Jeopardy! Goes To The Metropolitan Opera For Costumes Category

Playing Henry VIII in the costume department for a behind-the-scenes video of Alex Trebek for Jeopardy!.

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek dressed as Méphistophélès in the MET costume department.

Contestants looked stunned trying to answer opera costume questions on Jeopardy!

Anna Netrebko And Yusif Eyvasov In Lebanon: The Full Concert

Diva Adorned: Kaftan and turban-clad (also covered in
Chopard jewels),  Anna Netrebko makes first appearance
in Lebanon. (Photo: Facebook)

On August 27, 2015, Anna Netrebko and Yusif Eyvasov took to the stage at the Beiteddine Art Festival in Lebanon to perform a concert full of arias and duets including works from Adriana Lecouvreur, Aida, Mefistofele, Otello, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, Rusalka, La Bohème and more. Hear the full concert and see photos from the evening, after the jump. "The Beiteddine Festival is one of the leading festivals in the Middle East. It takes place in a large and magnificent 200-year old Palace in the Chouf Mountains, in Lebanon. The Palace is a jewel of Lebanese architecture with its many courtyards, monumental gates, elegant arcades and leveled galleries. Each year, in the months of July and August, the Festival presents outstanding performances by world famous stars and Lebanese artists. Concurrent with the performances, the Palace houses one or more international art exhibits. The Festival's first edition was launched in the summer of 1985 amidst the war. It came as an act of faith in Lebanon's cultural role and power of creativity, a call for normality amidst the chaos and madness of war. It was born and has grown in very difficult times and made it against all odds. As of 1987, when Nora Joumblat and an Executive Committee took over the organization of the Festival, it gradually gained regional and international recognition. Since 1997, a new step forward is recorded: the external courtyard of the Palace is fitted to host 5,000 persons. On the creative level, the Festival started producing its own performances, particularly Lebanese plays. The variety and the quality of the Festival's activities attract an ever-increasing audience (51,000 persons in 2003) in which the young generation is worthily represented The Festival is a non-profit organization." [Source]

Angela Gheorghiu Makes "House Of Cards" Debut In Opera Scene

Heard But Not Seen: Angela Gheorghiu's voice
makes an appearance in House of Cards.
(Photo: Gabriel Hennessey/EMI)

The Netflix series House of Cards could be an opera without music. The leading couple, Claire (Robin Wright) and Francis "Frank" Underwood (Kevin Spacey), have been described as Lady Macbeth and Iago. For three seasons, this duo has made drama fly around a fictionalized version of Washington, D.C., on the streaming hit show. But it was in Season 2, Chapter 26, "Hail to the Chief," that we got an operatic injection. We see Frank attending a concert version of Madama Butterfly. Filmed at Patricia and Arthur Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric in Baltimore, the scene captures a soprano (played by soprano Annie Gill) in profile singing "Un bel dì vedremo" from Act 2 of the Puccini opera. The track playing is the voice of Angela Gheorghiu. Next we see feuding villains Frank and Raymond Tusk (Gerald McRaney) have a face-to-face meeting in the basement of the opera house. During their conversation the love duet "Bimba dagli occhi pieni di malìa" from Act 1 can be heard faintly in the background (decidedly NOT Gheorghiu this time). As the two are wrapping up their non-productive negotiations, Tusk says, "When they put you in that box, barely bigger than a coffin, remember how beautiful the music was tonight." Frank shoots back, "Puccini's such a downer. I prefer something more optimistic." In Puccini's masterpiece, Cio-Cio San asks Pinkerton if it's true that in America they catch butterflies and pin them to boards. He says yes, so they don't fly away. The U.S. Navy Lieutenant has complete dominance over the 15-year old Japanese girl.  Is it possible that Raymond feels "pinned" and helpless under the power of Frank during this episode, knowing he must submit to his destiny? Read more about the episode here. Watch a music video of Angela Gheorghiu singing "Un bel dì vedremo," as well as three other classical bits of music used in the three seasons of House of Cards, after the jump. [Source, Source]

Raymond Tusk receives his invitation to a "Madame" Butterfly from Frank Underwood

Annie Gill lip synching Puccini's "Un bel dì vedremo" from Madama Butterfly

Elizabeth DeShong Returns To SFO For New "Madama Butterfly"

"San Francisco Opera audiences have twice had the opportunity to enjoy the rich mezzo-soprano of Elizabeth DeShong: first in her company debut as the Page in Salome in 2009, and more recently in the trouser role of Maffio Orsini in Lucrezia Borgia in 2011. The native of central Pennsylvania currently lives near her husband’s family in Akron, Ohio, though, like many singers in great demand, most of her year is spent on the road. Currently, she is in town for her third role with SFO, as Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, which she will sing opposite Patricia Racette’s Cio-Cio San June 15–July 9. Earlier this year, she sang the role with the Metropolitan Opera, garnering stellar reviews such as this one in The New York Times: 'The mezzo Elizabeth DeShong was outstanding as Butterfly’s servant Suzuki. With her deeply resonant low register, she created a character who is tragically prescient about the unfolding disaster.'" Read the full interview that covers a range of topics including why she identifies as a mezzo-soprano rather than contralto; keeping the flexibility in the voice without getting pegged as a Rossini-only artist; how to avoid focusing on gender in pants roles; an in-depth analysis of Suzuki's character; and if Verdi's Amneris is a role she will take on down the road. [Source] For more about Elizabeth DeShong, click here. A colorful image of the Jun Kaneko production of Madama Butterfly, that will be performed at the San Francisco Opera, is after the jump.

