BWW Reviews: An Atomic Inspired FAUST Comes Back to the Met
by Scott Frost - March 28, 2013
Since its premiere in 1859, Faust has been a moderate success in comparison to its counterpart, Goethe's epic drama of the same name, and the Mets current revival of the 2011 production holds true. This production, directed by Tony Award winner Des McAnuff does well to add interest where the original opera falls short. Looking at the opera for its musicality, the production is spot on; for its modernized atomic design complete with beautiful projections that fill the Met stage, the production is again spot on; though somehow when combined with the five act score, expertly conducted by Alain Altinoglu, the night at the opera tends to be remembered as again just a moderate success.
by Scott Frost - March 28, 2013
Since its premiere in 1859, Faust has been a moderate success in comparison to its counterpart, Goethe's epic drama of the same name, and the Mets current revival of the 2011 production holds true. This production, directed by Tony Award winner Des McAnuff does well to add interest where the original opera falls short. Looking at the opera for its musicality, the production is spot on; for its modernized atomic design complete with beautiful projections that fill the Met stage, the production is again spot on; though somehow when combined with the five act score, expertly conducted by Alain Altinoglu, the night at the opera tends to be remembered as again just a moderate success.
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Tulsa Opera
by Scott Frost - March 28, 2013
The first recorded opera performance in Tulsa dates back to 1904 with a production of Faust- just six years after the city was incorporated. Forty-four years later, in 1948, an official company was started, known today as Tulsa Opera. In the early years the Company presented opera and operettas twice yearly with only one or two paid professional singers but quickly it became evident that this was not enough. The company continued to grow with every season and is now the 18th oldest opera company in North America and has continued to grow and gain support over the years. Tulsa opera is now ranked among the ten favorite regional opera companies in the United States. The company now presents three grand opera each season and draws audiences from a five state region that includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.
by Scott Frost - March 28, 2013
The first recorded opera performance in Tulsa dates back to 1904 with a production of Faust- just six years after the city was incorporated. Forty-four years later, in 1948, an official company was started, known today as Tulsa Opera. In the early years the Company presented opera and operettas twice yearly with only one or two paid professional singers but quickly it became evident that this was not enough. The company continued to grow with every season and is now the 18th oldest opera company in North America and has continued to grow and gain support over the years. Tulsa opera is now ranked among the ten favorite regional opera companies in the United States. The company now presents three grand opera each season and draws audiences from a five state region that includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas.
Renee Fleming to Round Out Carnegie Hall Perspectives Series with THE STRAND SETTINGS and More, 4/26 & 5/4
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
Renowned soprano Renee Fleming completes her Carnegie Hall Perspectives series with two concerts in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, April 26 and May 4. Appearing on Friday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. with the New York Philharmonic and Music Director Alan Gilbert, Ms. Fleming performs the world premiere of a song cycle The Strand Settings by Swedish composer Anders Hillborg, commissioned by Carnegie Hall and the New York Philharmonic.
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
Renowned soprano Renee Fleming completes her Carnegie Hall Perspectives series with two concerts in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, April 26 and May 4. Appearing on Friday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. with the New York Philharmonic and Music Director Alan Gilbert, Ms. Fleming performs the world premiere of a song cycle The Strand Settings by Swedish composer Anders Hillborg, commissioned by Carnegie Hall and the New York Philharmonic.
The Slide Brothers, MYSO, Red Baraat and More Set for Marcus Center's 2013 Live @ Peck Pavilion Series
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts announces the 2013 season line up for the Live @ Peck Pavilion series in Marcus Center's Peck Pavilion that will kick off this July. This series, which started last summer, will feature types of performances the Center typically presents inside the building on its newly updated grounds. This is a way for the Marcus Center to invite the public to sample the arts in a marvelous setting for a nominal cost.
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts announces the 2013 season line up for the Live @ Peck Pavilion series in Marcus Center's Peck Pavilion that will kick off this July. This series, which started last summer, will feature types of performances the Center typically presents inside the building on its newly updated grounds. This is a way for the Marcus Center to invite the public to sample the arts in a marvelous setting for a nominal cost.
