Universal Music Group has launched Centre Stage Artist Management (CSAM), a new Berlin and London-based agency to provide management services to classical singers.
Judith Neuhoff, who had been working with Jeffrey D. Vanderveen in IMG Artists and Universal Music Classical Management and Productions, has been appointed as Managing Director of CSAM.
Neuhoff said the company’s philosophy was about supporting individual clients and added “Through in-depth collaboration with opera houses and concert halls, record labels, PR agencies and promoters around the world, we are able to offer unique perspective and guidance to artists. We will continue to develop an artist roster of supreme excellence, with quality, transparency and accountability as our guiding principles.”
CSAM is currently working with Anna Netrebko, Mojca Erdmann, Ruxandra Donose, Joseph Calleja, Massimo Giordano, Rolando Villazón, Thomas Hampson and Roman Trekel.
The XVIII Music Festival “Stars of the White Nights” opened on 21. May 2010. One of the main highlights of the Festival was the performance of Bizet's "Carmen" at the Mariinsky Theater on 23. May 2010, starring Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Massimo Giordano, making his Mariinsky Theater debut, as Don José. The production, with a Don José dressed as a German Nazi officer, was directed by Alexei Stepanyuk. Tugan Sokhiev conducted the Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater.
Carmen
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
On 15. May 2010 it was the fifth and last performance of the run of the classical Franco Zeffirelli's production of Georges Bizet's "Carmen" at the Wiener Staatsoper, starring Nadia Krasteva in the title role, Massimo Giordano as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Escamillo. The conductor was Andris Nelsons.
The performance was broadcast live by Ö1 radio.
Carmen
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 15. May 2010
Production
Inszenierung: Franco Zeffirelli
Bühnenbild: Franco Zeffirelli
Kostüme: Leo Bei
Choreographie: Rafael de Córdoba
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang
Cast
Carmen: Nadia Krasteva
Don José: Massimo Giordano
Micaela: Anna Netrebko
Escamillo: Ildebrando d'Arcangelo
Frasquita: Anita Hartig
Mercedes: Zoryana Kushpler
Zúñiga: Alexandru Moisiuc
Morales: Boaz Daniel
Remendado: Herwig Pecoraro
Dancaire: Tae Joong Yang
Conductor: Andris Nelsons
Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper
Personal Report
The last weekend I have been in Wien to attend live the last performance of the run of "Carmen" at the Wiener Staatsoper on 15. May 2010. I got the tickets for this performance beginning of December 2009 and I was very much looking forward to attending this performance, as it was truly the highlight of the opera season at the Wiener Staatsoper and, therefore, one of the main highlights of the opera season worldwide.
The reason behind an initially announced superb dream cast with Elina Garanca in the title role, Rolando Villazón as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando D'Arcangelo as Escamillo. Mariss Jansons was the conductor. The first cast change arised long time ago, when Rolando Villazón withdraw from all of the performances and was substituted by Massimo Giordano. Massimo had sung before with Anna Netrebko in two performances of Manon at the Wiener Staatsoper in April 2008, and more recently in a series of concerts in Germany, Scandinavia and France. Further cast changes were announced some weeks before the premiere. It was first Mariss Jansons who withdraw from all the performances, being substituted by his scholar Andris Nelsons for most of the performances. Just a few days later, the main cast change was announced. Elina Garanca withdraw from all the performances, being substituted by Nadia Krasteva. This cast change was particularly upsetting, as Elina got a huge success as Carmen at the Caracalla Termes, Royal Opera House and Metropolitan Opera House and to get together the couple Elina-Anna on stage was one of the key points of those series of performances. The initially announced dream cast was over.
Finally the key date, 15. May 2010, arrived and I was there, at the Wiener Staatsoper, seating at the 4th row of the Parkett, perfectly centered. Andris Nelsons took his place at the pit and the performance started.
Let me say first a few words about the production by Franco Zeffirelli. The settings were absolutely gorgeous! I had seen a Zeffirelli's production of Carmen at the Arena di Verona some years ago, and it was gorgeous too, but to have all those magnificent settings, particularly those of the 2nd and 3rd Acts, on stage at an opera house was even better. A colourful square of Sevilla in the 1st Act, a manificient Lillas Pastia's Inn in the 2nd Act, a deep black, cold and rainy night at the mountains in the 3rd Act and the "Plaza de Toros" of Sevilla in the 4th Act. The costumes were also colourful and nice, with an overcrowded stage.
Nadia Krasteva as Carmen had a difficult role replacing Elina Garanca. She has a very nice voice and she was also acting convingly on stage. She really had too much makeup on her eyes. Massimo Giordano was singing very well and his acting was also convincing. He was at his best on the scenes with Anna on the first and third act. Ildebrando D'Arcangelo was also portraying a convincing "torero" Escamillo.
