Opera Wire

6 days ago | operawire.com | Chris Ruel

(Photo: Matt Dine)On June 6, 2025, Carnegie Hall hosted the American Symphony Orchestra’s concert revival of Richard Strauss’s first opera, “Guntram.” Rarely mentioned alongside “Salomé” or “Der Rosenkavalier,” “Guntram” reveals a young composer grappling with grand ideas. Strauss stumbled, learned, and went on to compose a total of fourteen operas. Audiences can hear Wagner in nearly every bar of “Guntram;” call it musical fan fiction.

1 week ago | operawire.com | Francisco Salazar

Peter Gelb is warning that the arts are under threat from the rise of authoritarian regimes. In an interview with Backstage Classical, the Metropolitan Opera General Manager told Axel Brüggemann that President Donald Trump’s administration has impacted the arts and the Met’s audiences. Gelb stated that the new policies that have been implemented by the administration have seen a decline in tourism, and “according to him, 17 percent fewer tourists came to New York after Trump took office.

1 week ago | operawire.com | Francisco Salazar

(Credit: Chris Singer)The Teatro Lirico di Cagliari  has announced a cast change for “Aida.”The company said that Jennifer Rowley will sing the title role on July 11, 13, 16, 18, and 20, replacing Marigona Qerkezi, who was originally announced but is jumping into a production of “Il Trovatore” at the Royal Opera House.

1 week ago | operawire.com | Francisco Salazar

Director Omer Ben Seadia has become known for her inventive, thoughtful, and socially conscious productions. The director has led production at some of the leading theaters in the world including the Israeli Opera, Portland Opera, Curtis Institute of Music, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Chautauqua Opera Company, Houston Grand Opera, Calgary Opera, Utah Opera, Cincinnati Opera, The Florentine Opera, Hawaii Opera Theatre, and Opera Colorado.

1 week ago | operawire.com | Francisco Salazar

(Credit: Stephan Rabold)This week, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin is set to present Bernard Foccroulle’s “Cassandra” for the first time. The work combines the figures of the ancient prophetess Cassandra and the popular researcher Sandra. The opera premiered in 2023 to rave reviews and now brings back some of the cast that created the work, including Katarina Bradić, who originated the role.