A daring & desirous double-bill at Opera Atelier

A daring & desirous double-bill at Opera Atelier

Such longevity puts it among the upper echelon of Canadian opera companies in Canada - a feat more impressive when we consider that Atelier performs exclusively 17th- and 18th-century baroque opera. It's almost impossible to resist saying it: "If it ain't baroque, don't fix it."

Jenna Simeonov - Oct 15, 2018
Fidelio as a mirror of human rights

Fidelio as a mirror of human rights

In fact, this whole production makes reference to human rights abuses across the world; projected background images include those of Colombian mothers protesting the army-sponsored murder of their sons, to Goya's painting "The Third of May", a depiction of the execution of unarmed soldiers. This production misses no opportunity to shine a light on the corruption of power, and the resultant loss of human rights.

Melissa Ratcliff - Oct 15, 2018
A world premiere: Anna Christie

A world premiere: Anna Christie

Director Nancy Rhodes describes it as "crossover" but it might be more appropriate to call it "criss-cross over"; the music never stops and the singers mostly sing, but sometimes halt to utter a comment, exclamation, or quick exchange of dialogue. The combination always feels just right, as the emotions and/or whimsy of the characters rise and fall.

Loren Lester - Oct 13, 2018
BLO Barber brings delightful laughter amid overdesign

BLO Barber brings delightful laughter amid overdesign

So was this production of Barbiere overdesigned? For sure. But unlike most overdesigned productions, the director remembered that, at the end of the day, opera is a storytelling medium, and she carried that knowledge into the performances just as much as the production design. The result was thus a delight to watch, and even with the occasional misstep it proved to be perhaps the best demonstration of Italian opera I have seen in a long time.

Arturo Fernandez - Oct 13, 2018
Check it out: The Linden Project

Check it out: The Linden Project

Art song - a broad classical music term to describe a piece written for solo singer and accompaniment, usually by a piano - can feel equal parts vague and exclusive. A song by Schubert and a song by Bernstein are both considered art songs, despite enormous differences in style; conversely, art song carries with it some special qualities, like the conversational relationship between the voice and piano.

Jenna Simeonov - Oct 11, 2018
A shining Violetta in Washington

A shining Violetta in Washington

With a voice that's all crystal clear, ringing resonance, yet absolutely weightless, she danced through the fioratura of "Sempre libera" without breaking a sweat, and finishing with a perfect high E-flat, then sang with a breathtakingly tender sotto voce in her scene with Germont at "Dite alla giovine," before opening up later in the act with the broad, sweeping "Amami Alfredo!" while never over-singing. In the final act she offered a gloriously floated high A at the end of simply and beautifully sung "Addio del passato."

Molly Simoneau - Oct 10, 2018
Talking with composers: David T. Little

Talking with composers: David T. Little

"As the composer, I try to see both the forest and the trees - to feel the small details and the small moments while making sure the text is right, the high notes are being approached in just the right way, and I'm also monitoring the large-scale form while keeping the pacing moving. It's multi-tasking at an intense level."

Eva Cahen - Oct 10, 2018
5 ways being a background actor helps your singing

5 ways being a background actor helps your singing

Background acting (AKA working as an "extra" on a television or film set), with few barriers to entry and mostly single-day commitments, could be a good way to fill gaps between gigs. Approach it constructively and you can hone your craft while earning a (mostly) quick buck.

Jeremy Hirsch - Oct 10, 2018
Maria by Callas: "Destiny is destiny. There is no way out."

Maria by Callas: "Destiny is destiny. There is no way out."

It's funny how easy it is, as a woman in 2018, to look at someone like Maria Callas and decide that she is unquestionably forward-thinking, a strong feminist who worked endlessly for her success. And then she says that being a wife and mother is "the main vocation for a woman."

Jenna Simeonov - Oct 9, 2018
Pass the tissues: a beautiful new Bohème in Chicago

Pass the tissues: a beautiful new Bohème in Chicago

Director Richard Jones deserves fervent applause for his three-dimensional realization of this show. Characters and set-pieces alike moved and reacted with cinematic deliberateness. Rising conductor Domingo Hindoyan makes his Lyric debut in this production. The LOC orchestra responded with a lush blanket of sound, emanating from the pit and supporting the singers.

Michael Pecak - Oct 9, 2018

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