Questo e Quello
Born on this day in 1863 composer Pietro Mascagni.
Norman Dello Joio, who was knocking about winning prizes for film and TV scores, composed The Trial at Rouen, his second opera on the subject, for NBC.
On this day in 1966 the Harvey Schmidt-Tom Jones two-character musical I Do! I Do! opened at the 46th Street Theatre, to run 560 performances
Sir David McVicar’s inept and dreary new production of Bellini’s Norma proved to be more satisfying than it had been on opening night when it returned to the Met Friday evening thanks to its new leading ladies Angela Meade and Jamie Barton
Born on this day in 1921 actress and singer Deanna Durbin.
On this day in 1953 the Wright-Forrest-Borodin musical Kismet opened at the Ziegfeld Theatre, to run 583 performances.
The Met’s 2017-2018 Saturday afternoon broadcast season begins today at 1:00 PM.
Born on this day in 1923.
In November, everyone wanted to hear more about Jonas Kaufmann‘s Johnson.
I’ve been picking away yet again at the mysterious symbiosis between an opera’s words and its music.
One of parterre’s most faithful sponsors begins a campaign today highlighting programs by the world’s greatest singers: let’s hear it for Carnegie Hall!
Today is World AIDS Day.
On this day in 1968 the Burt Bacharach / Hal David / Neil Simon musical Promises Promises opened on at the Shubert Theatre, to run 1,281 performances.
Starting tonight at 7:25, the Met’s “tab” version of The Magic Flute.
Psychology is encoded in the composer’s vocal lines more than his librettist’s words.
“Trove Thursday” presents Virginia by Saviero Mercadante starring the Met’s next errant Druid priestess Angela Meade, who has become one of today’s more controversial—even divisive—sopranos.
In celebration of the remarkable career of Carol Neblett, our friends at Opera Depot are offering free download featuring the soprano in one of her greatest roles.
On this day in 1990 Lella Cuberli made her Metropolitan Opera debut in the title role of Semiramide.
Born on this day in 1797 composer Gaetano Donizetti.
Born on this day in 1923 actress Gloria Grahame.
Nico Muhly has set himself the task of presenting Winston Graham’s elusive heroine Marnie on the operatic stage.
Usually the longer I know a work the more I look forward to rediscovering it, but that’s just not the case with the Verdi Requiem.
La Cieca invites you to peruse some of the remarkable deals in electronics, books, DVDs, computers and cell phones available at Amazon.com.
Happy 63rd birthday cartoonist Roz Chast.
Tell us: Filth or dementia?
Hasten thee to feed another quarter of conversation for The Talk of the Town!
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