Awesome Anna Netrebko wraps her considerable talent around a the Europop hit “La Voix.” Note the correct use of hair extensions (without those ridiculous “rocker chick” bangs) and the plain but striking red gown. Read more »
So a member of the cher public writes, “The odious Command Opera says that Netrebko has cancelled the Mariinsky Bolenas” which, according to the Mariinsky site certainly seems to be true. Or at least what seems to be true is that the rumored or planned production of Anna Bolena at the Mariinsky is not happening for whatever reason. Read more »
Sweet Betsy again rounds up the Saturday afternoon listenables. La Cieca leans toward Manon naturellement, but she should warn you that she’s off like Des Grieux’s cassock at 3:00 pm to jump on the Caramoor Caravan. After the jump (not onto the Caravan!) the complete list of what’s singing who.
La Cieca's old, old, old friend Intermezzo (not pictured) reacts to last night's prima of Manon at the Royal Opera: Anna Netrebko "sang strongly, the voice fuller and darker than ever before, looking gorgeous" and Vittorio Grigolo's "technique and stamina were truly spectacular." The pair "were, deservedly, a huge hit with the audience.... authentic and vital." The Laurent Pelly production offers "some stylish stage pictures, but his storytelling doesn't hang together." [Intermezzo]
La Cieca is of the opinion that there are some sopranos who can act Manon, some who can sing Manon, and some who simply are Manon. This snippet from a recent interview may suggest which category Anna Netrebko fits into. Read more »
The results are in for the first annual Pubie Awards, nominated and voted upon by you, the Cher Public. Turnout this year was spectacular, with some categories racking up as many as 2,647 votes. A few of the races were close, and La Cieca thinks you'll see an upset or two among the winners, after the jump. Read more »
Don't worry: no clips from The Music Lovers to mark the 170th anniversary of the composer's birth. Instead, after the jump, a treat from the summer of 2009. Read more »
Wearing her own hair (in a Zeffirelli production!) and sounding fabulous: a snippet of Anna Netrebko's Micaëla from Vienna on May 3. Read more »
Cher Public