David Daniels and Natalie Dessay Will Lead The Met's GUILIO CAEARE
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
David Daniels and Natalie Dessay will sing the leading roles of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra inDavid McVicar's production of Handel's Giulio Cesare, which premieres at the Met April 4. Baroque specialist Harry Bicket will lead ten performances of the popular staging, originally produced at the Glyndebourne Festival, which incorporates many innovative elements into the story of Caesar and Cleopatra's unlikely romance-including extensive choreography by Andrew George. The other principal stars of this production include Alice Coote in the trouser role of the Roman youth Sesto, Italian baritone Guido Loconsolo in his Met debut as the scheming Egyptian general Achilla, John Moore as the Roman general Curio, and three stars of McVicar's original Glyndebourne Festival production: Patricia Bardon as the Roman widow Cornelia, Sesto's stepmother; Christophe Dumaux as Tolomeo, Cleopatra's brother and co-ruler; and Moroccan countertenor Rachid Ben Abdeslam in his Met debut as the Egyptian servant Nireno. The production features set design by Robert Jones, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, and lighting design by Paule Constable. The Saturday, April 27 matinee performance of Giulio Cesare will be transmitted worldwide as part of the Met's Live in HD series, which is now seen in more than 1,900 movie theaters in 64 countries around the world.
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
David Daniels and Natalie Dessay will sing the leading roles of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra inDavid McVicar's production of Handel's Giulio Cesare, which premieres at the Met April 4. Baroque specialist Harry Bicket will lead ten performances of the popular staging, originally produced at the Glyndebourne Festival, which incorporates many innovative elements into the story of Caesar and Cleopatra's unlikely romance-including extensive choreography by Andrew George. The other principal stars of this production include Alice Coote in the trouser role of the Roman youth Sesto, Italian baritone Guido Loconsolo in his Met debut as the scheming Egyptian general Achilla, John Moore as the Roman general Curio, and three stars of McVicar's original Glyndebourne Festival production: Patricia Bardon as the Roman widow Cornelia, Sesto's stepmother; Christophe Dumaux as Tolomeo, Cleopatra's brother and co-ruler; and Moroccan countertenor Rachid Ben Abdeslam in his Met debut as the Egyptian servant Nireno. The production features set design by Robert Jones, costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, and lighting design by Paule Constable. The Saturday, April 27 matinee performance of Giulio Cesare will be transmitted worldwide as part of the Met's Live in HD series, which is now seen in more than 1,900 movie theaters in 64 countries around the world.
Music Academy of the West's 2013 Summer Season Announced
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
The Music Academy of the West will present a cultural feast of more than 200 events during its 2013 Summer School and Festival, which starts on June 17 and runs through August 10. Among the highlights of this year's festival will be a new production of Mozart's beloved opera The Magic Flute - Santa Barbara's first in 15 years - as well as the West Coast premiere of bereshit by Matthias Pintscher, who is regarded as one of the most sought-after young German composers of his generation. "Magic, Legend, and Ritual" is the festival's theme, and the 66th anniversary season will present performances by violinist Midori, pianist Jeremy Denk, baritone Vladimir Chernov, and the Takacs and Brooklyn Rider string quartets - as well as conducting turns by Leonard Slatkin, James Gaffigan, Bernard Labadie, and Nicholas McGegan. Showcasing the Academy's talented Fellows, together with star guest performers and faculty, the events will be presented at the Academy's scenic Miraflores campus and in venues throughout Santa Barbara.
by BWW News Desk - March 27, 2013
The Music Academy of the West will present a cultural feast of more than 200 events during its 2013 Summer School and Festival, which starts on June 17 and runs through August 10. Among the highlights of this year's festival will be a new production of Mozart's beloved opera The Magic Flute - Santa Barbara's first in 15 years - as well as the West Coast premiere of bereshit by Matthias Pintscher, who is regarded as one of the most sought-after young German composers of his generation. "Magic, Legend, and Ritual" is the festival's theme, and the 66th anniversary season will present performances by violinist Midori, pianist Jeremy Denk, baritone Vladimir Chernov, and the Takacs and Brooklyn Rider string quartets - as well as conducting turns by Leonard Slatkin, James Gaffigan, Bernard Labadie, and Nicholas McGegan. Showcasing the Academy's talented Fellows, together with star guest performers and faculty, the events will be presented at the Academy's scenic Miraflores campus and in venues throughout Santa Barbara.
LA TRAVIATA, LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR and More Set for Opera in the Heights' 2013-14 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 26, 2013
Opera in the Heights' (Oh!) 2013-2014 season has been announced. Four of the most popular works in all of opera will come alive on the Oh! stage beginning this fall.
by BWW News Desk - March 26, 2013
Opera in the Heights' (Oh!) 2013-2014 season has been announced. Four of the most popular works in all of opera will come alive on the Oh! stage beginning this fall.
