Opera

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Row of actors in a patterned circular frame, obscured by a curtain of gold fibers which they thrust their hands through

The Wilma’s Hilma does not do justice to Hilma af Klint’s art, life, or legacy

Women artists still deserve better
A new opera about the visionary but little-known painter Hilma af Klint perpetuates longstanding dismissals of women artists and may be a keen disappointment to fans of her work. Melissa Strong considers.
Melissa Strong

Melissa Strong

Essays 5 minute read
In a large circular onstage frame with steps at the center, golden light covers 13 musicians and dancing ensemble members.

The BSR Podcast, season 8, episode 8: Hilma at the Wilma

Hilma librettist Kate Scelsa reveals the backstory of this striking new opera
BSR Podcast host Darnelle Radford sits down with Hilma librettist Kate Scelsa to find out how this new contemporary opera made its way to the Wilma.
Darnelle Radford

Darnelle Radford

Podcast 1 minute read
Sieh, her back to the camera and her face in profile, appears in silhouette against a shimmering peach-gold backdrop.

The Wilma Theater and New Georges present Kate Scelsa and Robert M. Johanson’s Hilma

A new opera about the artist Hilma af Klint fails to illuminate her
Hilma, a contemporary opera receiving its world premiere at the Wilma Theater, fails to capture the artistry or mystical charisma of its subject, the painter Hilma af Klint. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Cameron Kelsall

Cameron Kelsall

Reviews 5 minute read
In opulent blue & gold robe, collar and stole, a frowning Johnson holds out her hand in a “stop” gesture toward Pickle.

OperaDelaware presents Puccini’s Turandot

A new ending for a grand opera
Puccini’s legendary Turandot (unfinished when he died) is typically a rare treat for opera lovers, but OperaDelaware joins many companies marking the centennial of the composer’s death. This impressive production features a new ending by Derrick Wang. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Gail Obenreder

Gail Obenreder

Reviews 6 minute read
Small on stage, Ho, dressed in black, sings against a huge minimalist backdrop of butterfly wings, others onstage at right.

Opera Philadelphia presents Puccini’s Madame Butterfly

A radiant metamorphosis
Opera is grappling with the iconic creations of Giacomo Puccini: can we reverse harmful depictions of marginalized people while
honoring the work’s integrity? Opera Philadelphia finds a way with its new
Madame Butterfly. Linda Holt reviews.
Linda Holt

Linda Holt

Reviews 5 minute read
The orchestra atop a circular gray structure about 10 feet tall, with the cast members performing in front of it.

Festival O23: Opera Philadelphia presents Rene Orth and Hannah Moscovitch’s 10 Days in a Madhouse

“I’m mad they say”
Festival O23’s world-premiere production of composer Rene Orth and librettist Hannah Moscovitch’s 10 Days in a Madhouse is fresh, urgent, and relevant. Alaina Johns reviews.
Alaina Johns

Alaina Johns

Reviews 5 minute read
Sulayman sings soulfully at center stage. Dolphin dances at left; at right, Ward & Mirzadegan sit facing each other.

Festival O23: Opera Philadelphia presents Karim Sulayman’s Unholy Wars

Reframing the “Middle East”
Opera Philadelphia’s Festival O23 features the Philly premiere of Grammy-winning Lebanese American tenor Karim Sulayman’s Unholy Wars, with artistic triumph in every detail. Gail Obenreder reviews.
Gail Obenreder

Gail Obenreder

Reviews 4 minute read
Against a dramatic cloudy sky projection, Kelsey sings atop a small stone stairway, and Van Horn faces outward at right.

Festival O23: Opera Philadelphia presents Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra

Keeping Philly on the map of grand opera
For its Festival O23, Opera Philadelphia presents a standout production of Verdi’s tragic opera, Simon Boccanegra. Linda Holt reviews.
Linda Holt

Linda Holt

Reviews 3 minute read
Sitting onstage: Medovnikov, in ornate jacket, gently touches Tacchino’s arm as she sings, wearing a pale pink satin sheath.

Curtis Opera Theatre presents Handel’s Ariodante

Daunting Ariodante
Curtis Opera Theatre closes its season with an ambitious but underwhelming Handel rarity. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Cameron Kelsall

Cameron Kelsall

Reviews 2 minute read
Over two dozen ensemble members on a blue and orange-lit stage, some on an asymmetrical riser at front with lightbulbs under

Opera Philadelphia presents Puccini’s La Bohème

Puccini in reverse
Opera Philadelphia’s new production of La Bohème reverses the order of the classic opera, beginning with tragedy and progressing toward love. Cameron Kelsall reviews.
Cameron Kelsall

Cameron Kelsall

Reviews 3 minute read