Talking with singers: Clarence Frazer

Interview

"Only if you are 100% prepared can you make art, can you make music. This is where the fun is. This is where the passion is. This where the reward is. It's amazing when you know something so well, how rewarding the rehearsal and performance process will be, the discoveries you'll make, in the music, with your colleagues and with yourself."

A generous Winterreise at Wigmore Hall

Review

Mitsuko Uchida's playing was beyond beautiful from the very beginning. The music seemed to be a part of her. Her musicianship was flawless, creating a churning winter landscape full of ice and storms. Her playing never lost its relentless energy, driving the story to its inevitable conclusion.

Winning combos: Coote, Drake, & Schubert

Review

They finished the first half with a stirring rendition of Erlkönig, a song which Coote navigated with a wonderful array of vocal colours and a beautiful sense of drama. Drake created a gorgeous picture of the dramatic song through the energy of his playing, the pair bringing to life the scene in an intense and visceral way.

Seasonal opera done right at HGO

Review

Rarely have I ever been able to use the word "effervescent" to describe performances of newly-composed operas, but that is exactly the word I used to describe this one upon its conclusion. This work came as a breath of fresh air. It did not try overly hard to be anything other than a setting of a good story which happened to be set at Christmastime, and that is precisely why I perceive this work as having longevity.

'Tis the season for Schwag!

Editorial

We've got tees, hoodies, and our adorable little Schmug, all designed with care by the folks here at Schmopera. Get a laugh and help support our ad-free, opera-savvy content this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Talking with singers: Ah Young Hong

Interview

"Honestly, I still don't think I know anything about this career. My focus is purely on the music. I'm afraid I'm terrible at giving advice about the career. Just do what you love - never mind your bills aren't paid!"

#AtGBound: "A shocking, immediate connection."

Review

A certain type of demographic goes to the opera, and perhaps there's only a small amount of overlap between that demographic and those who may understand more clearly what it feels like to be detained, mistreated, or bound by others' rules.

Happy birthday to us: Schmopera is four!

Editorial

We're proud to call ourselves an artist-run publication, set on demystifying opera without dumbing it down. In this past year, we've expanded our opera coverage to cities across North America and Europe - our new contributors are an amazing, dedicated group of loquacious artists who keep our mission afloat.

Reflective stories: RCM's The Cunning Little Vixen

Review

This is what makes The Cunning Little Vixen such a remarkable opera: in watching its complicated and confused characters, ironically half of whom are animals, we see so much of ourselves. Understanding these intricacies and subtleties, the RCM created a production which explored the contradictions and pretenses that comprise being human.

An "astonishing" Bryan Hymel in the Royal Opera's double bill

Review

The singing, in particular, was phenomenal. Elīna Garanča was nothing short of flawless as Santuzza. Her voice was warm, with a steely edge and full of raw emotional power. She made everything she could have out of the character, singing with true beauty and mastery. Opposite her, Bryan Hymel sang a stunning Turiddu.