ARIA SERIOUS?

It seems only fitting to follow a sad post with a happier one. We here at Aria Serious love nudity . But what we love even more is when said nudity is for charity. Artists as well as the staff of the Royal Opera House have decided to get naked for a calendar , the proceeds of which benefit the Macmillan Cancer Support. Each participant has dedicated their image to someone close to them who they have lost to cancer. To broaden the appeal each calendar features 12 men and 12 women with two different covers. You can order the calendar from the Royal Opera Shop and all proceeds go to cancer research. At least that's what I'm telling my wife, even though it is true. -- Edward

Via the delightful Opera Chic blog comes this story about German supermodel/pair of uberlegs Nadja Auermann who just modeled a series of ads for Deutsche Opera Berlin to promote the 2008-2009 season . That's her Turandot to the left.. Let's talk about bringing sexy back to opera . Or let's not; I can write my best material right now but it can't hold a candle to these images so let's just get to the pictures already. For those of you care, an interview with Nadja Auermann (in German) . - Edward Venus from Tannhauser: A very very naughty Carmen: The Flying Dutchman : Aida : Die Agyptische Helena :

Another reason opera is better live than in the movies: Those attending the Met HD Broadcast of Salome this weekend in the hopes of seeing Finnish soprano Karita Mattila nude in what she calls a "slutty, two-second scene" will be sorely disappointed. During the Dance of the Seven Veils while audiences in the theatre will see the much talked about full-frontal nudity, those watching the movies will see the camera go elsewhere. According to Peter Gelb, via Culture Monster , he "decided early on the Salome broadcast would not feature nudity." Tease. But never fear, we here at Aria Serious circumvented firewalls and risked downloading spyware while scouring the internet to find you a clip of a nekkid Karita Mattila. OK, fine, we just Googled her via YouTube... This is from a Paris Opera production in 2003. Those of you who are just here for cheap thrills can skip to the last 30 seconds but be warned -- you'll be missing out on one helluva performance. Enjoy! - Edw...

It seems opera is sexy again. OK, from where I stand opera was always sexy, but what do I know. The Independent just ran this article on how svelte singers are the new shape of opera . It is an interesting read and one worth checking out. One of the reasons I'm amazed at Ian Campbell's casting abilities is he has the ability to cast the right singer for the right part -- and not just vocally. His Leila in The Pearl Fishers had an air of chaste innocence while at the same time being totally seductive (I mean she does come between two lifelong friends), his Elizabeth in Maria Stuarda had the vocal prowess of cougar and the stance of a dominatrix . There's something to be said for looking the part as it lends to the credibility of what one sees on the stage. Besides, in this age of high-def closeup movies, it pays to be easy on the eyes as well as having the vocal mettle needed for the role. I'm not alone. Seems Playboy Magazine just learned what we knew all along wit...