R.I.P. BRITISH BASS-BARITONE KEEL WATSON (1964-2023)

Esteemed British bass-baritone Keel Watson has died at 59

In a statement, Steven Swales Artist Management said, ‘It is with enormous sadness that we announce the sudden death of Keel Watson. It was a huge privilege to work with him and call him a friend. Keel’s magnificent voice was admired by so many, as was his sharp wit and generosity as a performer. Only recently he completed acclaimed performances in genres as diverse as Wagner and Gilbert and Sullivan. We send our thoughts to his family and those who knew and loved him.’

Read more

CALLAS – PARIS, 1958 in cinemas soon should not be missed by opera lovers of whatever vintage

FranceFrance CALLAS – PARIS, 1958: Maria Callas (soprano), featured soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris / Georges Sébastian (conductor). Filmed for ORTF by Roger Benamou on 19.12.1958 and released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 11 & 12.11.2023. (JPr)

Maria Callas © Fonds de Dotation Maria Callas

Read more

Serebrennikov’s new Paris Opera Lohengrin is utterly compelling theatre despite confusing moments

FranceFrance Wagner, Lohengrin: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opéra national de Paris / Alexander Soddy (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Myriam Hoyer) from the Opéra Bastille, Paris, 24.10.2023 and available on medici.tv from 1.11.2023. (JPr)

Paris Opera’s Lohengrin Act I © Charles-Duprat/OnP

Read more

Jakub Hrůša‘s ‘wonderful gift’ to Berlin: an outstanding account of Dvořák’s Stabat Mater

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Dvořák: Corinne Winters (soprano), Marvic Monreal (mezzo-soprano), David Butt Philip (tenor), Matthew Rose (bass). Rundfunkchor Berlin (chorus director: Gijs Leenaars), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Jakub Hrůša (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 13.10.2023. (MB)

Dvořák’s Stabat Mater at Berlin’s Philharmonie © Bettina Stöss/Berliner Philharmoniker

Read more

Verdi’s 210th birthday is celebrated in Parma with the aim of saving ‘Villa Verdi’

ItalyItaly Gala Verdiano: Eleonora Buratto (soprano), Clémentine Margaine (mezzo-soprano), Gregory Kunde (tenor), Michele Pertusi (bass), Coro del Teatro Regio di Parma (Chorus master: Martino Faggiani), Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini / Omer Meir Wellber (conductor). Broadcast live on OperaVision from Teatro Regio di Parma, 10.10.2023 and available until 10.4.2024. (JPr)

Gregory Kunde and Eleonora Buratto © Roberto Ricci

Read more

The sun shines on Nadine Sierra, Liparit Avetisyan and Ambrogio Maestri in the L’elisir d’amore revival

United KingdomUnited Kingdom Donizetti, L’elisir d’amore: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Sesto Quatrini (conductor). Recorded live (directed by Rhodri Huw) at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 5.10.2023 and viewed at the Everyman Cinema, Chelmsford, Essex, 9.10.2023. (JPr)

Nadine Sierra (Adina) and Liparit Avetisyan (Nemorino) © Clive Barda

Read more

After four decades Il trittico returns to Vienna State Opera in a new staging by Tatjana Gürbaca

AustriaAustria Puccini, Il trittico: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera / Philippe Jordan (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Jakob Pitzer) from the Vienna State Opera, 7.10.2023. (JPr)

Il tabarro © Wiener Staatsoper/Michael Pöhn

Read more