Canadian contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux recently made her debut at the Met and is soon to release a new album. I am pleased to have been afforded the opportunity to speak … Continue readingCanadian contralto Marie-Nicole Lemieux on performing at the Met, her upcoming album, and her love of opera
I am thrilled that Bulgarian baritone Vladimir Stoyanov was able to take the time to answer a few of my questions about growing up in Bulgaria, performing at Covent Garden, … Continue readingBulgarian baritone Vladimir Stoyanov on opera, an “expression of the human condition”
There’s no doubt about it – it’s a great time of year for lovers of contemporary opera! One of the world’s greatest producers of contemporary opera, Beth Morrison Projects, has … Continue readingBeth Morrison Projects: Next Generation stars Emma O’Halloran, Michael Lanci, and Jennifer Williams
Mexican baritone Gerardo de la Torre is one of opera’s exciting young up-and-comers. He recently tied for first prize at the prestigious Verismo Opera’s Annual International Vocal Competition. I am … Continue reading“I do opera because my heart demands nourishment,” says Baritone Gerardo de la Torre, recent first prize winner of Verismo Opera’s 30th Annual International Vocal Competition
Mark Campbell is one of today’s leading opera librettists. A champion of contemporary opera, Campbell has written 28 librettos, the most popular of which is Silent Night, which won the … Continue reading“Music and words can take people places words alone can never approach,” says Librettist Mark Campbell
Audiences can soon hear opera superstar and karaoke master Lucas Meachem singing on stage at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in Minnesota Opera’s upcoming production of Massenet’s Thaïs. I … Continue reading“It’s an astounding feeling to become so close and intimate with a character like that,” says Baritone Lucas Meachem
Director Jennifer Williams is making the opera world more exciting. Bringing a non-traditional voice to an art form drowning in the conventional, Williams is exploring the use of technology – … Continue readingDirector Jennifer Williams on Backwards from Winter, technology in opera, and her love of the art form
Countertenor John Holiday is currently performing Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I am thrilled that John was willing to take the time to answer a few of … Continue readingCountertenor John Holiday on Chichester Psalms, Crypt Sessions, and love of opera
American tenor René Barbera is making major house debuts left and right this season. The Texas native is performing primarily in Europe, making his La Scala debut in early April. … Continue readingRené Barbera on La Scala, living in Berlin, and the beauty of opera
Icelandic baritone Olafur Sigurdarson is currently performing a role near and dear to his heart at Minnesota Opera: Rigoletto. I am thrilled that Olafur was willing to answer a few … Continue reading“Nothing short of magical,” says Icelandic baritone Olafur Sigurdarson, Minnesota Opera’s latest Rigoletto
French tenor Benjamin Bernheim will soon be making his U.S. debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago, singing the title role in Gounod’s Faust. I am thrilled that Benjamin was willing … Continue readingBenjamin Bernheim on Lyric Opera of Chicago’s new production of Gounod’s Faust
American tenor Lawrence Brownlee is a renowned interpreter of many of the great bel canto roles, but he is doing equally important work off the stage as well: currently serving … Continue reading“It can transport you into a different world,” says American Tenor Lawrence Brownlee about Opera
American countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo has a voice of sheer beauty and what appears to be an insatiable passion for opera and the arts. An enthusiastic supporter of new works, … Continue readingCountertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo on Written On Skin and his love of Opera
Following last year’s tremendous success, Italian conductor Enrique Mazzola is returning to Chicago to conduct Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece I Puritani at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Maestro Mazzola conducted Donizetti’s … Continue readingEnrique Mazzola on I Puritani at Lyric Opera of Chicago
Mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack is having one of those seasons that opera singers dream of: a run of a new opera that received rave reviews, role and house debuts at major … Continue reading“As powerful as human touch,” says Mezzo Daniela Mack about Opera
For the first time, Minnesota Opera is putting on Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking (2000), one of today’s most popular contemporary operas, and bass-baritone Seth Carico is leading the cast. … Continue reading“I live for opera’s honesty,” says Bass-baritone Seth Carico
Janai Brugger will soon make her debut at Lyric Opera of Chicago in the role of Liù in Puccini’s Turandot. Janai will be playing the role for the five performances … Continue reading“It’s just the ultimate expression of passion and storytelling,” says Janai Brugger, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s next Liù
