It’s oh so quiet It’s oh so quiet

The concert itself—starring Michael Fabiano, Nadine Sierra, Pene Pati and Lucas Meachem—seemed to be a beautiful affair that I would have loved to see it in a person.

Active enough Active enough

Born on this day in 1924 actress and coffee connoisseur Lauren Bacall.

A voice from the past A voice from the past

After several grueling negotiating sessions, La Cieca and I have agreed that I will continue to periodically share live opera recordings here.

Transfiguration Transfiguration

Born on this day in 1945 soprano Jessye Norman.

“We’re more like priestesses and priests” “We’re more like priestesses and priests”

Born on this day in 1933 actress Zoe Caldwell.

Classic example: ‘Antony’ at SFO Classic example: ‘Antony’ at SFO

Antony and Cleopatra was an auspicious start to San Francisco Opera’s second century, a performance that seems to improve as I continue to think about it.

‘Impossible’ dream ‘Impossible’ dream

Happy 91st birthday actress Barbara Bain.

Magnificent: Michael Spyres in recital Magnificent: Michael Spyres in recital

This tenor must be the finest classical singer in the world today.

Power and precision: ‘Ernani’ in Chicago Power and precision: ‘Ernani’ in Chicago

LOC’s Ernani is a satisfying evening of Verdi sung by four stars at the height of their powers.

Carmen Carmen

Live from the Vienna State Opera starring Elina Garanca and Piotr Beczala.

Isn’t he romantic? Isn’t he romantic?

Born on this day in 1888 French entertainer Maurice Chevalier.

Two characters in search of anagnorisis Two characters in search of anagnorisis

Philadelphia’s memorably if quirkily named Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium deserves to be better known.

Her infinite variety Her infinite variety

Happy 80th birthday to triple threat Lola Falana.

NYCO, out(doors) and proud NYCO, out(doors) and proud

The New York City Opera has become an elusive “now you see it, now you don’t” presence in the New York opera scene since the departure of main sponsor and chairman of the board Roy G. Niederhoffer in 2019.

“He taught us how to be stars” “He taught us how to be stars”

Born on this day in 1898 actress Bessie Love.

Die Walküre Die Walküre

Live video from the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.

I’m ready to move out in front I’m ready to move out in front

On this day in 1970 Hello, Dolly! became the longest-running Broadway musical, surpassing My Fair Lady.

C’est une chanson qui nous ressemble C’est une chanson qui nous ressemble

Trove Thursday, which began on 10 September 2015, is ending today, seven years and 346 installments later.

All roads lead to Roman All roads lead to Roman

On this day in 1948, the San Francisco Opera opened its season with a performance of Aida in Seattle. Featured were Stella Roman,
Blanche Thebom, Kurt Baum
and Robert Weede.

My love and my whole life My love and my whole life

Happy 57th birthday soprano Angela Gheorghiu.

A little bit louder now A little bit louder now

Happy 85th birthday to actress, singer and comedienne Jo Anne Worley.

Fan club Fan club

Happy 62nd birthday soprano Karita Mattila.

Cooking with gas Cooking with gas

Happy 91st birthday to dancer Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, better known as Mitzi Gaynor.

Norma Norma

Karine Deshayes, Michael Spyres and Amina Edris are featured in Bellini’s opera at the Festival d’Aix 2022.