A sky full of stars
On this day in 1971 the Metropolitan Opera opened the final season of the Rudolf Bing regime with a revival of Don Carlo.
Recent Stories
The Real thing
Surrounded by security and greeted by a bevy of cameras, Su Majestad la Reina Sofía brought a bit of excitement to an evening that didn’t end up being all that musically rewarding.
No heather on the hill: ‘Lucia’ in LA
LA Opera sent out an email warning that the production “contains depictions of blood, violence, and drug use, as well as strobe lights and a gunshot effect in Act III.”
The sweetest sounds
On this day in 1968 the Metropolitan Opera season opened with a revival of Adriana Lecouvreur featuring Renata Tebaldi and Franco Corelli.
“I am a difficult person to lead”
Born on this day in 1905 actress Greta Garbo.
Thaïs
Massenet’s opera at that Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris starring Ermonela Jaho.
She’s no lady with a song
Born on this day in 1925 actress and songstress Dorothy Loudon.
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
Born on this day in 1924 actress and coffee connoisseur Lauren Bacall.
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
Born on this day in 1945 soprano Jessye Norman.
“We’re more like priestesses and priests”
Born on this day in 1933 actress Zoe Caldwell.
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
Happy 91st birthday actress Barbara Bain.
Magnificent: Michael Spyres in recital
This tenor must be the finest classical singer in the world today.
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
Live from the Vienna State Opera starring Elina Garanca and Piotr Beczala.
Isn’t he romantic?
Born on this day in 1888 French entertainer Maurice Chevalier.
Two characters in search of anagnorisis
Philadelphia’s memorably if quirkily named Idiopathic Ridiculopathy Consortium deserves to be better known.
Her infinite variety
Happy 80th birthday to triple threat Lola Falana.
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”
Born on this day in 1898 actress Bessie Love.
Die Walküre
Live video from the Finnish National Opera and Ballet.
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.