But the true highlight of the performance was Anna Netrebko, who was stunning beyond description, warm and deep voice in the lower registers and powerful in the higher ones. She portrayed two different Micaelas. In the first act, she is innocent and girlish, dancing around the soldiers, while in the third act we see a Micaela, full of energy and charismatic.The main and more enthousiastic applauses of the night were for Anna after her first aria in the 3rd Act.
The rest of the cast was also pretty good. Boaz Daniel as Morales, Anita Hartig as Frasquita, Zoryana Kushpler as Mercedes, Alexandru Moisiuc as Zúñiga, Herwig Pecoraro as Remendado and Tae Joong Yang as Dancaire. I would like also to mention the fantastic Flamenco ballet on the 2nd Act.
Andris Nelsons was superb conducting. He has a very energetic and expressive style, getting everything under control. I would like to highlight the care he shown conducting when Anna was singing the Micaela's aria "Ah! Je dis que rien ne m'épouvante" at the 3rd Act, giving her all the indications with soft motions of her left hand.
The audience was delighted with the performance and the singers were awarded with strong ovations and "Bravi".
At the end of the performance I was at the stage door to meet the singers. After Anita Hartig and Zoryana Kushpler, the first to come were Anna and Massimo. They were signing autographs to all the fans who were there for them. After a while, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo joined them signing autographs. I met also there Mariella Luger, a young Austrian soprano student who had been a "super" in those performances. She wrote a wonderful report for the blog, about her fantastic experience as a super in Carmen at the Wiener Staatsoper. Nadia Krasteva and Andris Nelsons came later. Finally Anna, Massimo, Nadia Krasteva, Ioan Holender and others went to have dinner to a restaurant at Karlsplatz.
Videoclips
Carmen, 2. Act: La fleur que tu m'avais jetée, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 15. Mai 2010
Mariella Luger is a very young Austrian soprano student, as well as part-time fashion model, who has been performing as “super” in the current run of performances of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Wiener Staatsoper. This was her first time on-stage at the Wiener Staatsoper.
I asked her to write a short report for the blog, about her stage and backstage experience in “Carmen” and she kindly agreed to do it. Here it is the report she wrote, together with some pictures she got with the main artists. Thank you very much, Mariella for your effort, for sharing with us your first experience on stage at the Wiener Staatsoper and for your pictures.
My name is Mariella Luger, I am 19 years old and I live in Vienna, Austria. I am one of the supernumeraries or “supers”, those who are on the stage, playing non-singing roles as part of the crowd, in the current performances of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” at the Wiener Staatsoper.
It is a very beautiful experience being backstage and witness how the performance takes place. The area behind the stage is a labyrinth and at the beginning I was always lost. The employees at the Opera House are all very friendly. There are special people who are responsible for the mask, hair and costumes. I find it exciting to witness how seemingly "ordinary people" go to the opera and then, using costumes and makeup, they are transformed into other people.
On my first day, I met Anna Netrebko during her first pause backstage. I met her alone at the staircase of the opera house and I was able to talk to her shortly. I told her that I am a singer too and that she is marvelous. Then she autographed my music-book and she took a photo with me. Afterwards, she had to sing again on the stage.
I also met Massimo Giordano and Nadia Krasteva backstage while they were limbering up for the performance. I have to say that I’ve become a big fan of all the singers of this production.
As I stood on the stage, I felt very comfortable. I could neither listen to the orchestra, nor see the auditorium very well when I ventured a glance, the headlights blinded me too strongly. On the stage, we all felt as one unit, as in another world. The most fantastic experience for me was standing next to Anna Netrebko while she was singing in the first act.
While I am not standing on stage, I can either wait in the dressing room or eat in the canteen. The first time I was in the canteen, I could not believe my eyes - it was looking like an Inn. Typical Austrian!
Once I went to the autograph session after the performance. Anna Netrebko came out first and gave a lot of autographs, but she could not remain for a long time. The other singers and the conductor remained longer than her, Nadia Krasteva left as the last one the opera.
To me, the production is very gorgeous. The audience also seems to be very enthusiastic. In my opinion, all the singers play their roles convincingly and fit vocally perfectly together. Anna Netrebko understands her role as Micaela and attracts all viewers in her magical spell as soon as she steps on stage. As for me, Massimo Giordano, who got - incomprehensible to me - a bad review by some people, was great. He throws a new light on the role of Don José. Ildebrando D'Arcangelo plays Escamillo very convincingly and his deep voice thrills me. Nadia Krasteva embodies Carmen better than all the other singers from other productions. Her passion for the music is obvious. She has a very strong personality and can speak German perfectly.
