Two of history's most commanding women, Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, engage in a ruthless fight for the English throne - and the heart of one man. While Mary languishes in prison, Elizabeth forges a devastating plot to secure the crown. Judith Howarth (Mary) and Brenda Harris (Elizabeth), star as the dueling divas.
Tenor James Valenti and mezzo-soprano Roxana Constantinescu from the Minnesota Opera came to visit Classical MPR to sing a heart-melting duet, and talk about what makes Massenet's opera Werther so melodramatic, and why Charlotte's heart stays true to him, even after she must marry another man.
This week, the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts an archive performance of Vincenzo Bellini's Norma, one of the most important works of the bel canto repertoire.
The Bell Alma Duo has just released a gorgeous disc of music for dance. Flutist Michele Frisch stopped in to share some of her favorite tracks and talk with Alison Young.
Jazz Singer Christine Rosholt says that when she listens to jazz on her iPod, it's work. But when it's classical, she really escapes and just lets the music wash over her.
Classical MPR will be airing La Traviata on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Enjoy this feature on soprano Elizabeth Futral and don't forget to tune in!
Baritone Matthew Worth performs music from Minnesota Opera's "Cosi fan tutte" in the Maud Moon Weyerhauser Music Studio.
Peter Rothstein is the Artistic Director of Theatre Latte Da. He's moonlighting as director in the minnesota Opera's opening production of Mozart's "Cosi fan Tutte," so it's no wonder there's lots of songs on his playlist. Music with Minnesotans airs at noon on Wednesday.
Tune in this Wednesday at 8 p.m. as we broadcast the Minnesota Opera's 2010 production of "Orpheus and Eurydice." Also, hear John Birge's interview with performers David Daniels and Susanna Phillips.
Alison Young is joined by the President of St. John's University Father "Bob" Koopmann. He loves to listen to opera on his many drives to The Cities, and he tells me he needs to stay on cruise control or when the music gets dramatic, he might speed up to 90!