Everything is going right for Italian bass Andrea Mastroni; he debuted at the Met earlier this year, he’s releasing his first album soon, and he’s receiving rave reviews left and … Continue readingAndrea Mastroni on his Met debut, upcoming album, and most challenging role
Italian tenor Andrea Carè heard his first opera when he was 19. Despite his late start, Carè’s beautiful voice and superb musicality helped him catch the eye of legendary tenor … Continue readingAndrea Carè on Don Carlo, Don José, and his passion for opera
Gerald Finley is one of opera’s finest artists. His exceptionally beautiful tone has made him one of the world’s top Mozart baritones, but he doesn’t only do Mozart; currently he … Continue reading“Unmatched by any other art,” says Gerald Finley about Opera
Adam Plachetka is an exciting young performer who will soon be playing the title role in the Met’s run of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro. The Czech bass-baritone is renowned … Continue readingAdam Plachetka on Figaro, studio recording, and role preparation
Matthew Rose is an absolute delight to see and hear on stage. I first saw the English bass perform in a Met Live in HD production of Don Giovanni. Currently … Continue readingMatthew Rose on Norma, Don Giovanni, and the power of opera
Bass-baritone Eric Owens is one of those guys whom everyone likes – and it’s so easy to understand why! He’s one of the most sought-after artists in the opera world, … Continue readingBass-baritone Eric Owens on Wotan, other roles, and his love of opera
Mark Adamo is one of today’s most exciting opera composers. His first major work, Little Women, was composed for Houston Grand Opera nearly 20 years ago. Since that time there … Continue reading“Your life in music is yours alone to create,” says composer Mark Adamo
Baritone Jacques Imbrailo will soon be playing Count Almaviva in Minnesota Opera’s production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro (Le nozze di Figaro). Imbrailo, a renowned interpreter of Benjamin Britten’s … Continue reading“Few things move us as music does, and to be part of that is a gift,” says Jacques Imbrailo, Minnesota Opera’s next Count Almaviva
Victoria Livengood is a titan of opera: she has sung the title role of Carmen over 250 times on the great stages of the world; she is a Grammy award-winning … Continue readingVictoria Livengood, Chicago Opera Theater’s Mother in The Consul, on life and opera
It was one of those moments when the entire audience was enraptured. It was during Rosa Feola’s “Caro nome” in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s latest production of Verdi’s Rigoletto. I … Continue reading“Chicago welcomed me with such an enthusiasm that I was suddenly in love with the people!” says Rosa Feola, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Gilda
Christine Goerke is one of today’s most sought after opera stars for the roles of Brünnhilde and Elektra, but her massive sound and assortment of colors aren’t limited to these … Continue reading“When the downbeat happens, for a few hours, it’s magic,” says Christine Goerke, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s next Brünnhilde
Minnesota audiences get to see Craig Colclough again this season – in only a few days! This time it’s in an opera you’re probably familiar with: Donizetti’s perennial favorite Don … Continue reading“Music has the power to communicate far more complex thoughts,” says Bass-Baritone Craig Colclough
Riccardo Massi loves action and opera. This stuntman-gone-opera singer is currently finishing up a very successful run in LA Opera’s Carmen. We feel fortunate that he was willing to take … Continue reading“Nothing else gives me those chills,” says Riccardo Massi about Opera
You know those people who study Classics in college and then embark upon careers in finance? Well, here’s a new one for you: Carl Tanner went from being a bounty … Continue reading“Most of all what I love about opera is the music,” says tenor Carl Tanner
There’s hardly an opera house in Europe that hasn’t worked with mezzo-soprano Annalisa Stroppa. Born in a small town in Northern Italy, Stroppa grew up playing the piano, and after … Continue readingAnnalisa Stroppa on Opera, Artistry, and Upcoming Engagements
Saimir Pirgu is one of those talents that seemed destined for greatness from the very beginning. Pavarotti discovered him when Pirgu was only 19. He went on to study many … Continue reading“Without music, mankind would be very poor or might not even exist,” says Tenor Saimir Pirgu
Heartbeat Opera is breathing new life into the 400+ year old art form. This weekend, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to take in the company’s Spring Festival. Believe me … Continue reading“The most beautiful thing humanity can achieve,” says Heartbeat Opera Co-Artistic Director Ethan Heard about Opera
Edward Parks is a baritone in high demand. His “warm, velvety baritone” (Opera News) voice has been heard on the stages of the Metropolitan Opera, Atlanta Opera, and Lyric Opera … Continue reading“This piece is all about the relationships,” says Edward Parks, Marcello in Minnesota Opera’s La bohème
Last month I had the unique privilege of sitting down with Minnesota Opera’s new Assistant Conductor, Jonathan Brandani. Jonathan is a young, affable, and wonderfully delightful Italian conductor who has … Continue readingMeet Minnesota Opera’s New Assistant Conductor, Jonathan Brandani!
