Category: Features

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Gerardo de la Torre
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“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

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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Music and words can take people places words alone can never approach,” says Librettist Mark Campbell

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

Lucas Meachem
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“It’s an astounding feeling to become so close and intimate with a character like that,” says Baritone Lucas Meachem

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

Jennifer Williams
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Director Jennifer Williams on Backwards from Winter, technology in opera, and her love of the art form

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

John Holiday
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Countertenor John Holiday on Chichester Psalms, Crypt Sessions, and love of opera

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

Benjamin Bernheim
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Benjamin Bernheim on Lyric Opera of Chicago’s new production of Gounod’s Faust

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

Lawrence Brownlee
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“It can transport you into a different world,” says American Tenor Lawrence Brownlee about Opera

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

Enrique Mazolla
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Enrique Mazzola on I Puritani at Lyric Opera of Chicago

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

Janai Brugger
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“It’s just the ultimate expression of passion and storytelling,” says Janai Brugger, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s next Liù

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

Andrea Mastroni
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Andrea Mastroni on his Met debut, upcoming album, and most challenging role

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

Andrea Carè
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Andrea Carè on Don Carlo, Don José, and his passion for opera

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

Adam Plachetka
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Adam Plachetka on Figaro, studio recording, and role preparation

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

Eric Owens
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Bass-baritone Eric Owens on Wotan, other roles, and his love 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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Your life in music is yours alone to create,” says composer Mark Adamo

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

Jacques Imbrailo
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“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

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

Rosa Feola
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“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

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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“When the downbeat happens, for a few hours, it’s magic,” says Christine Goerke, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s next Brünnhilde

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

Craig Colclough
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Music has the power to communicate far more complex thoughts,” says Bass-Baritone Craig Colclough

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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Nothing else gives me those chills,” says Riccardo Massi about Opera

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

Annalisa Stroppa
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Annalisa Stroppa on Opera, Artistry, and Upcoming Engagements

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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Without music, mankind would be very poor or might not even exist,” says Tenor Saimir Pirgu

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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“The most beautiful thing humanity can achieve,” says Heartbeat Opera Co-Artistic Director Ethan Heard about Opera

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
By Myrtle Lemon Posted on

“This piece is all about the relationships,” says Edward Parks, Marcello in Minnesota Opera’s La bohème

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

Jonathan Brandani
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Meet Minnesota Opera’s New Assistant Conductor, Jonathan Brandani!

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!

Matthew Polenzani
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“It’s simply one of the most beautiful art forms in the world,” says Opera Superstar Matthew Polenzani

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

Craig Bohmler's Riders of the Purple Sage
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“The story seemed to ‘sing’ from the very first pages,” says Craig Bohmler, Composer of Arizona Opera’s Riders of the Purple Sage

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

Andrew Wilkowske
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“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

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

Tai Oney
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

A Refugee Trapped in an Airport, Countertenor Tai Oney discusses Opera Parallèle’s Flight

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

Robin Johannsen
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“I love how great music can transport you,” says Robin Johannsen, American Soprano

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

Peter Rothstein
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Peter Rothstein, Director of Minnesota Opera’s Diana’s Garden, talks about this forgotten work

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

Corinne Winters
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Opera is alive, and exists only from the downbeat until the curtain falls,” says Corinne Winters, Seattle Opera’s latest Violetta

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

Eric Neuville
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“Singing is my vocation,” says American Tenor Eric Neuville

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

Jonathan Blalock
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“What I love most about opera is its transcendent power,” says American Tenor Jonathan Blalock

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

Massimo Cavalletti
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Massimo Cavalletti on his career, La bohème, and new operagoers

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

Jessica Hall
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“It’s such epic music,” Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Jessica Hall on being an opera pianist for Wagner’s Das Rheingold

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

Brian Staufenbiel
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Brian Staufenbiel’s Das Rheingold – The New Generation of Opera in Action

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
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Amanda Majeski, Mozart’s latest Donna Elvira, Countess, and Vitellia

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

Michael Christie
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

Maestro Michael Christie on Minnesota Opera’s Das Rheingold

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

Mario Antonio Marra
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“The drama is very direct and true,” Mario Antonio Marra on Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Lucia di Lammermoor

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

Laura Wilde
By Trevor Gillis Posted on

“This production shows how the magic works,” Laura Wilde on Lyric Opera’s Das Rheingold

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