The Opera Awards selected a prestigious group of Orchestras for the award for best Opera Orchestra. Three European groups were chosen and one American was selected. The four orchestras are known for the range of repertoire and their ability to collaborate with different conductors.
Mariinsky Theatre-The Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra is also known as the Kirov and is located in the Mariinsky theatre in St. Petersburg. Their current leader is Valery Gergiev who brought the orchestra to prominence around the world. They have traveled to the great venues such as Carnegie Hall and have expanded their repertoire outside of the Russian composers. Their current guest conductor is Nicolag Znaider. This year the orchestra released a critically acclaimed "Die Walkure" with Jonas Kaufmann, Nina Stemme and Rene Pape.
Metropolitan Opera-The Met's orchestra is well known for its range and ability to adapt to any conductor and singer. They suffered through a conductor crisis as of late with the absence of artistic director James Levine but under the Met's new Principal Conductor Fabio Luisi, they came back to form. The group last triumphed in Verdi staples "Aida" and "Un Ballo in Maschera" They also recently garnered acclaim for "Parsifal" under Daniele Gatti. Lastly, the group won a Grammy for the new Ring Cycle under the direction of Levine and Luisi.
Royal Opera House-Antonio Pappano's opera has become one of the best opera orchestras in the world. Its range of repertoire and its consistency in every piece has proven that Pappano is most likely one of the greatest conductors living right now. Recent hits included "Otello" and "Les Troyens" under Pappano. The group also scored success in Meyerbeer's "Robert Le Diable."
Vienna Staatsoper/Philharmonic-Unlike the three former nominees the Vienna Orchestra performs all year long and continuously performs in balls, galas, concerts, and operas. Franz Welser-Most currently holds the position of Music director and brought the orchestra to its heights since he has held the position. Recent highlights include the Ring Cycle with Nina Stemme and Simon O'Neill and "Romeo et Juliette" with Nino Machaidze and Piotr Beczala.
Predictions-Royal Opera House is sure to take this award especially since Antonio Pappano is nominated for Best Conductor. Additionally, the orchestra has successes throughout the season.
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