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Mike Silverman.

San Francisco Opera’s ‘The Monkey King’ ready to premiere with magical Kung Fu and puppetry

November 11, 2025

The Monkey King, a beloved figure in Chinese mythology, is now the star of an opera. With music by Huang Ruo and a libretto by David Henry Hwang, “The Monkey King” premieres at the San Francisco Opera on Friday. The story is adapted from “Journey to the West,” focusing on the Monkey King’s birth, exploits, and eventual redemption. The production features a mix of singing, dance, and puppetry to bring the fantastical tale to life. The Monkey character is rendered in three different ways in the production, as a singer, dancer and a puppet. The opera plays through the end of November, and its creators hope to expand the story into a series.

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This Spanish tenor’s already a star in Europe. Now he’s made a big splash at the Met

October 30, 2025

He’s a Spanish tenor who has captivated audiences with his extraordinary voice. Conductor Riccardo Frizza and the Metropolitan Opera’s Peter Gelb have praised Xabier Anduaga’s talent. At 30, Anduaga is a star in Europe. He recently made a splash in the U.S., headlining the Met’s production of Bellini’s “La Sonnambula.” Anduaga grew up in Spain, starting as a boy soprano. His wife, Elena Barbé, remains his coach and critic. As his voice evolves, he’s exploring new roles. Opera houses are eager to book him. Gelb says he was blown away by the sound when Anduaga made his house debut two season ago.

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Met season opens with new opera based on Michael Chabon novel starring tenor Miles Mykkanen

September 21, 2025

Miles Mykkanen has come a long way since his musical theater dreams shifted to opera at Juilliard. Now 34, he’s just opened the Metropolitan Opera season in “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.” The opera, based on Michael Chabon’s novel, features Mykkanen as Sammy Clay, a Jewish kid in WWII-era Brooklyn. He’ll also return in the spring for “Innocence” by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. Mykkanen, who grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, still calls it home and runs an arts festival there. Despite his success, he enjoys returning to his roots and staying with his parents

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Anthony Roth Costanzo, who introduced $11 tickets, brings opera with a difference to Philadelphia

September 17, 2025

Anthony Roth Costanzo, who introduced $11 tickets to Opera Philadelphia, aims to surprise audiences again with the company’s new season as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Things kick off with Rossini’s “Il viaggio a Reims,” set in an art gallery where portraits come alive. Upcoming performances include a multimedia piece by Sarah Ruhl and a world premiere with a libretto by Michael R. Jackson. Costanzo’s “pick your price” policy helped the company raise $7 million, retiring debt and selling out the 2024-25 season. The initiative attracted many first-time attendees and new donors, boosting the company’s financial outlook.

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Ryan Speedo Green triumphs in first outing as Wagner’s god in ‘Die Walküre’

August 6, 2025

Ryan Speedo Green has taken on the challenging role of Wotan in Wagner’s “Die Walküre” at the Santa Fe Opera House. Known for its demanding nature, the role is often compared to climbing Mount Everest for a bass-baritone. Green, who overcame a troubled childhood, has risen to stardom with performances at the Metropolitan Opera. He is set to play Wotan in a new “Ring” cycle that launches in the 2027-28 season at the Met. Green’s dedication and hard work have earned him praise from critics and colleagues alike and he says it has given him the opportunity to play a character who doesn’t worry about what anyone thinks about him.

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