I'm looking forward to being back on stage soon. Among other performances, I'll be once again on stage with Ildebrando D'Arcangelo in "Don Giovanni"!
Videoclip
Mariella Luger as “super” at the 4th Act of Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010. ORF 2 Broadcast.
Photos
Mariella Luger dressed as zingara backstage. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Mariella Luger dressed as zingara backstage. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Andris Nelsons and Mariella Luger at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Mariella Luger and Nadia Krasteva at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Mariella Luger and Ildebrando D'Arcangelo at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Mariella Luger and Massimo Giordano at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Mariella Luger and Anna Netrebko at the staircase of the opera house. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 3. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Autographs of Anna Netrebko, Massimo Giordano, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Nadia Krasteva and Andris Nelsons. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Mariella Luger
Yesterday it was the third performance of the run of the classical Franco Zeffirelli's production of Georges Bizet's "Carmen" at the Wiener Staatsoper, starring Nadia Krasteva in the title role, Massimo Giordano as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Escamillo. The conductor was Andris Nelsons.
Carmen
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010
Production
Inszenierung: Franco Zeffirelli
Bühnenbild: Franco Zeffirelli
Kostüme: Leo Bei
Choreographie: Rafael de Córdoba
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang
Cast
Carmen: Nadia Krasteva
Don José: Massimo Giordano
Micaela: Anna Netrebko
Escamillo: Ildebrando d'Arcangelo
Frasquita: Anita Hartig
Mercedes: Zoryana Kushpler
Zúñiga: Alexandru Moisiuc
Morales: Boaz Daniel
Remendado: Herwig Pecoraro
Dancaire: Tae Joong Yang
Conductor: Andris Nelsons
Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper
Photos
Overview of the Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz with the big screen where Carmen was broadcast live within the program "Wiener Staatsoper für alle". Tiago was at the Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz watching the performance while enjoying a wonderful day in Wien. Anna came out to see Tiago, dressed as Micaela, after the first act of Carmen. Photo: Anne
Ildebrando d'Arcangelo, Nadia Krasteva, Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko, Zoryana Kushpler and Anita Hartig at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Nadia Krasteva, Ildebrando d'Arcangelo, Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Nadia Krasteva, Ildebrando d'Arcangelo, Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Andris Nelsons, Nadia Krasteva, Ildebrando d'Arcangelo, Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Ildebrando d'Arcangelo and Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko signing autographs at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko signing autographs at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Ildebrando D'Arcangelo and Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. As a manner to celebrate Victory Day, Anna wears a Ribbon of St. George, one of the most recognised and respected symbols of military valour in modern Russia, widely associated with the commemoration of World War II, and a white T-shirt with the self-made Russian printed text "To Berlin!". Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Erwin Schrott at the stage door waiting for Anna. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Anne
Anna Netrebko and Erwin Schrott at the stage door. Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. May 2010. Photo: Helmut Flatscher
Tonight it has been the second performance of the classical Franco Zeffirelli's production of Georges Bizet's "Carmen" at the Wiener Staatsoper, starring Nadia Krasteva in the title role, Massimo Giordano as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Escamillo. The conductor was Andris Nelsons.
The performance has been broadcast by ORF2 and BR-Klassik and streamed on ORF TVthek (it was announced that for legal reasons it was only available in Austria, but later on it was also available outside Austria) and on BR-Mediatek Live (where it was available since the beginning).
Carmen
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Production
Inszenierung: Franco Zeffirelli
Bühnenbild: Franco Zeffirelli
Kostüme: Leo Bei
Choreographie: Rafael de Córdoba
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang
Cast
Carmen: Nadia Krasteva
Don José: Massimo Giordano
Micaela: Anna Netrebko
Escamillo: Ildebrando d'Arcangelo
Frasquita: Anita Hartig
Mercedes: Zoryana Kushpler
Zúñiga: Alexandru Moisiuc
Morales: Adrian Eröd
Remendado: Herwig Pecoraro
Dancaire: Tae Joong Yang
Conductor: Andris Nelsons
Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper
Reviews
Herbert attended the performance live at the Wiener Staatsoper. This is an edited version of the review he wrote.
Tonight I attended Carmen at the Wiener Staatsoper, and I am afraid the press reviews were not wrong. On the whole the performance was "solid average", but thanks to Anna it had its highlights, too. But the rest of the cast was far away from her class.
