Will the 22nd century still see the opera-loving world as fascinated by the ongoing saga of the Wagner family as the 20th did and the 21st does?
Year: 2009
Dresden’s Gain is Munich’s Loss: Thielemann Signs With Staatskapelle
http://www.weta.org/fmblog/?p=817
Tosca at the MET
In the end the performance does not rescue the dreary new production — still, the reason to visit the Met’s new Tosca is Karita Mattila’s bravura if wrongheaded interpretation of the title role.
Tristan und Isolde — Christof Loy and Antonio Pappano’s stark production of Wagner’s opera is a haunting triumph
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/the_tls/article6868045.ece
Imogen Cooper’s Birthday at the Wigmore Hall
This wasn’t an ordinary concert but something very special. The Wigmore Hall was honouring Imogen Cooper on her 60th birthday. She is greatly loved here, both as soloist and as partner in song recitals. The atmosphere was electric. The house was packed, with many famous pianists and singers in the audience. It was a historic occasion, but it felt like a party among friends.
Il trovatore in San Francisco
SFO general director David Gockley has a mania for developing new audiences — last year The Bonesetter’s Daughter was aimed at enticing the Asian American community into the opera house, and Porgy and Bess encouraged the African American community to cross the threshold.
John Gay: The Beggar’s Opera
The only thing truly operatic in this work is the use of the word “opera” in the title.
Zandonai: Francesca Da Rimini
Besotted admirers of certain lesser-known operas of debatable merit sometimes include conductors, singers and opera house managers with the power to get their cherished rarity on stage.
Oxford Lieder – Britain’s top Song Festival
In the autumn, Oxford is especially beautiful. The ancient colleges are swathed in scarlet vines, and the mellow evening light creates great atmosphere. For those who love art song, though, the best reason for visiting Oxford at this time of year is the Oxford Lieder Festival, which starts October 16th 2009.