Tenor Bryan Hymel Receives Metropolitan Opera's 2013 Beverly Sills Artist Award
by BWW News Desk - March 25, 2013
Tenor Bryan Hymel has been named the recipient of the eighth annual Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers at the Metropolitan Opera.
by BWW News Desk - March 25, 2013
Tenor Bryan Hymel has been named the recipient of the eighth annual Beverly Sills Artist Award for young singers at the Metropolitan Opera.
Nicholas Masters and More Honored at 2013 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition
by BWW News Desk - March 24, 2013
The Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center was the scene of a celebration this evening as The Dallas Opera Guild presented a rich variety of homegrown talent competing for top prizes in the 25th Annual 'Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition,' an on-stage showcase for young opera singers with Texas connections.
by BWW News Desk - March 24, 2013
The Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center was the scene of a celebration this evening as The Dallas Opera Guild presented a rich variety of homegrown talent competing for top prizes in the 25th Annual 'Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition,' an on-stage showcase for young opera singers with Texas connections.
BWW Reviews: CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA is Astoundingly Beautiful and Compelling
by David Clarke - March 22, 2013
Houston Grand Opera's 41st World Premiere Opera CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA/TO CROSS THE FACE OF THE MOON premiered in the Brown Theater at the Wortham Center on November 13, 2012. The performance played in front of 2,400 patrons, the largest-ever audience in the Brown Theater. Following that rousing premiere, CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA and its original cast opened the 2011 season at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The production ran for six performances. Upon arriving in Paris, 80% of the tickets were already sold, and word of mouth lead to complete sell outs for the final three performances. Last night, the gorgeous and stirring CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA opened in the Wortham Center's Brown Theater again, earning thunderous applause and sincere admiration from the audience.
by David Clarke - March 22, 2013
Houston Grand Opera's 41st World Premiere Opera CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA/TO CROSS THE FACE OF THE MOON premiered in the Brown Theater at the Wortham Center on November 13, 2012. The performance played in front of 2,400 patrons, the largest-ever audience in the Brown Theater. Following that rousing premiere, CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA and its original cast opened the 2011 season at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. The production ran for six performances. Upon arriving in Paris, 80% of the tickets were already sold, and word of mouth lead to complete sell outs for the final three performances. Last night, the gorgeous and stirring CRUZAR LA CARA DE LA LUNA opened in the Wortham Center's Brown Theater again, earning thunderous applause and sincere admiration from the audience.
HGO's Spring 2013 Season Features TRISTAN UND ISOLDE, IL TROVATORE and Mariachi Opera
by BWW News Desk - March 22, 2013
Spring will bring a trio of striking productions to Houston Grand Opera, starting with the return-by-popular-demand of the world's first mariachi opera - Cruzar la Cara de la Luna ('To Cross the Face of the Moon'). Cruzar - an HGO commission that the company premiered to acclaim in 2010, with the Houston Chronicle calling it 'a multicultural winner' - will run today, March 22-24 at the Wortham Theater Center. Next up is HGO's new production of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde (April 18-May 5), conducted by the company's music and artistic director, Patrick Summers, and starring two of today's greatest Wagnerian singers: soprano Nina Stemme as Isolde and tenor Ben Heppner as Tristan, both in their company debuts.
by BWW News Desk - March 22, 2013
Spring will bring a trio of striking productions to Houston Grand Opera, starting with the return-by-popular-demand of the world's first mariachi opera - Cruzar la Cara de la Luna ('To Cross the Face of the Moon'). Cruzar - an HGO commission that the company premiered to acclaim in 2010, with the Houston Chronicle calling it 'a multicultural winner' - will run today, March 22-24 at the Wortham Theater Center. Next up is HGO's new production of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde (April 18-May 5), conducted by the company's music and artistic director, Patrick Summers, and starring two of today's greatest Wagnerian singers: soprano Nina Stemme as Isolde and tenor Ben Heppner as Tristan, both in their company debuts.