Nadia Krasteva's singing and acting were "alright", but as a Carmen she seemed old-fashioned and not very convincing. When she came to the stage door I watched her for some time and listened to what she was saying to her fans (not many of them were there). She was tired and nervous because of the bad press reviews after the opening night and she really needed some comfort by people who like her. She was very nice and friendly with her fans, but I think she lacks some self-confidence. She even said that all the TV cameras tonight made her nervous. "I felt to be watched from each angle."
Massimo, too, lacked passion, and his acting was stiff and not very convincing. His singing... became better in the final scene.
And Ildebrando D'Arcangelo? Well, I have seen him doing better than tonight.
Anna, Massimo and (some time later) Ildebrando appeared at the stage door together for autographs, but when Nadia turned up, they left the room. This might be a coincidence, but it looked strange.
Let's turn to Anna. Her performance in act 1 was "short and brilliant" as ever - and when she sang her aria in act 3, she got the biggest applause of the whole evening. It was FANTASTIC, her voice was clear and shining, her acting perfect - and so she was undoubtedly THE STAR of the performance. Anna showed us what the production could have been without all these cancellations and replacements.
The setting etc. was not bad, but there was no organisation among the people on stage. As one of the reviewers wrote: Everybody played his or her part the way he or she thought it was appropriate - but this didn't create any atmosphere. No passion, no fire on stage - apart from Anna, of course.
Something funny happened, when the people were waiting for Anna at the stage door. A tall man with dark hair, a beard and a funny suit came out from the backstage area, and I thought: Who is he??? - Then, when I watched the latest video in your blog, I realized that this was the Russian pop star, with whom Anna had sung at the Wiener Stadthalle!!!!
Photos
Nadia Krasteva, Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Alexandru Moisiuc at the curtain call at the end of the first act. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Photo: Herbert
Ildebrando d'Arcangelo and Anna Netrebko at the final curtian calls. Photo: Herbert
Andris Nelsons, Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the final curtain calls. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door of the Wiener Staatsoper after the performance. Photo: Herbert
Videoclips
Carmen, 1. Act: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle (Habanera) - Nadia Krasteva (Carmen) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 1. Act: Duo: Parle Moi De Ma Mère - Anna Netrebko (Micaela), Massimo Giordano (Don José) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 1. Act: Séguidille: Près Des Ramparts De Séville - Nadia Krasteva (Carmen), Massimo Giordano (Don José) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 2. Act: Couplets Du Toréador; Votre Toast, Je Peux Vous Le Rendre - Ildebrando d'Arcangelo (Escamillo) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 2. Act: Air De La Fleur: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetée - Massimo Giordano (Don José) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 3. Act: Prelude - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 3. Act: Je Dis, Que Rien Ne M'épouvante" - Anna Netrebko (Micaela) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 3. Act: Final Scene - Anna Netrebko (Micaela), Massimo Giordano (Don José), Nadia Krasteva (Carmen) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen, 4. Act: Final scene - Massimo Giordano (Don José), Nadia Krasteva (Carmen) - Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. May 2010
Carmen: The Making of - Wiener Staatsoper May 2010
Carmen: The Making of - Wiener Staatsoper May 2010
Yesterday, Anna Netrebko made her role debut at the Wiener Staatsoper as Micaela in the classical Franco Zeffirelli's production of Georges Bizet's "Carmen".
Those performances of "Carmen" were the highlight of the season at the Wiener Staatsoper. Tickets were immediately sold out and prices for a ticket on eBay or agencies were over 1000 EUR. Unfortunately, due to a chain of cancellations, most of the initially announced dream-cast was gone. First, several months ago, it was Rolando Villazón who withdraws from all the performances, being replaced by Massimo Giordano. Then, a couple of weeks ago, it was the turn of the conductor Mariss Jansons who was substituted, also for all the performances, by Andris Nelsons, making his debut at the Wiener Staatsoper. Just few days after the Wiener Staatsoper announced the withdrawal of Mariss Jansons, they were obliged to announce also the withdrawal of Elina Garanca from all the performances, being replaced by Nadia Krasteva. Finally, for the first two performances, Adrian Eröd replaces Boaz Daniel.
Performances run till 15. May 2010. The next ones are on 6., 9., 12. and 15. May.
All of the performaces are broadcast live on big screens facing the Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz as part of the program "Wiener Staatsoper für alle".
The performance on 6. May will be broadcast on ORF2 Austrian TV and BR-Klassik German TV and streamed live on ORF TVthek (due to legal reasons only available in Austria) and on BR-Mediatek Live. The performance on 15. May will be broadcast live by Ö1 radio.
