Christian Schmidt News

Toronto –  Canadian Opera Company audiences find themselves ensnared in a web of erotic passions with a new production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro this February. One of the most beautiful and convincing operas about the fluid enchantments, maze-like confusions and bouts of sheer blindness brought on by love, this new staging is directed by one of the most sought-after and critically acclaimed artists of his generation, Claus Guth, with equally celebrated musical leadership by COC Music Director Johannes Debus. The Marriage of Figaro is on stage at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for 11 performances, including a special presentation starring the young artists of the COC's Ensemble Studio training program, on February 4, 7, 9, 13, 17, 19, 21, 22*, 23, 25 and 27, 2016.

You have to love the Italians--particularly the Milanese. Where else but at La Scala, the city's temple of dramma lirica, could you find a public so passionate that it complained loudly and bitterly when it was announced that a work by a German (Richard Wagner) was opening the season rather than an opera by a local boy (Giuseppe Verdi)? It's because they care--and it's rather comforting that it can still happen in the 21st century (unless you happen to be on the receiving end of their wrath, of course).

Opera in Cinema presents LOHENGRIN, Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy, an Opera in Three Acts, music by Richard Wagner, Captured live in performance on Opening Night, December 7, 2012, Sunday, January 20, 2013, Sung in German with English subtitles. Running time - 275 minutes, including two intermissions.

Dieser Don Giovanni ist ein ganz schöner Schwerenöter. Ein Hans-Dampf in allen Gassen, ein Schelm, ein Herzensbrecher. Aber er ist auch ein Mörder und Vergewaltiger. Zusammen mit seinem Diener und Weggefährten Leporello, einem Drogen konsumierenden Junkie, hat er sich in die Wälder zurückgezogen. Seiner Naturgewalt und seinem animalischen Trieben, verfallen die Damen reihenweise. Da hätten wir die bürgerliche Donna Anna, gelangweilt von ihrem Verlobten und seiner und ihr selbst aufgebauten Spießerwelt. Donna Elvira, die vornehbare Dame und edlem Haus, die ihrem Verflossenem Don Giovanni nachtauert und ihm überall hin bedingungslos folgt. Alkohol, Drogen und Gewalt spielen eine große Rolle in Claus Guth's Inszenierung von Mozart's 'Don Giovanni', die 2008 bei den Salzburger Festspielen Premiere feierte.

August 6 was the dress rehearsal of Wolfgang Amadeus' opera DON GIOVANNI in Salzburg. The opera is conducted by Yannick Nezet-Seguin, directed by Claus Guth, and the stage design is by artist Christian Schmidt. DON GIOVANNI will premiere on August 9 as part of the annual Salzburg Festival. Broadwayworld brings you coverage of the rehearsal below.