Questo e Quello
On this day in 1927 the Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II musical Show Boat premiered.
Brian Kellow (not pictured) boasts, “Peggy Noonan, interviewed in last Sunday’s New York Times Book Review, mentioned that Can I Go Now? is on her nightstand.”
On this day premiered three masterpieces of the primo ottocento: Anna Bolena in 1830, Norma in 1831 and Lucia di Lammermoor in 1835.
In addition to the dates noted by WindyCityOperaman, today also also marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Birgit Nilsson.
On this day we at parterre box are always reminded of the heartwarming words of the immortal Hedda Hopper.
On this day in 1928 the first broadcast of “The Voice of Firestone” was heard.
Which soprano/tenor team won’t have to hunt very hard for a triumph on December 31. 2016, when the Met reunites them for a new production of Roméo et Juliette?
“Dmitri Hvorostovsky has withdrawn from his upcoming performances of Verdi’s Il Trovatore—February 3, 6, 9, and 13 matinee—due to his ongoing treatment for a brain tumor. Juan Jesús Rodríguez will sing di Luna in these performances, making his Met debut.” So says the Met press office.
On this day in 1958 A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green opened at the John Golden Theater, to run 38 performances.
Now, understand, this is the snippiest of snippets, but it is indeed the first hint of Anna Netrebko‘s Turandot!
“Only four could have betrayed her: one is dead, one loves her, one wants to own her. And one, she hopes, never thinks of her at all.”
Happy 157th birthday Giacomo Puccini!
Enthusiasm is contagious–you have to cover up carefully lest it make you sick.
Das Rheingold is the outlier among the Ring operas, an ensemble work with a fast-shifting plot, animated dialogue, fewer set pieces and less character development.
It may be bordering on cliché, but here’s the Bach Weihnachtsoratorium, complete with all six sections.
The most recent Egyptian voluptuary of 2006 by our friend Franco has now been replaced by the most singularly spartan production of Verdi’s masterpiece I think I’ve ever seen.
On this day in 1920 the Jerome Kern musical Sally premiered at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
The Met’s pilot program of octogenarian outreach looks to be a smashing success.
Born on this day in 1865 American socialite and interior decorator Elsie de Wolfe.
Continuing in its long and proud tradition of mystery and intrigue, Opera Orchestra of New York has announced a concert or some other sort of music-related event for May 4, 2016.
On this day in 1881 Hérodiade premiered at the Théâtre de la Monnaie.
No, this is too scary to be a coincidence.
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher is heavy on macabre atmosphere and light on action.
Born on this day in 1888 actress Gladys Cooper.
Tell us: What’s your favorite Verdi performance?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
