Maria Ewing sings Mozart
Today is Mozart’s 266th birthday and I had already planned a Trove Thursday celebration when I learned that Maria Ewing had died on January 9.
Recent Stories
Playing the diva vs. being the diva
In the last weeks of January, as the Metropolitan Opera season wound to a close (prior to the winter hiatus) two striking sopranos were thrust into the limelight.
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).
It begins tonight
On this day in 1961: the historic Metropolitan Opera debuts of Leontyne Price and Franco Corelli in Verdi’s Il trovatore.
Plenty of security
Born on this day in 1923 actress and singer Anne Jeffreys.
When you wish upon a scar
So that there’s no confusion: the Long Day’s Journey into Night seen here is contemporary, political, brutal, and universal.
I will remember you
Only time can tell if some performances enter the collective opera memory, if such a thing even exists, as “historical”
We are family
Premiered on this day in 1909 Richard Strauss‘s Elektra.
I want your Rex
Opera Philadelphia’s return to the stage after two years was greeted by a cheering crowd who clearly would have been happy to stay longer, but as director David Devan acknowledged, this was a step in a continuing trajectory.
Madwoman
Born on this day in 1883 actress Estelle Winwood.
“I do like to win”
Happy 89th birthday to Broadway singer-dancer supreme Chita Rivera.
La bohème
Starring Maria Agresta as Mimì and Charles Castronovo as Rodolfo.
Grande dame
Born on this day in 1878 actress and acting coach Constance Collier.
Lorenzo’s toil
“Meet our new chief conductor Lorenzo Viotti – Dutch National Opera”
One of a kind
Born on this day in 1926 bodybuilder and actor Steve Reeves.
Late bloomer
Teresa Zylis-Gara died in late August at 91 and Trove Thursday offers the Polish soprano in a wide-ranging collection of live material showcasing her great versatility.
“I think I was born stubborn”
Born on this day in 1926 actress Patricia Neal.
O mother, where art thou?
On this day in 1853 Verdi’s Il trovatore premiered in Rome.
Eyesight to the blind
Which much-lauded gem of an American artist is about to emerge from retirement?
I’m like a bird
Happy 91st birthday actress Tippi Hedren.
“I’ve always been multicultural myself”
Born on this day in 1927 singer, actress, comedian, dancer and activist Eartha Kitt.
Nothing to hit but the heights
Born on this day in 1908 actress and singer Ethel Merman.