Regional Opera Company of the Week: Seattle Opera
by Scott Frost - March 21, 2013
Seattle Opera has been one of the leading American opera companies since being founded in 1963. Presenting a mixture of European classics as well as new works of American opera, the company's five opera seasons continually advance the cultural life of the Pacific Northwest through education and performance. Seattle Opera strives to produce musically extraordinary, theatrically compelling operas by employing the highest quality casts, conductors, directors and designers. They have been so successful in this that they actually have the highest per capita attendance of any major opera company in the U.S. In addition to their mainstage productions however, the Company serves thousands more through its groundbreaking education programs, scenic rental program and other special projects.
by Scott Frost - March 21, 2013
Seattle Opera has been one of the leading American opera companies since being founded in 1963. Presenting a mixture of European classics as well as new works of American opera, the company's five opera seasons continually advance the cultural life of the Pacific Northwest through education and performance. Seattle Opera strives to produce musically extraordinary, theatrically compelling operas by employing the highest quality casts, conductors, directors and designers. They have been so successful in this that they actually have the highest per capita attendance of any major opera company in the U.S. In addition to their mainstage productions however, the Company serves thousands more through its groundbreaking education programs, scenic rental program and other special projects.
Piotr Beczala Sings First Met Performances in Title Role of Gounod's FAUST Tonight
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2013
Piotr Beczala will sing the title role in Gounod's Faust for the first time at the Met beginning tonight, March 21, opposite Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, a role she sang in the 2011 premiere of Des McAnuff's production. Alain Altinoglu, who led Faust at the Met last season, returns to conduct the opera, which also stars John Relyea as the diabolical Mephistopheles, Alexey Markov as Valentin, and Julie Boulianne as Siebel.
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2013
Piotr Beczala will sing the title role in Gounod's Faust for the first time at the Met beginning tonight, March 21, opposite Marina Poplavskaya as Marguerite, a role she sang in the 2011 premiere of Des McAnuff's production. Alain Altinoglu, who led Faust at the Met last season, returns to conduct the opera, which also stars John Relyea as the diabolical Mephistopheles, Alexey Markov as Valentin, and Julie Boulianne as Siebel.
Florida Grand Opera Comes to Midtown with TANGO and MARÍA DE BUENOS AIRES Double Bill, Now thru 3/24
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2013
Florida Grand Opera (FGO) has announced a new three-year program entitled 'Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places,' designed to bring less-known works to unique venues throughout South Florida in an effort to expose new audiences to opera, with the support of a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as part of its Knights Arts Challenge. The first installment of this new initiative will bring operatic productions to the Midtown neighborhood for the first time with a tango double-bill featuring Robert Xavier Rodriguez's Tango and Ástor Piazzolla's Maria de Buenos Aires, held at the popular Midtown music venue The Stage tonight, March 21-24, 2013.
by BWW News Desk - March 21, 2013
Florida Grand Opera (FGO) has announced a new three-year program entitled 'Unexpected Operas in Unexpected Places,' designed to bring less-known works to unique venues throughout South Florida in an effort to expose new audiences to opera, with the support of a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as part of its Knights Arts Challenge. The first installment of this new initiative will bring operatic productions to the Midtown neighborhood for the first time with a tango double-bill featuring Robert Xavier Rodriguez's Tango and Ástor Piazzolla's Maria de Buenos Aires, held at the popular Midtown music venue The Stage tonight, March 21-24, 2013.
Dallas Opera to Celebrate 25th Anniversary of THE ASPERN PAPERS World Premiere, 4/12
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
The Dallas Opera presents Dominick Argento's riveting 1988 opera, THE ASPERN PAPERS, in a brand-new production to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of its TDO world premiere. THE ASPERN PAPERS will open on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
The Dallas Opera presents Dominick Argento's riveting 1988 opera, THE ASPERN PAPERS, in a brand-new production to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of its TDO world premiere. THE ASPERN PAPERS will open on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
Mezzo-Soprano Tara Erraught to Launch North American Recital Tour, April 2013
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught makes her premiere recital tour to North America this spring.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
Mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught makes her premiere recital tour to North America this spring.
BWW Seeks Editors Specializing in Art, Books, Classical Music & More!
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
BroadwayWorld.com is currently seeking talented theater enthusiasts to head up feature coverage in the areas of art, books, classical music, opera, and comedy.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
BroadwayWorld.com is currently seeking talented theater enthusiasts to head up feature coverage in the areas of art, books, classical music, opera, and comedy.
BWW Reviews: American Symphony Blows a Kiss to DER VAMPYR at Carnegie Hall
by Richard Sasanow - March 19, 2013
I've always been a sucker for a good vampire story--and Heinrich Marscher's opera DER VAMPYR fits the bill, though I don't expect it to turn up at the Metropolitan Opera any time soon. The American Symphony Orchestra under Leon Botstein, at Carnegie Hall this past Sunday, provided an exhilarating introduction to this 1827 singspiel, sung in German with dialogue in English.
by Richard Sasanow - March 19, 2013
I've always been a sucker for a good vampire story--and Heinrich Marscher's opera DER VAMPYR fits the bill, though I don't expect it to turn up at the Metropolitan Opera any time soon. The American Symphony Orchestra under Leon Botstein, at Carnegie Hall this past Sunday, provided an exhilarating introduction to this 1827 singspiel, sung in German with dialogue in English.
