Lise with a Z(emlinsky)
Recent discussion about soprano Lise Davidsen has included much speculation about music she might undertake in the future.
Recent Stories
What’s wrong with Sammy Kaye?
On this day in 1960 the Charles Strouse-Lee Adams musical Bye Bye Birdie opened on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre, to run 607 performances.
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).
Jupiter’s darling
Born on this day in 1906 film and stage baritone Howard Keel.
A crazier day
Saturday’s performance of Le nozze di Figaro at the Met mined the humor from Mozart’s divine setting of Beaumarchais’s play about a crazy day in the Almaviva household.
Strangeness of the body
On this past, rainy Thursday, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s delivered a really rather extraordinary performance of the St. Matthew Passion. To me, this evening was a fascinating exploration of work.
Primitive though it may be
Born on this day in 1923 tops in taps terpsichorean Ann Miller.
Le nozze di Figaro
James Gaffigan; Christian Van Horn (Figaro), Ying Fang (Susanna), Federica Lombardi (Countess Almaviva), Gerald Finley (Count Almaviva), Sasha Cooke (Cherubino), Elizabeth Bishop (Marcellina), Maurizio Muraro (Dr. Bartolo).
What an adventure!
Born on this day in 1933 actor Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Camarena delivers
From the multiple standing ovations, to say nothing of the gentleman in the front row waving the Mexican flag, I can safely say that a very good time was had by all.
Steam heat
Born on this day in 1931 actor and diplomat John Gavin.
Rhymes of Passion
Though several other versions have recently been performed and recorded, Handel’s remains the best-known Brockes Passion.
Now, baby, or never
Born on this day in 1915 singer and songwriter Billie Holiday.
The Silencer
Born on this day in 1929 model, actress and nightclub singer Joi Lansing.
“I will never be below the title”
Born on this day in 1908 Miss Bette Davis.
Contact in Red Square
The conundrum “Whose side is Anna Netrebko on?” fascinated the readers of parterre box in March.
Twisted sisters
Nina Stemme’s Elektra always seemed the sanest individual onstage never quite giving over to obsession or hysteria with a good line in mordant sarcasm and contempt.
Won’t you be my neighbor?
Born on this day in 1906 television, radio, and voice actress Bea Benaderet.
She’s funny that way
Happy 82nd birthday to actress Penelope Keith.
Eugene Onegin
Ailyn Pérez is Tatiana opposite Igor Golovatenko in the title role of the urbane nobleman who rejects her, much to his later dismay.
Elektra
Two thrilling sopranos join forces as Nina Stemme reprises her acclaimed portrayal of the title heroine and Lise Davidsen makes her role debut as Chrysothemis.
In the line of ‘Fire’
A co-production of Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Metropolitan Opera, and Los Angeles Opera, Fire Shut Up In My Bones blazed into Chicago as a stunning, highly emotional and moving performance.