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.
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Active enough
Born on this day in 1924 actress and coffee connoisseur Lauren Bacall.
I’ll take the fall
The days are getting shorter, but you can keep the prattle going this fall’s Talk of the Town! You will, you can, you must join in the discussion about: Great mezzo soprano performances (October),
Gained in translation (November), Teleport me back to… (December).
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.
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
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
Happy 57th birthday soprano Angela Gheorghiu.
A little bit louder now
Happy 85th birthday to actress, singer and comedienne Jo Anne Worley.
Cooking with gas
Happy 91st birthday to dancer Francesca Marlene de Czanyi von Gerber, better known as Mitzi Gaynor.