Site unseen
Giuseppe Verdi was so unhappy with the first production of his Giovanna d’Arco at La Scala in 1845 that he swore an oath to himself that he would never entrust that theatre with a prima again.
Jean-François Borras
10 pieces since 2012 — in 7 roles, at 4 companies, most often at Metropolitan Opera.
10
pieces
7
roles
4
companies
15
years
Role Carlo
Role Edgardo
Trapped in the web of love
Which operatic character could be best described as a spider?
Role Giasone
Aegean in place
Greek National Opera’s Medea in the ancient theater at Epidaurus is an intermittently rewarding exercise in nostalgia.
Role Nicias
Splendeurs et misères des courtisanes
A wonderfully committed Ailyn Pérez and Gerald Finley at Saturday afternoon’s revival abetted by Emmanuel Villaume’s passionate conducting converted me to a Thaïs believer.
Role Raimbaut
A Faustian bargain
What we have here is the grandest opera never heard.
Role Tybalt
Six flags over Verona
Those of you who have longed to see a theme-park production of Gounod’s simple, romantic opera Romeo et Juliette, rejoice!
Role Werther
Full of beans
It’s been a bitterly cold winter in NY. When it’s bitterly cold, the air is dry.