He’s got a commanding presence on stage and a powerful set of pipes. His name: George Gagnidze. Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Gagnidze is one of the world’s foremost baritones. In … Continue reading“So many emotions from real life can be found in these works,” says Georgian Baritone George Gagnidze
Matthew Polenzani is one of today’s opera superstars – he has sung it all and performed everywhere, all to great acclaim. He has a voice that today’s young artists know, … Continue reading“It’s simply one of the most beautiful art forms in the world,” says Opera Superstar Matthew Polenzani
Few things in the opera world can compare to the excitement surrounding a world premiere, so the atmosphere at Arizona Opera is currently absolutely electrifying! Audience members will soon have … Continue reading“The story seemed to ‘sing’ from the very first pages,” says Craig Bohmler, Composer of Arizona Opera’s Riders of the Purple Sage
Chicago Opera Theater has done it again: they’ve put together a stellar cast for yet another groundbreaking world premiere. The Invention of Morel, by Stewart Copeland, former drummer for the … Continue reading“Opera can do something that no other art form can do,” says Andrew Wilkowske, the Fugitive in Chicago Opera Theater’s The Invention of Morel
San Francisco’s Opera Parallèle is one of the hottest young opera companies in the nation. Since 2007, the company has focused on producing contemporary opera in intimate settings. Next week, … Continue readingA Refugee Trapped in an Airport, Countertenor Tai Oney discusses Opera Parallèle’s Flight
American soprano Robin Johannsen is one of the great interpreters of Baroque opera. This Philadelphia native has spent the majority of her career on the great stages of Europe, including … Continue reading“I love how great music can transport you,” says Robin Johannsen, American Soprano
So you haven’t heard of Diana’s Garden by Vicente Martín y Soler? That’s OK; nobody else has either. Although it was immensely popular in its day, Diana’s Garden has all … Continue readingPeter Rothstein, Director of Minnesota Opera’s Diana’s Garden, talks about this forgotten work
American soprano Corinne Winters seems to be on the fast track to opera stardom – she’s making major house debuts left and right and transforming some of the great leading … Continue reading“Opera is alive, and exists only from the downbeat until the curtain falls,” says Corinne Winters, Seattle Opera’s latest Violetta
American tenor Eric Neuville is a fascinating guy all around – he sings opera, writes books, re-engineers vocal labs, and sings in a Grammy Award winning ensemble. He is currently … Continue reading“Singing is my vocation,” says American Tenor Eric Neuville
American tenor Jonathan Blalock is one of those opera singers who is not only a pleasure to listen to, but also a delight to talk to. The North Carolina native, … Continue reading“What I love most about opera is its transcendent power,” says American Tenor Jonathan Blalock
Texan Scott Hendricks is Mr. Versatile; the world-famous baritone has graced the stages of many of the finest opera houses around the world, including the Royal Opera House and the … Continue readingBaritone Scott Hendricks on John Adams’ Nixon in China
Massimo Cavalletti is a natural talent; the 38 year-old baritone just sang his 100th Met performance of Puccini’s La bohème, the opera he made his Met debut in only six … Continue readingMassimo Cavalletti on his career, La bohème, and new operagoers
Prior to the Das Rheingold preview night at Minnesota Opera on Thursday, November 10, 2016, I had the great pleasure of sitting down with Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Jessica Hall, … Continue reading“It’s such epic music,” Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Jessica Hall on being an opera pianist for Wagner’s Das Rheingold
At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 10, 2016, I had the distinct pleasure of witnessing history in the making – I attended the preview night of the first ever Minnesota … Continue readingBrian Staufenbiel’s Das Rheingold – The New Generation of Opera in Action
Amanda Majeski has one of those commanding yet intimate soprano voices that makes you forget everything else going on around you. When you first hear her, you know immediately that … Continue readingAmanda Majeski, Mozart’s latest Donna Elvira, Countess, and Vitellia
Leah Crocetto, San Francisco Opera’s latest Aida, is no longer an up and coming star – she has made it! Crocetto is anything but a stereotypical diva; she is kind, … Continue readingLeah Crocetto, San Francisco Opera’s newest Aida!
Maestro Michael Christie has been Music Director of the Minnesota Opera since the 2012 / 2013 season, and since that time he has helped shape the Minnesota Opera into the … Continue readingMaestro Michael Christie on Minnesota Opera’s Das Rheingold
With Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor opening this weekend, we wanted to interview someone who is both intimately involved in the production and has a … Continue reading“The drama is very direct and true,” Mario Antonio Marra on Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Lucia di Lammermoor
I first met Laura Wilde during our sophomore year at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. At St. Olaf, it soon became obvious to everyone who listened to her that … Continue reading“This production shows how the magic works,” Laura Wilde on Lyric Opera’s Das Rheingold