Carmen
Music by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
Wiener Staatsoper, Wien, Monday 3. May 2010
Production
Inszenierung: Franco Zeffirelli
Bühnenbild: Franco Zeffirelli
Kostüme: Leo Bei
Choreographie: Rafael de Córdoba
Chorleitung: Thomas Lang
Cast
Carmen: Nadia Krasteva
Don José: Massimo Giordano
Micaela: Anna Netrebkoª
Escamillo: Ildebrando d'Arcangelo
Frasquita: Anita Hartig
Mercedes: Zoryana Kushpler
Zúñiga: Alexandru Moisiuc
Morales: Adrian Eröd
Remendado: Herwig Pecoraro
Dancaire: Tae Joong Yang
Conductor: Andris Nelsonsº
Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper
On Monday 3. May 2010, Anna Netrebko will be at the Wiener Staatsoper to sing the role of Micaela in the Franco Zeffirelli's production of Georges Bizet's "Carmen".
This is a wonderful role that Anna Netrebko sang at the beginning of her career, but that she has not been singing anymore in the last ten years. Our Anna Netrebko Performances Database includes four documented performances (venue, date, cast, production, conductor) in which she sang the role of Micaela, but probably she sang the role more times with the Mariinsky Theater.
The first documented performance we have is a "Carmen" performed during a Mariinsky Theater Tour to Japan in 1996. The performance was held at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan in Tokyo on 14. November 1996. Marianna Tarassova was Carmen, Vladimir Grishko was Don José, Anna Netrebko was Micaela and Alexander Morozov was Escamillo. Valery Gergiev was conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater.
Carmen, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, Tokyo 14. Nov 1996 – Marianna Tarassova (Carmen), Vladimir Grishko (Don José), Anna Netrebkoº (Micaela), Alexander Morozov (Escamillo), Olga Trifonova (Frasquita), Susanna Martirosian (Mercedes), Leonid Zakhozhaev (Remendado), Vladimir Samsonov (Dancairo), Alexander Gergalov (Morales), Yuri Shkliar (Zúñiga), Aik Martirosian (Gipsy Boy); Eric Vigie (Director), Suginami Children’s Choir, Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater, Valery Gergiev
The second and third documented performances of "Carmen" we have were performed in 1997, one at the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg and the other one at the Wooden Church in Mikkeli. In St. Petersburg the title role was sung by Elena Obraztsova an it was her last performance as Carmen on the stage of the Mariinsky Theater. Viktor Lutsyuk was Don José, Anna Netrebko was Micaela and Alexander Morozov was Escamillo. Valery Gergiev conducted the Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater.
Carmen, Mariinsky Theater, St. Petersburg 1997 – Elena Obraztsova (Carmen), Viktor Lutsyuk (Don José), Anna Netrebkoª (Micaela), Alexander Morozov (Escamillo), Olga Trifonova (Frasquita), Maria Gorzevskaya (Mercedes), Leonid Zakhozhaev (Remendado), Vladimir Samsonov (Dancairo), Alexander Gergalov (Morales), NN (Zúñiga), NN (Gipsy Boy); Eric Vigie (Director), Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater, Valery Gergiev
The thid performance was held at the Wooden Church of Mikkeli on 6. July 1997. On this occasion Olga Borodina was Carmen, Yuri Marusin was Don José, Anna Netrebko was Micaela and Fyodor Mozhaev was Escamillo. Valery Gergiev conducted the Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater.
Carmen, Wooden Church, Mikkeli 6. Jul 1997 – Olga Borodina (Carmen), Anna Netrebkoª (Micaela), Yuri Marusin (Don José), Fyodor Mozhaev (Escamillo), Olga Trifonova (Frasquita), Maria Gortsevskaya (Mercedes), Alexander Gergalov (Morales), Viacheslav Lukhanin (Zúñiga), Leonid Zakhozhaev (Remendado), Vladimir Samsonov (Dancairo); Chorus and Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater, Valery Gergiev
The last documented performance we have is at the 8th Opera Music Festival in Sigulda on 5. August 2000. Marianna Tarassova was Carmen, Ingus Petersons was Don José, Anna Netrebko was Micaela and Egils Silins was Escamillo. Aleksandrs Vilumanis was the conductor.
Carmen, 8th Opera Music Festival, Sigulda 5. Aug 2000 – Marianna Tarassova (Carmen), Ingus Petersons (Don José), Anna Netrebkoª (Micaela), Egils Silins (Escamillo), NN (Frasquita), NN (Mercedes), NN (Remendado), NN (Dancairo), NN (Morales), NN (Zúñiga), NN (Gipsy Boy); Alexej Stepanjuk (Director), Aleksandrs Vilumanis
Since then, as far as we know, Anna Netrebko has been occassionally singing the Micaela's aria of Act III, "Je dis que rien ne m'épouvante", in a few concert performances, but she has not been singing the role in a full performance of the opera.
