even works-in-progress.
Don't miss: Verbotenlieder
NewsLaunched in 2018 by baritones Michael Nyby and Aaron Durand, TICP is about unpacking and re-thinking the "often stiff nature" of classical music. With Verbotenlieder, they're upending two of opera's most ubiquitous traditions: gender and voice type.