Congratulations to Stephen Llewellyn, grand prize winner of The Omniscient Mussel‘s #operaplot competition, as adjudicated by Danielle De Niese.
Stephen’s plot synopsis read:
There was a young lady called Fricka Who…who…*snore* “Wake up – it’s over.” It’s good, I just wish it were quicka.
La Cieca is particularly impressed with Stephen’s brevity: in fact, at under 140 characters, his synopsis of the Ring is even shorter that Our Own JJ‘s review.
Meanwhile, in Zürich, Vesselina Kasarova stars in The Alessandra Marc Story.
And in other “this diva/that diva” news, Tyne Daly is now doing a one-woman show on the life of Eileen Farrell.
It’s been rumored, but you know how La Cieca feels about rumors. Anyway, here’s some solid proof that Joseph Calleja has been engaged for the Met’s new production of Les Contes d’Hoffmann set for a December 3, 2009 opening. Read more »
One reason why (in La Cieca’s opinion) the Met’s Ring was long overdue for replacement.
La Cieca received this letter yesterday. If you have reviews, opinion pieces, appreciations, or (as in this case) a Letter to the Doyenne, please email to lacieca@parterre.com. Saving New York City Opera?
Belated birthday greetings to Giulietta Simionato, still going strong at 99. The following video is from 1964, only two years before her retirement — after a career spanning almost four decades.
In what must be regarded as the season’s most startling volte-face, next month the New York City Opera will perform opera. As part of the River to River Festival, the company will present a tab version of The Magic Flute, Massenet’s La Navarraise and a concert of the usual pops stuff. Performances June 25-27 will feature “the New York City Opera Orchestra and soloists.”
Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of American dramatic soprano and pedagogue Margaret Harshaw. Margaret Harshaw as Brünnhilde Götterdämmerung – Immolation Scene. George Szell, conductor, Cleveland Orchestra. Recorded November 1, 1956 in Severance Hall, Cleveland.
Cher Public