Some critics disdained this production when it settled in Canada in 2012. But while in some respects it may confound, it feels honest, both musically and theatrically. Plus: Sumo wrestlers!
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Win Soprano Sonya Yoncheva’s New Paris-Inspired CD ‘Paris, Mon Amour’
The brilliant lyric soprano's new CD highlights music by French composers of the Belle Époque along with Verdi and Puccini. Enter to win a copy from Blogcritics!
Read More »Opera Review (NYC): ‘Slow Dusk’ and ‘Markheim’ by Carlisle Floyd (the little OPERA theatre of ny)
This spicy little production of two one-act operas provides a mini-survey of the the 'Susannah' composer's talents as he progressed from a gifted youngster to a mature artist with a sensibility very much his own.
Read More »Theater Review (Off Broadway): ‘The Velvet Oratorio’ by Edward Einhorn & Henry Akona
'The Velvet Oratorio' is a celebration of The Velvet Revolution that took place in Czechoslovakia brought to the world stage by Vaclav Havel, the Civic Forum, students and the Czech people. It is enjoyable and humorous reminder of Havel's playful wit incorporating the complex and haunting music of a time of revolution, hope and lasting change. There is nothing more revelatory for us at this time to inspire us.
Read More »Opera Review (NYC): Aaron Copland’s ‘The Tender Land’ at the Chelsea Opera
Copland Dust Bowl "folk opera" still feels fresh and interesting on its 60th anniversary in this impressive production from Chelsea Opera.
Read More »Movie Review: ‘Werther’ Live in HD
The Metropolitan Opera has yet again staged this piece, the latest in its series of Live in HD broadcasts of operas to theaters the world over.
Read More »Opera Review (NYC Fringe): ‘Truth’
A short new opera about abolitionist Sojourner Truth features fine voices and appealing music.
Read More »Opera Review: (Bard College, NY): ‘Oresteia’ by Sergey Taneyev
Despite inadequate staging and a too-small stage, this premiere American production of Tanayev's late 19th-century masterwork was a revelation.
Read More »Opera Review (Singapore): Another Murder on the Orient Express by Bellepoque
This pastiche-operetta (Offenbach, Bizet, G&S) provided intimate, entertaining "comfort theatre" during the monsoon season.
Read More »Opera Review (NYC): ‘Travelers: “The Wandering Scholar” and “Savitri”‘ by Gustav Holst
A trickster theme and Holst's tricky music unite these two mini-operas, whose moods couldn't be more different.
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