Growers and showers Growers and showers

For Philadelphia opera lovers, October means the Giargiari Bel Canto Competition—a staple event for the Academy of Vocal Arts, and a pipeline for the public to discover some of their strongest resident artists.

Oh, Marie, don’t ask! Oh, Marie, don’t ask!

On this date in 1991 the Metropolitan Opera presented the world premiere of John Corigliano‘s The Ghosts of Versailles.

They are the champions They are the champions

This is likely the best Giargiari Bel Canto competition year in my experience, evidenced in several important ways.

Boy meets world Boy meets world

A beautiful concert of 18th century sacred music arrived at Weill Recital Hall performed by the soulful Polish Wunderkind Jakub Jósef Orlinski.

Cardillac: arresting!

[UPDATE: Now with photos!] Before Opera Boston’s performance of Cardillac at the Majestic Theater on Sunday afternoon, a woman warned the people in her row that she might have to leave early. A man insisted to her that “the last seven minutes” were not to be missed.