Therefore, those upcoming five performances at the Wiener Staatsoper, starting on 3. May and lasting till 15. May, will be a great opportunity to see Anna Netrebko back on the stage as Micaela, ten years after her performance at the Opera Music Festival in Sigulda. The cast for those performances will be led by Nadia Krasteva (replacing Elina Garanca) as Carmen, Massimo Giordano (replacing Rolando Villazón) as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Escamillo. Andris Nelsons (replacing Mariss Jansons) conducts the Chorus and Orchestra of the Wiener Staatsoper.
All the performaces will be broadcast live on big screens located at the Herbert-von-Karajan-Platz within the "Wiener Staatsoper für alle" program. Furthermore, the performance on 6. May will be broadcast on ORF2 and BR TV and the performance on 15. May will be broadcast live by Ö1 radio.
Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 3. Mai 2010 – Nadia Krasteva (Carmen), Massimo Giordano (Don José), Anna Netrebkoª (Micaela), Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Escamillo), Anita Hartig (Frasquita), Zoryana Kushpler (Mercedes), Alexandru Moisiuc (Zúñiga), Adrian Eröd (Morales), Herwig Pecoraro (Remendado), Tae Joong Yang (Dancaire); Franco Zeffirelli (Inszenierung), Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Andris Nelsonsº [Wiener Staatsoper für alle]
Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 6. Mai 2010 – Nadia Krasteva (Carmen), Massimo Giordano (Don José), Anna Netrebko (Micaela), Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Escamillo), Anita Hartig (Frasquita), Zoryana Kushpler (Mercedes), Alexandru Moisiuc (Zúñiga), Adrian Eröd (Morales), Herwig Pecoraro (Remendado), Tae Joong Yang (Dancaire); Franco Zeffirelli (Inszenierung), Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Andris Nelsons [Wiener Staatsoper für alle|Broadcast ORF2/BR]
Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 9. Mai 2010 – Nadia Krasteva (Carmen), Massimo Giordano (Don José), Anna Netrebko (Micaela), Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Escamillo), Anita Hartig (Frasquita), Zoryana Kushpler (Mercedes), Alexandru Moisiuc (Zúñiga), Boaz Daniel (Morales), Herwig Pecoraro (Remendado), Tae Joong Yang (Dancaire); Franco Zeffirelli (Inszenierung), Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Andris Nelsons [Wiener Staatsoper für alle]
Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 12. Mai 2010 – Nadia Krasteva (Carmen), Massimo Giordano (Don José), Anna Netrebko (Micaela), Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Escamillo), Anita Hartig (Frasquita), Zoryana Kushpler (Mercedes), Alexandru Moisiuc (Zúñiga), Boaz Daniel (Morales), Herwig Pecoraro (Remendado), Tae Joong Yang (Dancaire); Franco Zeffirelli (Inszenierung), Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Andris Nelsons [Wiener Staatsoper für alle]
Carmen, Wiener Staatsoper, Wien 15. Mai 2010 – Nadia Krasteva (Carmen), Massimo Giordano (Don José), Anna Netrebko (Micaela), Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Escamillo), Anita Hartig (Frasquita), Zoryana Kushpler (Mercedes), Alexandru Moisiuc (Zúñiga), Boaz Daniel (Morales), Herwig Pecoraro (Remendado), Tae Joong Yang (Dancaire); Franco Zeffirelli (Inszenierung), Chor und Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Andris Nelsons [Wiener Staatsoper für alle|Broadcast live by Ö1]
Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano have started the rehearsals at the Wiener Staatsoper some days ago. An interesting interview to Massimo Giordano was published on oe24.at on 27. April 2010. Talking about Anna, Massimo says: "Anna has not only a great voice, but as a human being is also unusual: no diva, very modest. She has a very special energy that she shares with her respective stage partners. We will also work together in the future".
Unfortunately new withdrawals have announced for the upcoming performances of Bizet's Carmen at the Wiener Staatsoper. First, it was Rolando Villazón who had to sing the role of Don José and withdraw from all the performances, being replaced by Massimo Giordano. A few days ago it was announced the withdrawal from all the performances of the conductor Mariss Jansons, being replaced by Andris Nelsons. Today the Austrian newspaper Der Standard has announced that Elina Garanca, who had to sing the title role, withdraws from all the performances due to health reasons. Replacing Elina Garanca will be the bulgarian mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva.
Ioan Holender, Director of the Wiener Staatsoper, has confirmed the rest of the cast for all the performances, including Massimo Giordano as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Escamillo.
