I’m still thinking about Richard Jones’s <em>Hansel und Gretel</em> I’m still thinking about Richard Jones’s <em>Hansel und Gretel</em>

I saw this production in HD, and it really shocked me because I was used to the cackling mezzo witch, guardian angels, and gingerbread figures.

Nothing makes me feel better than <em>Hänsel und Gretel</em> Nothing makes me feel better than <em>Hänsel und Gretel</em>

I was first exposed to Hänsel und Gretel as a child, likely via The Metropolitan Opera’s 1982 PBS telecast.

Hunger games Hunger games

Director Richard Jones’ well-traveled and visually arresting production of Humperdinck’s 1893 opera Hansel and Gretel has returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago after a 10-year absence.

Bold intruders, leave this house this very instant! Bold intruders, leave this house this very instant!

On this day in 1951, the Metropolitan Opera presented a new production of Così fan tutte directed by Alfred Lunt.

Ever-present Ever-present

Edita Gruberová was one of the most fascinating individuals I have ever known. 

Atlantis in Atlanta Atlantis in Atlanta

“Once upon a time / Lived a foolish king. / Mocking Death, his crime, / Pure chaos he bring.”

The octogenarian muse The octogenarian muse

Helga Dernesch is the singer whom I largely credit for rekindling my love for opera.

Stranger with candy Stranger with candy

Saturday night I navigated the Music Center concourse, or what’s left of it with it’s seemingly eternal construction to the main plaza, wending my way to the Dorothy Chandler for the opening night of LA Opera’s Hansel and Gretel.

Light my foyer Light my foyer

Each year, Leon Botstein leads the American Symphony Orchestra in a concert opera or two.