Diver gent
Georges Bizet’s Les pêcheurs de perles has been knocking steadily at the door of the standard repertoire now in this country for quite some time.
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Plus a little jest
Verdi’s Rigoletto returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago, a rousing performance both musically and dramatically.
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).
Sgombra è la sacra megaplex
I suspect that David McVicar’s new production of the Metropolitan Opera’s Norma had its most congenial showing as a totality, specifically in the HD format at the movie theater.
Radio days
Born on this day in 1920 soprano Vivian Della Chiesa.
Who was that lady?
On this day in 1979 Sugar Babies: The Burlesque Musical opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, to run 1208 performances.
Broadcast: La bohème
This broadcast from the Royal Opera House features Michael Fabiano and Nicole Car among the bohemians.
“The first day I arrived, they told me to go home and get rid of that cold”
Born on this day in 1917 actress June Allyson.
“If they had tried to give me only flowers, I would have spit in their faces”
Born on this day in 1887 soprano Maria Jeritza.
Anna on the Hill
According to a scan posted on Anna Netrebko‘s Instagram, the diva has received a contract from the Bayreuth Festival.
The love that dare not yawp its name
Matthew Aucoin’s Crossing depicts Walt Whitman’s experience serving wounded soldiers in a DC infirmary and chronicles the period’s tragic effects.
Rome if you want to without anything but the love we feel
“Trove Thursday” marks Monteverdi’s 450th birthday with a rare broadcast of his towering final work L’Incoronazione di Poppea.
“What are old friends for?”
Born on this day in 1923 actress Glynis Johns.
A voice that must be heard
At the center of the Met’s revival of Puccini’s La bohème, one found the rich and layered talent of Angel Blue.
“Silence is of the gods; only monkeys chatter”
Born on this day in 1895 actor, director, and producer Buster Keaton.
As time goes on, I realize just what you mean to me
There is a slight chill in the air during the final minutes of La Traviata.
Voci di guerra
September 2017 was a time everyone wanted to read about Druids in parterre box. Our most popular posts for the month.
“The unfed mind devours itself”
Born on this day in 1925 author Gore Vidal.
Broadcast: La bohème
The debut of soprano Angel Blue is but one highlight of tonight’s live broadcast from the Met.
Outside this house
The 55th New York Film Festival presented the world premiere of Susan Froemke’s marvelous new documentary The Opera House in a special one-time-only screening at the Metropolitan Opera.
Peazy weazy
Born on this day in 1890 comedian and author Groucho Marx.
“You never start out being a star”
Happy 82nd birthday Julie Andrews.
Brotherly love
When I moved back to Philadelphia a few years ago, I reached out to Albert Innaurato.
Broadcast: Vanessa
A live recording of the Barber/Menotti weepie from the 2016 Wexford Festival