Carmen, the highlight of the current season at the Wiener Staatsoper, starring Elina Garanca in the title role, Massimo Giordano as Don José, Anna Netrebko as Micaela and Ildebrando d'Arcangelo as Escamillo, will be telecast by ORF on 6. May 2010 at 21:05.
Within the initiative "Wiener Staatsoper für alle" a big screen will be placed at the Herbert von Karajan Platz during April and May 2010, to broadcast live the performances of the Wiener Staatsoper.
Deutsche Grammophon is planning to release a DVD from the recordings of those performances.
The Russian-Austrian soprano Anna Netrebko and the Italian tenor Massimo Giordano, with Keri-Lynn Wilson conducting the Orchestre National d'Île-de-France, have been performing in a debut concert at the Salle Pleyel, Paris on 1. October 2009, within the series Les Grandes Voix.
Programme
Anna Netrebko, soprano
Massimo Giordano, tenor
Orchestre National d'Île-de-France
Keri-Lynn Wilson, conductor
Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009
1. Part
Charles Gounod: Overture, "Roméo et Juliette", Orchestra Charles Gounod: "Va! Je t´ai pardonné... Nuit d'hyménée" from "Roméo et Juliette", Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano Giuseppe Verdi: Overture, "Nabucco", Orchestra Gaetano Donizetti: "Regnava nel silenzio" from "Lucia di Lammermoor", Anna Netrebko Gaetano Donizetti: "Una furtiva lagrima" from "L´Elisir d´Amore", Massimo Giordano Gaetano Donizetti: "Caro elisir! Sei mio!... Esulti pur la barbara" from "L'Elisir d'Amore", Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano
2. Part
Luigi Arditi: "Il bacio", Anna Netrebko Francesco Paolo Tosti: "L'alba separa dalla luce l'ombra", Massimo Giordano Piotr I. Tchaikovsky: "Polonaise" from "Eugen Onegin", Orchestra Piotr I. Tchaikovsky: "Kuda, Kuda" from "Eugen Onegin", Massimo Giordano Antonín Dvorak: "Song to the moon" from "Rusalka", Anna Netrebko Giacomo Puccini: "Intermezzo" from "Manon Lescaut", Orchestra Giacomo Puccini: "Che gelida manina" from "La Bohème", Massimo Giordano Giacomo Puccini: "Si, mi chiamamo Mimi" from "La Bohème", Anna Netrebko Giacomo Puccini: "O soave fanciulla" from "La Bohème", Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano
Encores Franz Lehar: "Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiss" from "Giuditta", Anna Netrebko Salvatore Cardillo: "Core'ngrato", Massimo Giordano Giuseppe Verdi: "Brindisi" from "La Traviata", Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano
Personal Report
This Thursday I attended the concert of Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. I had a pretty good seat at the third row on the left-hand-side of the stage. From such a position you can really enjoy all the details of the performance, getting the singers really close and being able to see all the reactions and indications of the conductor to both the singers and members of the orchestra.
At 8:00 PM the members of the Orchestre d'Île de France started to come on stage and take their seats. Then the Canadian conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson came also on stage taking her position on the pitch. The silence filled the auditorium and the orchestra started to play the first notes of the Overture of Gounod's Roméo et Juliette. The sound was very good and Keri-Lynn Wilson was conducting getting the better from the orchestra.
The orchestral introduction to the fourth act of Roméo et Juliette followed the Overture, while Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano came to the stage, acting as if it was a staged opera peformance. Anna was coming from the left-hand-side of the stage, walking just in front of me, while Massimo came from the right-hand-side, meeting both of them at the center of the stage, to the left-hand-side of the conductor. Anna was looking absolutely stunning, wearing the beautiful black dress by Escada that she has been wearing in her last concerts. I had already saw pictures of her wearing this dress, but when you see her live and in a short-distance, believe me, it was something completely different and absolutley stunning! The space on the stage left for the singers was quite narrow and the first violin did move back a little bit trying to leave more space for them. Anna started to sing the duet "Va! Je t'ai pardonné... Nuit d'hyménée" and everybody in the auditorium realized that they were attending an outstanding performance. The duet was fantastic and the chemistry and complicity between Anna and Massimo was evident since the beginning. Keri-Lynn Wilson was always taking control of everything, singing for herself, smiling to the different sections of the orchestra and giving the entrance to the singers. It was just the first vocal performance of the night and the reaction of the public was spectacular! A storm of applauses and bravi came at the end of the duet. Yeah! A very special evening had just started!