New York City Opera Announces 2013-14 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
New York City Opera Announces 2013-14 Season.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
New York City Opera Announces 2013-14 Season.
The Mariinsky Announces Inaugural Programming for Opening of Mariinsky II Opera House in Russia, May 2-4
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
The Mariinsky Theatre, one of the largest and most acclaimed performing arts institutions in the world, under the leadership of Artistic and General Director Valery Gergiev, today announced that its new state-of-the-art opera house, Mariinsky II, will open to the public with three celebratory days of star-studded musical and dance performances from May 2 through 4, 2013. Further defining the Mariinsky as one of the world's premier centers for classical music, opera and ballet, the opening of the new hall marks the completion of the Mariinsky Cultural Complex in St. Petersburg's historic Theatre Square and provides the legendary Russian organization with even greater artistic possibilities.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
The Mariinsky Theatre, one of the largest and most acclaimed performing arts institutions in the world, under the leadership of Artistic and General Director Valery Gergiev, today announced that its new state-of-the-art opera house, Mariinsky II, will open to the public with three celebratory days of star-studded musical and dance performances from May 2 through 4, 2013. Further defining the Mariinsky as one of the world's premier centers for classical music, opera and ballet, the opening of the new hall marks the completion of the Mariinsky Cultural Complex in St. Petersburg's historic Theatre Square and provides the legendary Russian organization with even greater artistic possibilities.
BWW Seeks Guest Bloggers
by Christina Mancuso - March 19, 2013
Are you an expert in your field? Do you enjoy writing? BroadwayWorld.com is currently seeking guest bloggers in our recently expanded areas of books, comedy, fashion, technology, movies, music, opera, and tv.
by Christina Mancuso - March 19, 2013
Are you an expert in your field? Do you enjoy writing? BroadwayWorld.com is currently seeking guest bloggers in our recently expanded areas of books, comedy, fashion, technology, movies, music, opera, and tv.
Stage Tube: First Look at Royal Opera House's 2013/14 Season
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
The Season sees seven new productions on the Main Stage including new productions of Parsifal, Les Vepres siciliennes, and Die Frau ohne Schatten to celebrate milestone anniversaries of Wagner, Verdi and Strauss respectively. Other new Main Stage productions include Don Giovanni from Kasper Holten and Manon Lescaut from Jonathan Kent.
by BWW News Desk - March 19, 2013
The Season sees seven new productions on the Main Stage including new productions of Parsifal, Les Vepres siciliennes, and Die Frau ohne Schatten to celebrate milestone anniversaries of Wagner, Verdi and Strauss respectively. Other new Main Stage productions include Don Giovanni from Kasper Holten and Manon Lescaut from Jonathan Kent.
Canadian Opera Company to Close 2012-13 Season With DIALOGUES DES CARMELITES
by BWW News Desk - March 18, 2013
The Canadian Opera Company closes its 2012/2013 season with a production of Francis Poulenc's operatic masterpiece, Dialogues des Carmelites, described by Variety as "subtle, yet gut-wrenching." Internationally renowned Canadian director Robert Carsen returns to the COC for a third consecutive season to direct a cast of 161 performers, led by three Canadian opera stars: Isabel Bayrakdarian, Adrianne Pieczonka andJudith Forst. COC Music Director Johannes Debus makes his fourth conducting appearance of the 12/13 season leading his first Dialogues des Carmelites. He conducts the COC Orchestra and Chorus through what is considered to be Poulenc's most haunting score and a work that contains one of opera's most devastating and unforgettable final scenes. Dialogues des Carmelites is sung in French with English SURTITLES. Last performed by the COC in 1997, the opera returns to the company for eight performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on May 8, 11, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25, 2013.
by BWW News Desk - March 18, 2013
The Canadian Opera Company closes its 2012/2013 season with a production of Francis Poulenc's operatic masterpiece, Dialogues des Carmelites, described by Variety as "subtle, yet gut-wrenching." Internationally renowned Canadian director Robert Carsen returns to the COC for a third consecutive season to direct a cast of 161 performers, led by three Canadian opera stars: Isabel Bayrakdarian, Adrianne Pieczonka andJudith Forst. COC Music Director Johannes Debus makes his fourth conducting appearance of the 12/13 season leading his first Dialogues des Carmelites. He conducts the COC Orchestra and Chorus through what is considered to be Poulenc's most haunting score and a work that contains one of opera's most devastating and unforgettable final scenes. Dialogues des Carmelites is sung in French with English SURTITLES. Last performed by the COC in 1997, the opera returns to the company for eight performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts on May 8, 11, 14, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25, 2013.