Hei-Kyung Hong Eyes Madama Butterfly As Next Career Challenge

Opera Veteran: Hei-Kyung Hong (Photo: J. Henry Fair)

"Prima donna Hei-kyung Hong beamed at reporters of the JoongAng Ilbo’s bureau in New York after learning she was the winner of the 2014 Ho-Am Prize for her contribution to the arts. 'I am so glad that I’ve achieved my goal,' said Hong, who has been an established international opera star for the past three decades. 'When I went to New York to study in the Juilliard School back in the 1970s, I was the only Korean kid in the entire class. Asians were still marginalized in U.S. society at that time, and explicit discrimination was all around,' recalled the virtuoso. 'At that time, I had this feeling I was representing Asian society as a whole; so I wanted to become a formidable soprano who would gain everyone’s respect, regardless of the color of their skin.' Hong is known as a pioneer in Korea because she paved the way for musicians junior to her. After she made her astounding debut in 1984 at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, many young, aspiring musicians in her home nation dreamed of following her. Though she has become a national icon for opera music in 21st-century Korea, her path wasn’t initially rosy. Having a remarkable debut was not enough to beat competitors. 'I didn’t win a big title as soon I first started my career in New York. It did not come immediately,' Hong said. 'I guess practicing self-control definitely helped me. Some young vocalists merely accept all the requests of international producers, hoping to become big stars in the opera world,” she continued. “But if you are not ready for the stage, you should be brave enough to say no to the offer.' After having performed on stage more than 350 times at the Met, Hong, who will celebrate her 55th birthday in July, notes that it has been tough to maintain the quality of her voice. 'In Juilliard, I saw so many talented vocalists losing their gifted talents due to overstraining their voice,' said Hong, adding that she has done her best to preserve her vocal chords. A female soprano’s voice reaches its peak between the mid-40s to 55 years old, according to Hong. 'As she becomes 55, she needs to step down from the throne,' she said. But Hong still wants to take on other operatic roles, such as Giacomo Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. 'When I was younger, I deliberately avoided Madama Butterfly’s character because I did not want to conform to the rigid stereotype that Asians should play Asian roles,' the prize laureate said. 'But now, I dream to show the best version of Butterfly, or Cio-cio san, as a veteran soprano.'” [Source] Watch a stunning video of Hei-Kyung Hong's artistry by clicking here.

Revisiting 1979 "Madam Butterfly" By The Tavares Brothers

"Tavares (also known as The Tavares Brothers) are a American R&B, funk and soul music group, composed of five Cape Verdean-American brothers from New Bedford, Massachusetts. Madam Butterfly is the seventh album by American soul/R&B group Tavares, produced by Bobby Martin and released in 1979 on the Capitol label. By this stage in the group's career, they had become known as a disco act due to successful singles such as 'Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel', 'Whoduni' and 'More Than a Woman.' Madam Butterfly is however noted for its lack of anything approaching disco material, and as such is considered to be

more akin in style to the group's 1973-1975 albums than to their 1976-1978 Freddie Perren-produced output. 'Never Had a Love Like This Before', one of several slow jams on the album, became a top 5 R&B hit and has subsequently become a quiet storm classic, while tracks such as 'I'm Back for More' are more funk-based than listeners had come to expect from Tavares. Madam Butterfly performed respectably on the R&B chart, peaking at #13, but failed to achieve substantial sales in the crossover market. Its reputation has grown over the years and it is now considered among the group's best." [Source, Source]

Puccini Inspires International Love Among Airplanes In Animated Film

Love at 10,000 feet above sea-level: Canada and Mexico

Director Klay Hall (King of the Hill, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, Father of the Pride, The Simpsons) brings Planes, a spin-off the popular Cars film, to the big screen with a host of eclectic characters voiced by some of Hollywood's star players. While the main character of the film is Dusty, "a cropdusting plane with a fear of heights lives his dream of competing in a famous around-the-world aerial race," it's two of his supporters that provide the romance in this comedic adventure: El Chupacabra (voiced by Carlos Alazraqui) and Rochelle (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus). The two spot each other for the first time as the international planes arrive to begin the race around the world. As El Chupacabra admires Rochelle, the music cued under the scene is "Ancora un passo or via" from Puccini's opera Madama Butterfly. Commonly known as "Butterfly's Entrance," this operatic excerpt makes hearts swell. We're just glad the love affair between the two planes had a happier ending than that of Cio-Cio San and Pinkerton in the opera. Biographies and a scene featuring the two lovers can be found after the jump. Listen to a 1965 live performance of Pilar Lorengar singing the aria in a Munich production.

