NEWS FLASH: L.A. Opera to present U.S. premiere of stunning "1927"/Barrie Kosky "Magic Flute"

Anyone who reads this site knows that we're completely enamored with the "Magic Flute" from the Komische Oper in Berlin directed by Barrie Kosky and designed by the innovative London theater group "1927." Inspired by the silent movies, this production makes Mozart's 222-year-old opera seem like a new hit musical. Loaded with stunning animation and digital effects this production is a "must see" for any opera aficionado.

Imagine our excitement when the Los Angeles Opera announced that it was shelving its 20-year-old Gerald Scarfe/Peter Hall production for the Komische Oper production.

The baritone roles will be filled by Russian Rodion Pogossov as Papageno, Canadian Phillip Addis as The Speaker and American Morris Robinson as Sarastro. The young lovers Tamino and Pamina will be sung by Lawrence Brownlee and Janai Brugger. The scene stealing role of the Queen of the Night is being sung by Erika Miklosa.

Barihunk Switch: Mattei Replacing Kwiecien in Met's Don Giovanni

Mariusz Kwiecien

The Metropolitan Opera has announced that Peter Mattei will replace Mariusz Kwiecien in Don Giovanni after the Polish barihunk injured his back at the final dress rehearsal. We first heard about the switch from some disappointed Kwiecien fans who were looking forward to him singing the title role at the October 13 performance. New Yorkers have yet to experience him in what is arguably his greatest role. He's performed the role in Seattle, San Francisco, Munich, Italy and Poland, but not on the of the stage of the Metropolitan Opera. Current plans are for Kwiecien to only miss opening night.

Peter Mattei (Photo NY Times)

Rodion Pogossov will replace Mattei in the October 11 and 14 performances of Barbiere, as well as continue with his previously scheduled performances as Figaro on October 26, 29, February 4, 8, 11, 15 and 18. 

The Met's new production of Don Giovanni is directed by Michael Grandage and will be conducted by the company's principal conductor Fabio Luisi. The performances star Marina Rebeka in her company debut as Donna Anna, Barbara Frittoli as Donna Elvira, Mojca Erdmann as Zerlina, Ramón Vargas as Don Ottavio, Štefan Kocán as the Commendatore and barihunks Luca Pisaroni as Leporello and Joshua Bloom as Masetto.

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Rodion Pogossov SIngs Papageno

Here is a video of Rodion Pogossov performing Papageno's heartfelt aria from Die Zauberflöte. The performance was with the Rosenblatt Recital Series in London on October 30th. 

Here is an interview with the Russian barihunk:

What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Life is not a sprint, but a long distance race.

Who do you admire? (It can be personal and/or professional)

My family, friends, well, I have a long list, I could write a book with all the names...

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

I would live in NYC, and when I'm older in New Zealand probably, to be close to nature.

What is your favourite TV show?

I don't know if it's a TV show, but I like the program "Inside the actor studio"

Is there an art form you don’t relate to?

Something where there is nothing to deal with a talent.

What other passions do you have aside from music?

Theatre, cinema, martial arts (just to watch), sport (sometimes also just to watch).

What one song would work as the soundtrack to your life?

It's hard to fit your life into one song; may be in the symphony instead; but I would say Moon River perhaps.

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Rodion Pogossov Heading to Galway

Russian barihunk Rodion Pogossov who has won over audiences at The Met with performances of Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Malatesta in Don Pasquale, Harlequin in Ariadne auf Naxos and Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, is heading off to Galway, Ireland. The striking singer will perform in the 30th Gala Concert for Music at Galway on October 16th with soprano Evelina Dobraceva.

For more information visit the Town Hall Theatre website.

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