Christophe Dumaux
In review: Così fan tutte at ROH
ReviewIt's not a bad solution to look to the show's theatrical context, itself a way of addressing the suspended disbelief. If the action takes place in a theatre, each scene can be something new, even heavy-handed in its symbolism. There are chorus members and stage crew to help create scenes that depict temptation, or a fab wedding banquet, or an entire train station.
In review: Renée Fleming joins opening night at the TSO
ReviewAfter three encores that included a sing-along of "I Could Have Danced All Night" and "Summertime", her third encore closed the show with a touching and soaring rendition of "O mio babbino caro". The ovation went on for what seemed like several minutes and people were reluctant to leave their seats.
Big history & big operas: Festival Verdi 2016
InterviewFrom October 1-30, the Festival Verdi takes over theatres in Parma and Busseto for their annual celebration of Giuseppe Verdi. On the performance line-up for 2016 are Il trovatore, Giovanna d'Arco, I masdanieri and Don Carlo; plus, the month is filled with gala concerts, recitals, and community building programs, like Emozioni Under 30, Il piccolo Verdi, and their Verdi Off series.
Aria guides: Va, laisse couler mes larmes
How-ToShortly after the famous "Letter Scene" where she re-reads correspondence between her and Werther, Charlotte sings "Va! laisse couler mes larmes" to Sophie, her younger, more optimistic sister, telling her that it is sometimes a good thing to grieve, and not be consoled.
AtG's Opera Pubs: "It can all get a bit wild."
EditorialOpera Pubs accommodate the kind of listeners who simply enjoy the sound of operatic singing, and who aren't necessarily itching to know the details of the story. Even better, the common ground of a pub environment allows listeners to feel as though they're among the group of singers, rather than watching from afar.
Actual opera buzz: The Swarm, in review
ReviewThemes of community, even sisterhood, poured through The Swarm, and we begin to get a sense of the relationship among the individuals in the hive. They were curious together, scared together, and when they finally take flight together, there was something reminiscent of Wagner's Valkyries.
Aria guides: "Je suis encor tout étourdie"
How-toIt's the first time we meet Manon, and she has just stepped out of the carriage that took her on her very first journey. Despite her being *en route* to a convent, Manon still finds excitement in all the new things surrounding her. Along with your trusted teachers and coaches, we can offer up some tips and tricks to get you started with Manon, one of Massenet's many complicated ladies.
Shh! Confidential Opera Project is back!
NewsAfter an incredibly successful first show in June, we are #stokedissimo to bring you another one of the opera world's most beloved works, sung by some of the best up-and-coming talent here in Toronto.
Music, religion, & irony
EditorialPerhaps this happens because music is one of those things that can truly offer the exhilarating joy and sense of belonging that many religious seek. It's perhaps not the same thing, but in my work with music, I have experienced moments of happiness, awe, and admiration so great my whole self vibrates.
In review: Norma at ROH
ReviewOllé's production slowly revealed itself to be much more than a collection of provocative symbols, yet it still left us with questions. There were unnecessary distractions: he let swing a giant, swinging thurible just before Norma's infamous "Casta diva" aria; and when Norma's kids fall asleep watching television, the flat-screen TV blared (silent) cartoons throughout her entire act II scene with Adalgisa.