All we are saying is give geese a chance
On this day in 1910 Engelbert Humperdinck’s “other” opera Königskinder premiered at the Met.
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The grandest of drammers and jolly comedies
On this day in 1927 the Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II musical Show Boat premiered.
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).
These old broads
Brian Kellow (not pictured) boasts, “Peggy Noonan, interviewed in last Sunday’s New York Times Book Review, mentioned that Can I Go Now? is on her nightstand.”
Women on the verge
On this day premiered three masterpieces of the primo ottocento: Anna Bolena in 1830, Norma in 1831 and Lucia di Lammermoor in 1835.
Heldenreizerin
In addition to the dates noted by WindyCityOperaman, today also also marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Birgit Nilsson.
Inclusion
On this day we at parterre box are always reminded of the heartwarming words of the immortal Hedda Hopper.
That wondrous rapture within your eyes
On this day in 1928 the first broadcast of “The Voice of Firestone” was heard.
Ouvre tes yeux bleus
Which soprano/tenor team won’t have to hunt very hard for a triumph on December 31. 2016, when the Met reunites them for a new production of Roméo et Juliette?
Dark of the moon
“Dmitri Hvorostovsky has withdrawn from his upcoming performances of Verdi’s Il Trovatore—February 3, 6, 9, and 13 matinee—due to his ongoing treatment for a brain tumor. Juan Jesús Rodríguez will sing di Luna in these performances, making his Met debut.” So says the Met press office.
I Said Good Morning
On this day in 1958 A Party with Betty Comden and Adolph Green opened at the John Golden Theater, to run 38 performances.
Ice ice baby
Now, understand, this is the snippiest of snippets, but it is indeed the first hint of Anna Netrebko‘s Turandot!
Bridled enthusiasm
“Only four could have betrayed her: one is dead, one loves her, one wants to own her. And one, she hopes, never thinks of her at all.”
Lucca who’s talking
Happy 157th birthday Giacomo Puccini!
A Pole in the head
Enthusiasm is contagious–you have to cover up carefully lest it make you sick.
Gold diggers
Das Rheingold is the outlier among the Ring operas, an ensemble work with a fast-shifting plot, animated dialogue, fewer set pieces and less character development.
By Adriel
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Feast forward
It may be bordering on cliché, but here’s the Bach Weihnachtsoratorium, complete with all six sections.
Ardori inospiti
The most recent Egyptian voluptuary of 2006 by our friend Franco has now been replaced by the most singularly spartan production of Verdi’s masterpiece I think I’ve ever seen.
Silver lining
On this day in 1920 the Jerome Kern musical Sally premiered at the New Amsterdam Theatre.
80, girls, 80
The Met’s pilot program of octogenarian outreach looks to be a smashing success.
Optimism and plenty of white paint
Born on this day in 1865 American socialite and interior decorator Elsie de Wolfe.
OONY way the wind blows
Continuing in its long and proud tradition of mystery and intrigue, Opera Orchestra of New York has announced a concert or some other sort of music-related event for May 4, 2016.
L’air attentif passe sans bruit
On this day in 1881 Hérodiade premiered at the Théâtre de la Monnaie.
The convergencing
No, this is too scary to be a coincidence.