Role debut as Chrysothemis at the Metropolitan Opera

Returning to the Metropolitan Opera stage this spring, Elza van den Heever debuts as Chrysothemis in Strauss’ Elektra. For these performances, from March 1 until the 17, she is joined by Christine Goerke in the title role, Michaela Schuster as Klytämnestra, Jay Hunter Morris as Aegisth and Mikhail Petrenko as Orest. Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

The production by Patrice Chéreau was featured in the Met in HD series shown in movie theaters all over the world. Watch a clip from that performance below:

Fore more information and tickets, click here.

“Fidelio” in Zurich

To end what has been a fantastic performing year, Elza van den Heever returns to the Zurich Opera to sing Leonore in Beethoven’s Fidelio, opposite Klaus Florian Vogt as Florestan and Mélissa Petit as Marzelline. Ms. van den Heever debuted the role at Caramoor last year, and received high praise from critics and the audience alike. The “Berkshire Fine Arts” wrote: “While the cast was superb throughout, Elza Van Den Heever shone, even shocked, as Lenore … All attention is on her superb acting and particularly the voice. It floats totally supported by the breath. Huge and resounding, it seems effortless to produce, although perfection often does sound deceptively simple.”

The Andreas Homoki’s production will see Simone Young on the podium on November 26 and 30, and December 3, 8 and 13.

For more information and tickets, visit the Zurich Opera’s website.

Brahms in Helsinki

On October 25 and 26 Elza van den Heever travels to Helsinki to sing the soprano solo in Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, sharing the stage with baritone Daniel Schmutzhard. The first part of the program features Berg’s Sieben frühe Lieder.  Simone Young will conduct these two performances,

Elza van den Heever sings Leonora at Oper Frankfurt

Ms. van den Heever opens her 2017/2018 season in Germany, singing Leonora in Oper Frankfurt’s new production of Il Trovatore. One of Verdi’s most popular operas, the work is full of beautiful arias and stirring ensemble pieces. Ms. van den Heever has performed this demanding soprano role several times, and was hailed as “spellbinding” (Concertonet) and having a “voluptuous tone and luxurious vocal line.” (Sud Ouest) This season at Oper Frankfurt, Elza performs in a David Bösch production, and sings opposite Piero Pretti as Manrico, Brian Mulligan as Conte di Luna, and Tanja Ariane Baumgartner as Azucena. Conducted by Jader Bignamini, the production opens on September 10, 2017 with additional performances in September and October. Tickets are available here.

Alcina at Santa Fe Opera

After performing Verdi’s Requiem with the Orchestre National Bordeaux Aquitaine, Ms. van den Heever travels to the Santa Fe Opera to sing the title role in Handel’s Alcina. She made her Santa Fe debut in 2009 as Donna Anna in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and is delighted to perform again at this prestigious American summer festival. For this occasion Santa Fe has selected the production which was created at the Opéra National de Bordeaux by David Alden. Mr. Alden places the story in an abandoned theater, inspired by the architecture of the Bordeaux Opera House. Elza sang the title role at its 2012 premiere, where she was hailed as “the dominant vocal presence of the evening” (Opera News). In Santa Fe, Ms. van den Heever is joined by Anna Christy as Morgana, and Paula Murrihy as Ruggiero, with conductor Harry Bicket leading from the pit. Alcina premieres on July 29, with additional performances on August 2, 11, 17, and 23.