Contents 14
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FRONT OF HOUSE | Contents
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75
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W A R N E R
‘I’m incredibly optimistic for the future of opera.’ Joyce DiDonato – Guest Editor
FRONT OF HOUSE 5 EDITORIAL Introducing Joyce
6 FEEDBACK Readers’ letters, emails and online posts
9 NEWS & NOTES San Diego Opera rescinds closure plan | UK critics slammed for ‘sexist attitudes’ | La Scala to sack incoming director after one season | and more…
IN THE WINGS 12 ARTIST OF THE MONTH Italian baritone Massimo Cavalletti prepares to sing Puccini’s Marcello at Covent Garden
MAIN STAGE 14 COVER FEATURE The renowned American mezzo Joyce DiDonato is an accomplished and charismatic performer.As our Guest Editor, she discusses her passionate belief that opera matters in today’s world and looks forward to its impact on future generations
21 OPERA FOR LIFE Opera education has a unique role to play in
A L M O N D
K A R E N
shaping a rounded human being.We profile a series of initiatives designed for people on their journey from zero years to adulthood
27 MIND, BODY, SPIRIT For Joyce, the ‘complete’ opera singer needs to address the physical, intellectual, psychological and spiritual aspects of her art.We examine each of these areas with experts in the field
34 MADE IN THE USA Conductor David Abell believes that America’s great lyric opera traditions have been unjustly sidelined. He sets the record straight with his survey of neglected gems
39 OPERA AND THE FUTURE What’s next for opera? A panel of young operatic movers and shakers share their hopes, dreams and fears for the future
48 JOYCE BEHIND THE LENS The mezzo captures her wilder side in photos that she has taken around the world and behind the scenes at the opera
53 OPERA IN STYLE Mike France, founder of the classic watch company Christopher Ward, discusses the art of great watchmaking and why for him,
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opera is more than just a passing enthusiasm… 54 WINE CLUB Take advantage of this month’s special offer on a mixed case of rosé wine and champagne, the perfect tipple for those long summer evenings…
57 INTERMEZZO Launching the Festival of Three Colours in Puglia, Italy
THE CRITICAL VIEW 60-75 LIVE REVIEWS Wagner’s Ring in Geneva | Der Rosenkavalier at Glyndebourne | Strauss 150 Festival in Budapest | ENO scores a hit with Benvenuto Cellini | Focus on Germany | New productions in Antwerp, Bergen, Cardiff and London
MULTIMEDIA 77 NEW RELEASES Opera on CD, DVD and Blu-ray
BACK STAGE 80 COMPANY PROFILE Grand Théâtre de Genève – Switzerland’s largest opera house, and arguably the most
important French-speaking opera house outside Paris
89 SQUILLO Close-up shots of singers may look dramatic in the cinema, but what’s it like for the performers? Michael White tries to find out…
90 EPILOGUE Opera Now’s cryptic crossword and monthly prize draw for opera lovers
83 87 SPOTLIGHT
Opera Now’s INTERNATIONAL SUMMER FESTIVALS GUIDE
COMPETITION 90 Win a classic watch from Christopher Ward
COVER: Joyce DiDonato. Photo by Josef Fischnaller / Warner Classics
Opera Now JULY/AUGUST 2014
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