LA Opera Season 2015-16: Five Operas To See As Placido Domingo Highlights New Season
The Los Angeles Opera has announced the 2016-17 season with many of opera's greatest stars appearing at the famed company. The following are the top five productions to go see at the opera.
1. "Macbeth" Placido Domingo returns to the L.A stage in a production of Verdi's "Macbeth." The 75-year-old tenor has already sung the opera around the world and this marks his first U.S performances of the role. Acclaimed Russian mezzo soprano Ekaterina Semenchuck will once again sing the role of Lady Macbeth and Arturo Chacon-Cruz will take on the role of Macduff. James Conlon will conduct the opera in a production by Darko Tresnjak.
2. "The Tales of Hoffman"-Offenbach's beloved opera returns to the L.A stage with a starry cast that is bound to garner stellar reviews and be the highlight of the season. Diana Damrau will make her LA debut in the four heroine alongside Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffman. The two singers performed Massenet's "Manon" at the Metropolitan Opera where they caused a sensation for their portrayals in the opera. Nicolas Teste will also make his debut as the four villains while Domingo will conduct the work in his wife's Marta Domingo's production.
3. "Salome"-Patricia Racette continues to expand her repertoire and this time she will sing the daunting role of Salome. Considered one of the most difficult roles in the soprano repertoire, Racette has been acclaimed for her tenacity and her raw emotions. Throughout the past few years she has brought to life various Puccini roles and this time she will sing one of her first Strauss roles. She will be accompanied by Tomas Tomasson as John the Baptist in a production by Peter Hall. The opera will be conducted by James Conlon.
4. "Akhnaten"-Phillips Glass' music is considered some of the most classic of the 20th century. This time the L.A opera will show a new production of his rarely performed work. The new production will be directed by Phelim McDermott in his company debut and will be conducted by Matthew Aucoin. The opera will be performed by fames counter tenor Anthony Roth Costanzo.
5. "Tosca"-After taking on the three Tudor queens by Donizetti, Sondra Radvanovsky will return to verismo in Puccini's masterpiece. Radvanovsky has performed the role all over the world including Los Angeles and this will likely be yet another memorable run. Melody Moore will alternate the role with Radvanovsky and Russell Thomas will sing the role of Mario Cavaradossi. James Conlon will conduct the production by John Caird.