Preaching to the choir
Unfortunately, LOC’s Proximity works only fitfully.
John Holiday
13 pieces since 2013 — in 10 roles, at 7 companies, most often at Metropolitan Opera.
13
pieces
10
roles
7
companies
14
years
By role
Role A
Role Akhnaten
They do the sand dance, don’t you know?
Akhnaten has lost none of its power or glitz at the Los Angeles Opera.
Role Cesare
Journey to Italy
Since its founding 20 years ago, Washington, DC-based Opera Lafayette has devoted its considerable imagination and energy to reviving lesser-known 17th and 18th century French operas.
Role Cherubino
I’m getting married in the morning
Washington National Opera presented a well-sung and humorous Marriage of Figaro, buoyed by clever direction and a strong cast, particularly Rosa Feola’s Countess and Joélle Harvey’s Susanna.
Role Farnace
Acting is rè acting
Boston Lyric Opera’s shows, of late, are often going to war with their texts.
Role Man Under the Arch / Hotel Clerk
Women of the Hours
In its first go-around in November 2022, Kevin Puts’s The Hours (libretto by Greg Pierce based on the novel by Michael Cunningham and the screenplay for the Stephen Daldry’s 2002 film was a box office bullseye for the Metropolitan Opera.
Role Orpheus (Double)
Raising genius
A special program note for Saturday night’s performance of Matthew Aucoin’s new opera Eurydice pointed to a rare convergence of three MacArthur Grant fellows in its creation and staging.
Role Prince Go-Go
Direct-to-video
As a burgeoning opera fan, I relied on YouTube to connect me with the art form.
Role Radamisto
Get happy
Lincoln Center hosted two milestones this week.
Role Tolomeo
Now you Caesar, now you don’t
Before stopping at Carnegie Hall this weekend, The English Concert returned to the Bay Area last week with a fiery performance of Giulio Cesare
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).