Mar 18th, 2010 · Marco Bellocchio's historical drama follows the little-known Ida Dalser — Benito Mussolini's discarded lover — who spent much of her life fighting for the infamous dictator's recognition of both her and her son. Full of shadows, passion and madness, Vincere plays out like a grand opera — tragic ending and all.
Mar 16th, 2010 · One opera singer's illness is another's opportunity. Marlis Petersen jumped in at the last minute to take on a leading role at the Met, in New York, when the star soprano pulled out. The only catch was that she had to learn and rehearse the rarely performed opera in just 48 hours.
Mar 12th, 2010 · The world premiere of Anna Nicole will be presented by London's Royal Opera next February. It will star Dutch soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek as the late model and Playboy playmate. Smith died of an accidental drug overdose in 2007. She was 39.
Mar 12th, 2010 · Verdi's opera showcases the city of Venice's complex and lethal political history in a dramatic version of the life of 15th-century doge Francesco Foscari.
Mar 9th, 2010 · The new musical Love Never Dies revisits the tragic love triangle of The Phantom of the Opera — 10 years later, in turn-of-the-century Coney Island. The show opens March 9 in London's West End.
Mar 5th, 2010 · The ancient tale of Orpheus searching for his beloved in the underworld has been told many times by famous composers such as Monteverdi and Offenbach. Now, the desolate journey of Orpheus is presented in a new way: as a folk opera written by singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell. Hadestown features performances by Justin Vernon, Ani DiFranco and Greg Brown.
Mar 2nd, 2010 · Chopin had the courage to believe that the expression contained in a three-minute Mazurka for solo piano could be as powerful as the expression in an entire four-hour Wagner opera. Hear pianist and composer Rob Kapilow, and radio host Fred Child, explain what makes Chopin great.
Feb 26th, 2010 · On this edition of World of Opera, host Lisa Simeone presents Jules Massenet's Manon in a production from the Vienna State Opera. It features a brilliant performance by soprano Diana Damrau as Manon, with tenor Ramon Vargas as Des Grieux.