After the Overture of Verdi's Nabucco one of the best moments of the concert. Anna came on stage to sing "Regnava nel silenzio" from Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. She was absolutely outstanding, singing and acting, filling the auditorium with powerful high notes and leaving breathless the public with wonderful pianisimi. And to an outstanding performance, what else than an outstanding reaction of the public. Huge amount of applauses and loud brava! brava!. Anna left the stage but the public still was applauding and she came back to ackowledge the public ovations. As Anna said later on at the stage door, the audience was really fantastic.
Afer the dramatic interpretation of Lucia, Massimo came on stage to sing the Nemorino's aria "Una furtiva lagrima" from Donizetti's "L'Elisir d'Amore". He did a pretty much moving interpretation, acting and singing, getting also a lot of applauses from the audience. Anna joined Massimo on stage to sing the funny duet "Caro elisir! Sei mio!... Esulti pur la barbara". This was one of the best moments of the evening too. Anna was sitting and singing just in front of my seat. So wonderful moment! At the end, spectacular reaction of the public. The whole auditorium of Salle Pleyel was already crazy about her!
The second part of the concert started with Anna singing "Il bacio". Now she was wearing the same pink and black dress by Escada, with a big necklace, that she had been wearing in most of her recent performances. Massimo followed her singing the beautiful song "L'alba separa dalla luce l'ombra" by Tosti.
After the orchestra played the "Polonaise" from Eugene Onegin, Massimo came on stage to sing the wonderful aria "Kuda, Kuda" from the same opera. This was one of his best moments of the evening, emotionally sung and moving. The audience gave to him also a lot of applauses which were not stopped when he left the stage, making him to come back. From my seat it was evident that Massimo was quite moved when he left the stage.
Another magical moment of the evening was coming next, with Anna, driving us to heaven, singing to the perfection "Song to the moon" from Dvorak's Rusalka. The public was breathless and the atmosphere she created was unforgettable.
The orchestra played next the "Intermezzo" from Puccini's Manon Lescaut. Keri-Lynn Wilson was able once again to get the best of them.
The official part of the concert ended with the final scene of the first act of Puccini's La Bohème. Another great moments of the evening, for me one of the best for sure. Anna is a wonderful Mimí as it was clearly shown this year in Munich and Massimo was a great Rodolfo. The public was like crazy. Huge amount of bravi and standing ovations lasting for seevral minutes.
As expected, they were three encores, but this times it was Anna the first to came to the stage for the first one. She sang "Meine lippen, sie küsse so heiss" from Lehar. It was a pitty that the space left for the singers on the stage was so narrow, not being able to dance all along of the stage as she uses to do. Nevertheless, she was dancing on the narrow space left to her. She was wearing light brown high heels and she almost slipped while dancing when she stepped her skirt with her highheels. Another funny incident happened. When was dancing she lost one of the hair ornaments she was wearing, flying towards the orchestra. Another huge amount of brava! brava! and standing ovations lasting for several minutes.
Massimo came to sing the "Core'ngrato" giving all the best of him. Wonderful. Joseph Calleja told me once, that when he was singing with Anna, she had the ability to get the best of him. I think that Massimo would agree on that. Bravos and a lot of applauses.
The superb evening came to an end with Anna and Massimo singing the "Brindisi" from "La Traviata" and the whole audience standing up, giving a huge amount of applauses to the performers.
Press Reports
In terms of praise, the timbre and the holding of the line of the Russian soprano. Her vocal color, dark, mottled, her sense of color is wonderful in Rusalka, with a Song to the Moon of rare beauty, poetic [...] Adrien De Vries, ClassiqueNews.com 2. Oct 2009 [French]
Photos Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
The Programme of the concert of Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Carlos
At the interior of the Salle Pleyel, meeting friends before starting the concert of Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson and Anna Netrebko on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Massimo Giordano, Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko on stage during the second part of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Keri-Lynn Wilson, Massimo Giordano and Anna Netrebko on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Arnaud
Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Anne-Laure
Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano on stage at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Anne-Laure
Huge standing ovations for Anna Netrebko, Massimo Giordano and Keri-Lynn Wilson at the end of the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Anne-Laure
Massimo Giordano at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Anne-Laure
Massimo Giordano at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Anne-Laure
Massimo Giordano at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Keri-Lynn Wilson at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Anne-Laure
Keri-Lynn Wilson at the stage door after the concert. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009. Photo: Herbert
Videoclips
Anna Netrebko and Keri-Lynn Wilson getting the applauses from the public and coming back on stage to sing the first encore. Salle Pleyel, Paris 1. Oct 2009
Franz Lehar: "Meine Lippen, sie küssen so heiss" from "Giuditta", Anna Netrebko
Giuseppe Verdi: "Brindisi" from "La Traviata", Anna Netrebko and Massimo Giordano
