‘Così,’ cheap ‘n cheerful
In 2022, making Così fan tutte intimate is not a radical act. Making it enjoyable, however, is.
Recent Stories
La peau douce
Born on this day in 1942 actress Françoise Dorléac.
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).
Salome
The Bard Conservatory Orchestra joins an exciting principal cast of singers in a semi-staged performance of Richard Strauss’s once infamous, now famous opera, directed by R. B. Schlather.
Some sunny day
Born on this day in 1917 English songstress Dame Vera Lynn.
Shining ‘Hours’
Dramaturgically, The Hours is a mixed bag: I wouldn’t discard it, but I would want to fix it. But simply as an evening of gorgeous music and singing, it’s cordon bleu.
Rodelinda
Captivating soprano Elza van den Heever sings her first Handel at the Met, making her role debut as the title heroine of the composer’s stunning Baroque drama. Harry Bicket conducts.
“Ursula Undress”
Happy 86th birthday actress Ursula Andress.
Don Carlos
From the Metropolitan Opera, Matthew Polenzani, Sonya Yoncheva, Jamie Barton, Etienne Dupuis, Eric Owens and John Relyea.
Worth the wait
Ana Maria Martinez is an artist of the first caliber, which was richly evident throughout this imaginative, substantial (nearly two hours!) program, which was (thank you!) offered without a music stand.
From A to Z
Has there ever been a more perfect opera to watch after a breakup than Ariadne auf Naxos?
A lady has responsibilities
Happy 58th birthday to actress and singer Vanessa Williams.
Hopelessly human
The Boston Symphony and Alban Berg’s “Wir arme Leut” spread musical riches at Carnegie Hall.
But whom to love?To trust and treasure?
Trove Thursday welcomes the return to the Met of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin on March 25 with a collection of important moments from the opera.
You will see her dance
Born on this day in 1906 actress Brigitte Helm.
Passion play
Los Angeles Opera’s St. Matthew Passion was by equal parts challenging and hypnotic to watch.
A Philly that is ready for the race
As we continue to watch the world of live performance come cautiously back to post-COVID levels, I felt the greatest surge of joy so far when I saw Opera Philadelphia’s announcement of their 2022-23 season—and most especially, the reboot of Festival O.
An adventuress
On this day in 1914 female impersonator Julian Eltinge opened in The Crinoline Girl at the Knickerbocker Theatre.
Seria effect
While it must be admitted that Elza van den Heever doesn’t have an ideally warm and agile Handel voice, she evidenced fierce control over her instrument and skillfully built a powerful portrait of the courageous Rodelida fighting for her survival.
Just don’t cry for love
Born on this day in 1907 controversial actress and singer Zarah Leander.
A Concert for Ukraine
Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Ségui will lead the Met Orchestra and Chorus and star soloists.
She was lazing around her bedroom
Born on this day in 1943 actress, singer and dancer Anita Morris.
Aida
Krassimira Stoyanova, Oksana Volkova, Francesco Meli, Georg Zeppenfeld and Quinn Kelsey; conducted by Christian Thielemann.
It’s in her kiss
Happy 73rd birthday soprano Julia Migenes.