johnrpierce.com Blog

“November brings the Philharmonia Orchestra and its acclaimed conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen to Avery Fisher Hall. On November 18, Maestro Salonen leads the orchestra in Mahler’s Symphony No. 9. November 19 is a concert performance of Berg’s searing tragic opera Wozzeck. English baritone Simon Keenlyside sings the title role. The role of Marie, his wife, will be sung by German soprano Angela Denoke, who received wide acclaim opposite Keenlyside in the Paris National Opera production of the opera in 2008.”–Lincoln Center press release

Because of illness, Simon Keenlyside will be replaced by Lucas Meachem in upcoming performances of Le nozze di Figaro, the Royal Opera House has announced.

The Royal Opera’s production of Verdi’s Macbeth will be released on DVD on 31 January 2012 in the United Kingdom and on 8 February in France. No word yet that I am aware of as to American release.

COMPOSER: Giuseppe Verdi
TITLE: Macbeth
TRACKS: Extra features: Cast gallery / Interviews with Simon Keenlyside / Raymond Aceto and Liudmyla Monastryrska. Rehearsing Macbeth with Antonio Pappano.
ORCHESTRA: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
CONDUCTOR: Antonio Pappano
ARTISTS: Simon Keenlyside, Liudmyla Monastryrska, Raymond Aceto, & Steven Ebel

LABEL: Opus Arte

With Simon Keenlyside making his British role debut, as an athletic, brooding Macbeth and Liudmyla Monastyrska as his Lady, both imperious and subtle, this performance, masterfully conducted by Antonio Pappano, goes far beyond mere sound and fury. ‘…an impressive company showcase, full of moments when chorus and orchestra are at full throttle. Whipped up by Antonio Pappano’s baton, they sound truly thrilling.’ The Guardian.

DVD, amazon.co.uk

DVD, Crotchet Classical Music

DVD, hmv.com

DVD, amazon.fr

Blu-Ray, amazon.co.uk

Blu-Ray, Crotchet Classical Music

Blu-Ray, hmv.com

Blu-Ray, amazon.fr

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Links to reviews of live performances

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Simon Keenlyside is reported to be sick, and will be replaced by Leo Nucci in three performances of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera at the Vienna State Opera this month. Keenlyside was to have made his role debut as Ankarström.

“Eine doppelte Besetzungsänderung gibt es für die anstehenden
Termine von Guiseppe [sic] Verdis ‘Un ballo in maschera’ an der Wiener
Staatsoper: Kammersänger Leo Nucci springt für alle drei
Vorstellungen der Oper für den erkrankten Simon Keenlyside als Graf
Rene Ankarström ein. Zum Auftakt am 12. Jänner ist außerdem
Barbara Haveman anstelle der ebenfalls erkrankten Eva-Maria Westbroek
als Amelia zu sehen. Am Pult wird Philippe Auguin stehen.”–diepresse.com

La Bohème, starring Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Simon Keenlyside, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo, and Elisabetta Scano, will be re-released by Decca in February 2012 (originally released in 1999).

At Classic FM, Simon Keenlyside talks about his recording Songs of War and other things.

A 50-minute interview of Simon Keenlyside, in two parts, for "Classic Talk with Bing and Dennis," recorded in New York, October 2011

Special Thanksgiving deals start November 24 at 9 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Amazon.com and include items from video games, sports and outdoors, items for your home, jewelry, electronics and more.

Out West Arts has reviewed Simon Keenlyside’s recent Santa Monica recital (without mentioning Malcolm Martineau, who I believe was the pianist).