Latest news
Covent Garden head comments on the ‘right’ stuff in singers – or lack thereof
Antonio Pappano, the director of music at the Royal Opera House has commented that newer generations of oepra singers doesn’t have the mettle to deal with the demands of a career in opera. “Singers don’t have to submit to exploitation. Karita Mattila doesn’t have a brand of perfume or a dessert named after her, or…
The quirks of clapping
What if….just once, the audience didn’t applaud at the end of a performance? Not because they weren;t appreciative, but because they were so moved, they wished to remain ‘in the moment’ and not disturb the lingering sounds as they soaked in……? A concert without applause would be very different to what we’re used to. Would…
Philippe Jaroussky – staying humble and staying fresh
French countertenor Philippe Jaroussky admits to a little apprehension about taking to the stage with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra this evening, on the opening night of an 8 concert tour to Sydney and Melbourne. An unusual admission for so seasoned a performer. Yet, it takes a rare strength and assuredness to admit to such vulnerability. Jaroussky…
‘Carmen’ – the costumes
A sneak look at the some of the fabulous costumes by Julie Lynch –
‘Carmen’ – picture gallery from behind the scenes at the dance rehearsals
Images from dance rehearsals for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s Carmen – scroll down to see all three: Images: Ben Symonds.
‘Carmen’: Handa Opera on Sydney harbour – Rinat Shaham’s insights
In an overnight transformation, mezzo-soprano Milijana Nikolic has shed several decades from her persona and gone from singing the role of one doomed gypsy to another. The day after the closing performance of Il Trovatore, in which she portrayed Azucena, she was rehearsing the role of Carmen which she will sing in Handa Opera on…
Latest reviews
‘Dreamchaser’ reviewed
Sarah Brightman’s eleventh studio album Dreamchaser is a diverse mix of songs which represent well her description as a ‘classical crossover’ artist. The 11 tracks on the CD (Universal 3732715) take in a variety of styles from the more traditional Song of India by Rimsky-Korsakov, and the contemporary minimalism of the Lento è Largo of…
‘Operamania’ reviewed.
Operamania is an opportunity to hear an ensemble of Russian classical performers, doing what they do best. The ensemble of 44 orchestral musicians, conducted by Andrei Lebdev, 10 singers, 4 dancers and a pianist from the Novaya Opera of Moscow presented an evening of Classical and Romantic favourites from opera, ballet and symphonic works. Projected behind them…