Catherine Malfitano, Brian Castner and More to Participate in InsightALT, 5/28
by BWW News Desk - March 18, 2013
American Lyric Theater (ALT) today announced details of InsightALT, the company's first festival dedicated to providing an intimate, up-close look at its process of creating new operas. Taking place between May 28 and June 3, 2013 at the Goldman-Sonnenfeldt Family Auditorium of the The JCC in Manhattan, a state-of-the-art theater on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the festival kicks-off with a special public master class by world-renown soprano Catherine Malfitano. At the center of the festival are concert readings of three new operas in different stages of their development at ALT: The Turing Project by composer Justine F. Chen and librettist David Simpatico; The Long Walk by composer Jeremy Howard Beck and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann (based on the book 'The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life that Follows' by Brian Castner); and La Reina by composer Jorge Sosa and librettist Laura Sosa Pedroza. All three operas will feature leading singers and rising-stars from the country's preeminent opera houses. Themes behind these works will be explored in two symposia led by ALT and Glyndebourne dramaturg Cori Ellison, one of the leading creative figures in the opera world today.
by BWW News Desk - March 18, 2013
American Lyric Theater (ALT) today announced details of InsightALT, the company's first festival dedicated to providing an intimate, up-close look at its process of creating new operas. Taking place between May 28 and June 3, 2013 at the Goldman-Sonnenfeldt Family Auditorium of the The JCC in Manhattan, a state-of-the-art theater on Manhattan's Upper West Side, the festival kicks-off with a special public master class by world-renown soprano Catherine Malfitano. At the center of the festival are concert readings of three new operas in different stages of their development at ALT: The Turing Project by composer Justine F. Chen and librettist David Simpatico; The Long Walk by composer Jeremy Howard Beck and librettist Stephanie Fleischmann (based on the book 'The Long Walk: A Story of War and the Life that Follows' by Brian Castner); and La Reina by composer Jorge Sosa and librettist Laura Sosa Pedroza. All three operas will feature leading singers and rising-stars from the country's preeminent opera houses. Themes behind these works will be explored in two symposia led by ALT and Glyndebourne dramaturg Cori Ellison, one of the leading creative figures in the opera world today.
BWW Reviews: STREETCAR with Renee Fleming Jumps the Rail at Carnegie Hall
by Richard Sasanow - March 18, 2013
Andre Previn's operatic version of Tennesee Williams's A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, with a libretto by Andrew Littell, made its belated New York debut at Carnegie Hall on Thursday. It plays to Renee Fleming's vocal strengths, with her shimmering, lyric soprano and soaring high notes. This is not surprising since Previn wrote the role of Blanche specifically with her in mind and it shows with every note she sings. But is she Blanche? Unfortunately, she's too healthy, too sane and too much a star to be the character that Williams created, a woman clings to a false gentility--and her sanity--from the moment that she arrives on stage. It also doesn't help that she has zero chemistry with New Zealand baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes the Stanley Kowalski of the evening. Rhodes' muscular baritone carries the threat that Blanche should feel, but he might as well be playing to the Merry Widow.
by Richard Sasanow - March 18, 2013
Andre Previn's operatic version of Tennesee Williams's A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, with a libretto by Andrew Littell, made its belated New York debut at Carnegie Hall on Thursday. It plays to Renee Fleming's vocal strengths, with her shimmering, lyric soprano and soaring high notes. This is not surprising since Previn wrote the role of Blanche specifically with her in mind and it shows with every note she sings. But is she Blanche? Unfortunately, she's too healthy, too sane and too much a star to be the character that Williams created, a woman clings to a false gentility--and her sanity--from the moment that she arrives on stage. It also doesn't help that she has zero chemistry with New Zealand baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes the Stanley Kowalski of the evening. Rhodes' muscular baritone carries the threat that Blanche should feel, but he might as well be playing to the Merry Widow.
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