Opera as you’ve never seen it: La Scala cancels controversial ‘Candide’

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/news/article2112576.ece

VERDI: Aida

A luminous blue backdrop, sliding columns, a solitary iconic prop (an over-sized falcon head in the opening scene, for example), singers frozen in stiff, awkward poses ó yes, it’s a Robert Wilson spectacular!

Un “IdomÈnÈe” o˘ la musique est reine

http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-3246,36-850087@51-751675,0.html

Met’s `Magic Flute,’ Soul Stars, River Fireworks: London Picks

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=aTzJOkguqDrw&refer=muse

Buying Classical CDs in a Post-Tower-Records World

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/28/arts/music/28stor.html

MOZART: The Glyndebourne Collection

What kind of opera lovers will appreciate this big DVD box the most?

MUSSORGSKY: Boris Godunov

One of the best opera DVDs released in 2006 was the Salzburg La Traviata, with Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko able to make full use of their vocal charisma and acting skills in Willy Decker’s sharp, sexy production.

BARBATO: O Cientista (The Scientist)

Rio de Janeiro, as the capital of the Empire and later the Republic of Brazil, had an extensive history of opera during the 19th century, well-documented by newspapers and magazines of the day, which included the conducting debut of Arturo Toscanini in a local performance of Aida in 1888, described in the memoirs of Brazilian composer and entrepreneur Artur Napole„o.

A Diva Who Breaks the Divadom Rules

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/27/arts/music/27netr.html

Opera Audiences Return To Historic Raucousness

http://www.nysun.com/article/45752