parterre box

46 comments

• La Cieca says:

  “I Rienzi” is brought to you by the same people who produced “I Domeneo” and of course that rare opera based on the autobiography of a football coach, “I, Lombardi”

  on January 29, 2009 at 12:36 PM
• armerjacquino says:

  Whoever paid to hear a director sing?

  Well, certainly not me. Then again I’ve never paid to see a fishmonger play tennis, either.

  They’re not there to sing, it’s not their job. And if Millo’s argument is that directors don’t sell tickets, that’s not true either.

  on January 29, 2009 at 12:55 PM
• Della Traviata says:

  I guess if I wanted to hear washed up divas kvetching about the prospect of singing Tosca not dolled up in an Empress Josephine knockoff, I’d dig up a copy of the Rasponi book which is basically about a thousand pages of that.

  on January 29, 2009 at 1:17 PM
• Will says:

  Dare I mention that when Ms Millo sang Adriana for OONY, the reviews from critics and comments from opera lovers such as us praised Ira Siff to the skies NOT for his singing (Mme.. V G-B was between engagements that evening) but for his DIRECTING!

  on January 29, 2009 at 1:41 PM
• paddypig says:

  did any of you who are bitching Millo’s blog actually read it or just trusting my quick summary and adding your own agenda. READ IT carefully. She is talking about all these regie productions, Ira Siff hardly did a regie production of Adriana, he simply helped create stage movement in a concert version of an opera that is normally not performed in concert versions to clarify the actions and relationships- let’s face it one goes to Adriana for a performance, not to hear an obscure score that is not performed in New YOrk. It was OONY’s star vehicle for Millo who has been loyal to them.

  on January 29, 2009 at 2:44 PM
• Will says:

  By the way, I want Rienzi. It is fascinating to hear unfamiliar work buy a great composer and there is wonderful stuff in the opera. The huge ensembles in act 3 are very impressive, for example. I know she probably won’t do more than two thirds of the full score, but it will be good to hear it sung anyway.

  And this should clear up the whole OONY situation:

  The Opera Orchestra Of New York Announces
  Two Final Operas of 2008-2009 Season Cancelled

  Wagner’s Rienzi To Be Performed in 2009-2010 Season
  Cherubini’s Medea To Open 2010-2011 Season

  New York, NY – Due to the economic crisis, The Opera Orchestra Of New York has cancelled the balance of its 38th season, including the concert with Ferruccio Furlanetto which was scheduled for February 27, 2009. However it has rescheduled its final two operas: Wagner’s Rienzi will be performed during the 2009-2010 season and Cherubini’s Medea will open The Opera Orchestra’s 40th anniversary season in 2010-2011.

  The 2009-2010 season will open with a Vidda Award Recital, date and artist to be announced; Aprile Millo will perform a benefit recital to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her debut with Opera Orchestra; the season continues with Rienzi and closes with Meyerbeer’s L’Africaine. The Opera Orchestra Of New York plans to open the 2010-2011 season with Medea.

  Founder and Music Director of The Opera Orchestra Eve Queler says, “To say that I regret this situation is to put it very mildly. However, I am encouraged by the dedication of our Board of Directors, staff and artists to help us get through this difficult time. I will continue working with our singers and am planning number of fundraising events as well as preparations for next season’s concerts”

  Chairman of the Board Norman Raben continues, “We regret the need for this decision, but feel it is the most responsible action to take in the current economic climate. The Board of Directors is committed to Eve Queler and Opera Orchestra as they have been for the past 38 years. We are embarking on a series of cost reductions and innovative fundraising initiatives to ensure a successful future.”

  As is the case with many performing arts groups, Opera Orchestra has been hit very hard by the current financial crisis. Funding has dramatically diminished in all areas of public support, and the decision has been made to cancel the balance of the season. The Opera Orchestra Of New York has already scheduled events to be performed during the upcoming two seasons.

  Ticketbuyers who purchased single tickets by phone through CarnegieCharge or through Carnegie Hall’s web site will have tickets automatically refunded. Tickets purchased in person from the Carnegie Hall Box Office may be returned to point-of-sale for refund.

  Patrons who purchased tickets through The Opera Orchestra Of New York should call 212-799-1982.

  on January 29, 2009 at 2:46 PM
• armerjacquino says:

  I’m not bitching anything, paddypig, merely disagreeing with the sentiment you expressed as your favourite.

  Last time I checked, that was allowed.

  on January 29, 2009 at 2:55 PM
• StignaniSpawn says:

  As a former Bostonian, OONY’s rescheduling makes me nostalgic for Sarah Caldwell. It used to be said that if Sarah ever offered all of the Opera Company of Boston’s deferred productions, subscribers would have eventually gotten a year’s worth of nightly performances.

  on January 29, 2009 at 3:09 PM
• Krisitn85 says:

  Perhaps it would be helpful if some of these wonderfully opinionated bloggers would send a tad of money to help OONY stay afloat. Every little bit helps.

  on January 29, 2009 at 3:24 PM
• carlwho says:

  I agree with Millo. She is stating the over the top productions are a disservice. Urinals for Ballo is pushing it, or pissing it and I agree it is tasteless.

  As for Siff. He gives Millo nothing. She does what she wants and he takes the credit. He is a wonderful performer, but with Millo, at least for the OONY shows, he never told her anything except, yeah, that works.

  on January 29, 2009 at 3:24 PM