David McVicar’s Meistersinger, produced originally at Glynebourne and shared by San Francisco and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, is a smashing presentation of this Wagner opera, often cited as one of the great works of world culture, and for good reason.  In its humanity, wit, the wonderful orchestral sounds and an evocation of the longest day of the year in Nurnberg in the early 19th century, Meistersinger is glorious.    Article

Wagner called his last opera Parsifal a stage consecrating festival play, not an opera at all.  In this brilliant staging at the Metropolitan Opera, a joint effort with the Opera National de Lyon and Canadian Opera Company, just the right tone is struck for Parsifal’s quest.  Francois Giraud clearly understands opera, the mission of a designer to put the music front and forward.  Article

The best opera reviewer in the US talks about the Metropolitan Opera’s new Rigoletto, set in Las Vegas.  Eli Jacobson reports that Michael Mayer’s reset offers both inventiveness and misfires.  Article

Nelsons is music director of the Birmingham Symphony and conducts opera and orchestras all over the continent.  For the past two weeks, he has been in the US.  Article

In describing the women in Shakespeare’s plays, Packer takes us back to their gritty roots as warriors and ambitious wives.  She shows us also how they suffered when they told the truth.  Article

Andrea Chenier is, among its many virtues, a display case for tenors. Roberto Alagna made his debut in the role in the Opera Orchestra of New York’s concert version. The role is not ideally suited to his fabulous lyric voice, but Alagna is always a pleasure to watch on stage, a consummate artist and an audience friendly singer.  Read

Breaking through to a major career is exceptionally difficult for singers in America, but sometimes a talent comes along who no one can resist. Article

People who report to new Dads have less of a shot a salary increases.  Women who have babies have a higher chance of getting a raise.  Read the Economist’s report.

From Madrid to Chicago, the word is out.  A great singing actress has arrived. Watch for Christine Goerke wherever she performs.  Article

Valery Gergiev conducts an orchestra formed by Sir Georg Solti to promote peace and understanding worldwide.  Article