Jerry Hadley and Judith Haddon at New York City Opera in 1982

Queen Mary 2 to Get Screening of Puccini's "Butterfly" in 3D

"As part of its worldwide release schedule, Cunard Line is proud to announce the first shipboard screenings of the 3D feature film, Madam Butterfly 3D, in association with the Royal Opera House and RealD, the world’s most widely used digital 3D projection technology. Captured during live performances at London’s internationally renowned Royal Opera House, Madam Butterfly 3D will be shown aboard Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, beginning 6 July 2012, the only ship currently scheduled to present the film. The film opened earlier this year in the United Kingdom to much popular and critical acclaim and is being released worldwide in almost 40 other countries through the fall of 2012. Cunard began its successful partnership with RealD in 2011 with the installation of RealD 3D projection technology, furthering the relationship later that year with screenings of the RealD and Royal Opera House co-production, Carmen in 3D, which proved hugely popular with Cunard guests. Madam Butterfly 3D is expected to draw equally large and appreciative audiences when it is presented in the ship’s grand 450-seat theatre, Illuminations. This second co-production between RealD and the Royal Opera House gives viewers the best seat in the house at one of the world’s most prestigious venues for one of the world’s best loved operas. Liping Zhang appears as the Butterfly of the title, Cio-Cio-San, a role for which she is acclaimed worldwide – and James Valenti makes an especially dashing Pinkerton, the young officer whose thoughtless toying with love is the catalyst for this tragic story. This revival of Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s elegant stage production offers the drama, the musical richness and the sheer enjoyment of great performances that make The Royal Opera truly world class. Madam Butterfly 3D was directed for cinema by Julian Napier and produced by Phil Streather. The original stage production was directed by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier with costume designs by Agostino Cavalca and set designs by Christian Fenouillat. The music is by Giacomo Puccini and the libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. For more information about the film, please visit www.madambutterfly3D.com. For more information about Queen Mary 2 or to book a voyage, consult your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free 1-800-728-6273 or go to www.cunard.com." [Source]

Kelly Kaduce Talks Baby and "Butterfly" in Portland

"Making predictions about musical performances is a fool's errand, as much as handicapping presidential primaries or the Super Bowl. But it's safe to say that Portland Opera's Madame Butterfly, which opens Friday night at Keller Auditorium, promises greatness, not least because it features one of the most appealing and acclaimed singers the company has brought in recent years. A winner of the 1999 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, rising star soprano Kelly Kaduce made her Portland Opera debut two seasons ago as Mimi in La Bohème, her signature role. 'It was Kelly Kaduce, who sang Mimi with gorgeous, open lyricism, who made the magic happen,' wrote The Oregonian's David Stabler, echoing the buzz around the performance. It's easy enough to point to good reviews; anyone singing at Kaduce's level with a halfway decent publicist can produce loads of them. But her press is noteworthy for the effusive praise she inspires even while performing two of the most well-worn roles in opera -- Mimi and Cio-Cio San, the title role of Butterfly -- and especially for critics' unanimity over finer points of her vocal beauty and control, the nuances of her acting and the strength she brings to characters distinguished principally by their vulnerability. Kaduce returns to Portland 10 months after having her first child. In a conversation last week in which she was as bright and focused as her high register, she mentioned how the physical experience of pregnancy and motherhood affected her vocally. 'Certainly I felt some changes,' she said, adding with a laugh that 'the support comes so much more easily when your abdomen is distended.' After taking four months off around the time of the birth, she said she is still rebuilding her stamina but feels that her voice has gained some fullness." [Source]

"Madama Butterfly" Makes Appearance in George Clooney Film

George Clooney keeping his butterfly in shape.
Click image to enlarge the tattoo.

The American, a 2010 thriller starring George Clooney as an assasin, features a scene where his character has dinner with one of the local priests of Castel del Monte. What else would be playing in the background but Puccini? Specifically "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly sung by Maria Callas. The choice most certainly has to do with the tattoo that Clooney's character has on his back of a butterfly. In fact the two female leads, one also an assassin and the other a prostitute, refer to him in the film as Mr. Butterfly. A synopsis and trailer for the film are after the jump.

The Connection Between Cio-Cio San and Ann Curry

"Born in Guam, her Navy father met her Japanese mother during the U.S. occupation of Japan. Their story mirrors Puccini's opera Madame Butterfly with one big exception: Unlike the Navy cad in the opera, Curry's father returned to Japan two years later to marry his Japanese bride. She grew up in Ashland and later became the first female reporter for KTVL in Medford. From 1980-84, during the time that Mount St. Helens blew up and the Rajneeshies arrived in Oregon, she worked at KGW in Portland. Then she headed to Los Angeles -- but she still has a sister in Lake Oswego and a stepmother in Grants Pass. (Her parents are both deceased.) Curry and her husband, software executive Brian Ross, met at the University of Oregon and have a daughter, McKenzie, 18, and a son, William Walker Curry Ross (Billy), 16." [Source]