Joyce DiDonato Barbican Hall, 25th September
Music by the composers Giovanni Pacini, Michele Carafa and Saverio Mercadante might not sound enticing, but when these little-known bel canto rarities are sung by Joyce DiDonato—darling of the Metropolitan Opera, self-proclaimed “Yankee Diva,” and arguably the finest mezzo-soprano in the world right now—that all changes.
This is DiDonato’s year in London, as she follows up her extraordinary performance as Maria Stuarda at the Royal Opera House this summer with an eight-month residency at the Barbican. DiDonato kicks off the series with a recital of arias from her new album, Stella di Napoli—a fascinating glimpse at the musical creativity of 19th-century Naples. We all know the big names— Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini—but what of their contemporaries and rivals? This music is all about passion, excess and virtuosity—seriously thrilling, but also, in DiDonato’s hands, thrillingly serious.
DiDonato is well known for loosening the corset of the traditional classical recital, and you can expect the singer to do plenty of talking as well as singing, explaining some of the background to a project that is close to her heart. She’ll be joined by dynamic conductor Riccardo Minasi (whose research brought all these arias to light) and the orchestra of the Lyon Opera.
If you can’t make this concert don’t despair. DiDonato will be return for four more performances between now and next April, including a contemporary chamber recital at Milton Court, an appearance with the New York Philharmonic, and a concert performance of Handel’s Alcina.
Otello English National Opera, from 13th September
The world of classical music has been a bit slow to celebrate Shakespeare’s 450th anniversary, but that all changes with English National Opera’s new Otello. This season opener is not only an original production by acclaimed director Christopher Alden but also marks a major debut for Australian tenor Stuart Skelton in the title role.
William Tell Welsh National Opera, from 12th September
Everyone knows the overture, but Rossini’s whole opera is rarely performed thanks to its unwieldy size and scope. If anyone can make it work it’s David Pountney, Welsh National Opera’s newly-appointed artistic director, who directs this production with a cast led by David Kempster and Clive Bayley.
Music by the composers Giovanni Pacini, Michele Carafa and Saverio Mercadante might not sound enticing, but when these little-known bel canto rarities are sung by Joyce DiDonato—darling of the Metropolitan Opera, self-proclaimed “Yankee Diva,” and arguably the finest mezzo-soprano in the world right now—that all changes.
This is DiDonato’s year in London, as she follows up her extraordinary performance as Maria Stuarda at the Royal Opera House this summer with an eight-month residency at the Barbican. DiDonato kicks off the series with a recital of arias from her new album, Stella di Napoli—a fascinating glimpse at the musical creativity of 19th-century Naples. We all know the big names— Gioachino Rossini, Gaetano Donizetti, Vincenzo Bellini—but what of their contemporaries and rivals? This music is all about passion, excess and virtuosity—seriously thrilling, but also, in DiDonato’s hands, thrillingly serious.
DiDonato is well known for loosening the corset of the traditional classical recital, and you can expect the singer to do plenty of talking as well as singing, explaining some of the background to a project that is close to her heart. She’ll be joined by dynamic conductor Riccardo Minasi (whose research brought all these arias to light) and the orchestra of the Lyon Opera.
If you can’t make this concert don’t despair. DiDonato will be return for four more performances between now and next April, including a contemporary chamber recital at Milton Court, an appearance with the New York Philharmonic, and a concert performance of Handel’s Alcina.
Otello English National Opera, from 13th September
The world of classical music has been a bit slow to celebrate Shakespeare’s 450th anniversary, but that all changes with English National Opera’s new Otello. This season opener is not only an original production by acclaimed director Christopher Alden but also marks a major debut for Australian tenor Stuart Skelton in the title role.
William Tell Welsh National Opera, from 12th September
Everyone knows the overture, but Rossini’s whole opera is rarely performed thanks to its unwieldy size and scope. If anyone can make it work it’s David Pountney, Welsh National Opera’s newly-appointed artistic director, who directs this production with a cast led by David Kempster and Clive Bayley.
