Opera tips

Opera superstar soprano Lise Davidsen stars in the Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino,” streaming Live in HD to cinemas around the world this Saturday, March 9 at 12 noon ET.

International operatic soprano Asmik Grigorian makes her Metropolitan Opera debut this spring, starring as Cio-Cio-San in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. Her performance on Saturday, May 11 at 12:55 PM ET will stream live to movie theaters around the world.

The Venice Biennale is renowned for tackling weighty and complex themes from nationalism to climate change. But that doesn't mean all the works on show are sombre or obscurely conceptualized. This year, dozens of contributions to what is known as the 'Art Olympics' are joyous, celebratory and spectacular to look at.

Tenor Jonathan Tetelman, a Castro, Chile native, stars as Ruggero in The Metropolitan Opera’s La Rondine, streaming Live in HD to cinemas around the world on Saturday, April 20th at 12:55pm ET.

At the 123-year-old Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the finest suites have long been named after the most memorable guests—Graham Greene, for one. Now those spaces, along with the rest of the hotel's original Heritage Wing, have reopened after an extensive renovation. New touches include imported Italian marble and hand-tufted carpets, while the hand-painted artwork adorning the elevator car shines as bright as it did in 1901. The grand original wooden staircase also remains—be sure to descend it in a wardrobe that would befit those glamorous visitors of the past. To help you look and feel as luxurious as this iconic hotel, we gathered a list of chic and sophisticated packing essentials inspired by the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, from silk midi skirts to printed one-piece swimsuits.

Latin American soprano Nadine Sierra stars as Juliette in the Metropolitan Opera’s “Roméo et Juliette” streaming Live in HD to cinemas around the world this Saturday, March 23rd at 12:55pm ET.

Recently relaunched luxury cruise line Crystal wants to woo you back. How does a 135-day around-the-world sailing sound?

Hanoi's Old Quarter has many constants, from its French Colonial architecture, Opera House and 1,000-year-old Temple of Literature to its vibrant street food and the chaotic two-, three- and four-wheel traffic that swirls all day and much of the night around picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake.

Famous for its beer festival and Bavarian traditions, Munich is all of that and much more.

7-night itinerary with MSC Opera to some of the most sought-after winter sun destinations in the Canary Islands and Madeira – sales now open.

The Metropolitan Opera premiered its new production of Bizet’s Carmen on New Year’s Eve, starring the dynamic Russian mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshinain the title role. Her performance has won over critics and fans all over the world.

There are many legends of Isola Bella: The tiny island in Lake Maggiore belonged to Italy's storied Borromeo clan for 500 years. But more recently, it played host to Louis Vuitton's resort show, a fantastical reimagining of one tale involving mermaids who transformed into flowers upon its shores—a notion translated by artistic director Nicolas Ghesquière into dreamy pastel gowns with blooms of organza and sweeping architectural hems, presented alongside custom-made headwear by a Roman opera atelier. After the show, the first ever hosted by the maison in Italy, other French houses followed, with Dior presenting a jewelry collection and Jacquemus opening a store. Here, tips for experiencing the region's legendary dolce vita.

Sun Valley, Idaho is practically synonymous with skiing and winter snow sports—and for good reason. Interest in skiing surged in the decades after the first Winter Olympics in 1924. Sun Valley Resort opened in 1936 with the goal of becoming America’s premier ski resort—debuting the world’s first chairlift, adapted from a system used to haul bananas onto ships in Panama.

From rubbish comes rhythm, trash turned into tunes. At La Halle de la Machine in Toulouse, I watch Ignacio Herrero, one of La Halle’s staff members, make music out of recycled bits of junk. This hangar-like space in the southern district of Montaudran is best known as the home for the giant animatronic Minotaur Asterion and its equally enormous spider companion Ariane. However, exhibits demonstrated by staff also include a makeshift orchestra: old klaxons turned into an organ, a huge pinwheel of abandoned guitars, a cascade of battered drum cymbals, an accordion powered by a contraption that in a previous life operated windscreen wipers. The ingenuity, innovation and whimsy of it all are enchanting – music and engineering harmoniously coming together in a way that would have had Heath Robinson bursting into song.

When I was eight, Christmas was ballistically exciting and worth dragging my parents out of bed at 4am for. Over my 32 years since, a combination of atheism, credit card bills and John Lewis-branded Venus flytrap monsters has made me more cynical than excitable about the holiday.

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles Trianon Palace is offering a special that combines a stay at the historic hotel with the opportunity to experience a ballet performance in the Royal Opera at the Château de Versailles. The offer will continue through December 30, 2023.

Minor Hotels is preparing to enter the Paris market with three four-star NH Hotels in France's capital.

Sydney is one of those cities that grabs your attention long before you get to experience it.

For the last five decades, the Sydney Opera House has been a global spectacle: with its whimsical rooftop sails and prime location on the Sydney Harbour, it has become not only the city's most recognizable symbol, but that of all of Australia. While presiding over the building's October 20, 1973, opening, the late Queen Elizabeth II called it “unique”—and while its architecture certainly remains a standout feature, what makes the structure truly forward-thinking is the degree to which Danish architect Jørn Utzon drafted it with sustainability in mind.

In my latest column where I interview actors, singers and other creatives about travel as it relates to their craft, I interviewed Ryan McKinny, a bass-baritone singer who plays the role of Joseph De Rocher in the MET’s blockbuster production of “Dead Man Walking.”

As one of the world's dreamiest destinations, Paris never disappoints. Summer sees the Seine lined with people soaking up the city at its sunniest, while the cooler winter temperatures make it the perfect time to explore museums, galleries and cozy cafes.