The tension is palpable at Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Elysées this 28th of March 2007. Anna Netrebko is not only making her debut in France, but she is making it with Rolando Villazón. The ‘dream couple’ of the opera world is about to bring its incomparable charm and magnetism to France’s ‘mélomanes.’ And the result is nothing less than phenomenal: ‘An unforgettable evening, rich in emotions, which many spectators will look back on with nostalgia one day and say: ‘I was there!’. No matter where they appear, Netrebko and Villazón inevitably work their magic on the audience, whether it consists of hundreds or, when broadcast on TV, of millions. For their Paris concert, the duo chose a broad selection of chiefly late-romantic works – the style for which their voices seem to be tailor-made..
A Baroque Celebration
The 19th of December 2011 was an evening of colour, joy and entertainment, as 19 renowned musicians joined forces in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris. They were brought together in sound and harmony by the dervish of baroque music, Emmanuelle Haïm. This 10th anniversary of the ‘Le Concert d’Astrée’ was celebrated by Haïm and the musicians in a very special way: an exuberant party of the baroque. The 20 singers and instrumentalists joining the ensemble, having refined their musical collaboration for the past 10 years: Natalie Dessay, Sandrine Piau and Anne Sofie von Otter, as well as Philippe Jaroussky, Patricia Petibon, Rolando Villazon or the Finnish tenor Topi Lehtipuu. —— Arias, Duets, Trios und Quartets from G. F. HANDEL: Il Trionfo del Tempo, Giulio Cesare, The Messiah, Ariodante; H. PURCELL: The Fairy Queen; J. B. LULLY: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, C. MONTEVERDI: L’incoronazione di Poppea; J. P. RAMEAU: Dardanus
Magic Moments of Music – Maria Callas & Tosca
The beginning of 1964 held a great surprise for the music world: Maria Callas returns to the opera stage as prima donna. Her “Tosca” at the Royal Opera House becomes a sensation. Not even the Beatles received more press coverage. All this, for an artist whose glorious career was said to be over, with the singer herself passing over to legend. It is no longer her performances, but her scandals that, are dominating the headlines. Unlucky in love with her billionaire boyfriend Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas wants to show them all that the title of ”Primadonna assoluta” is still rightfully hers. On condition that famed stage director Franco Zeffirelli takes on the production, the exceptional vocalist is prepared to take on the role of Tosca. Her fans queue outside the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden for four, even five nights. To get their hands on the sought after tickets, they spend the freezing winter nights in sleeping bags and on fold up chairs. A British broadcaster has recorded the opera’s second act. It is one of the most dramatic acts in opera history – to save the artist Cavaradossi from his torturer; Tosca ends up murdering the chief of police Scarpia. The film recording is one of the few opportunities to see Maria Callas on stage and witness her emotional dramatics and vocal competence.
Eras of Music History
Bold in conception, popular in format, gripping in its presentation – “Eras of Music History” makes the soundtrack to European history come alive – immediate and easily comprehensible for young viewers, classical newcomers and experts. In the series “Eras of Music History” music becomes something palpable – sounds you can touch and feel. Graphic novels, historical scenes, jam sessions and commentaries by classical stars, footnotes from political figures, philosophers and cultural scholars – all these are woven together with video and audio documents of the history of great performances. (4 part series: Baroque, Romantic, Viennese Classicism, 20th Century – 4×90’ or 8×45’)
Mission Incognito
The opera house, the concert hall, the museum … these venues are passé – “Mission Incognito” is the new tomorrow. Celebrity artists go outside their comfort zone and share their high art directly with the people on the streets. An entertaining half hour format featuring well known musicians and artists, such as Rolando Villazón or Vladimir Malakhov, that will step into the world and meet their amateur counterparts.