The TSO's joyful ode to Oundjian

The TSO's joyful ode to Oundjian

The symphony itself feels like an entire world, encompassing at once the life of one man - I always like it to be Beethoven's - and the lives of all people. It feels as though Beethoven offers up his story first, a conversation starter with humanity, letting us know of his hardships and his joys and his sense of humour, like an invitation for us to respond.

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 30, 2018
The Medium: opera as film noir

The Medium: opera as film noir

The film deserves broader exposure. Seven decades after Menotti composed the score and wrote the libretto, both still sound ever so inventive and contemporary. As a film director Menotti nurtured a naturalistic atmosphere in which it appears inevitable that his characters sing and in the process he has created a finely honed example of operatic film noir.

John Hohmann - Jun 30, 2018
Don't miss: La gazzetta

Don't miss: La gazzetta

"I look at an opera like Gazzetta as a special case for myself and for the POP audience. It's almost certain that no one in the audience will have every seen this opera, and the story is pretty easy to relate to - a father seeking fame and fortune puts his daughter out in public to gain attention for himself - so I feel comfortable keeping the concept pretty 'traditional'."

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 26, 2018
A next-level Fledermaus in Des Moines

A next-level Fledermaus in Des Moines

Although Frosch is a relatively minor character in the operetta, Brian Frutiger quite frankly stole the entire last act in my opinion. His physical comedy and drunken slur had the audience in stitches during his first scene, and I think he could have kept ad libbing for an hour without any complaints from the crowd.

Meghan Klinkenborg - Jun 25, 2018
Moving on up: Milan Milisavljević is MET's new Principal Viola

Moving on up: Milan Milisavljević is MET's new Principal Viola

"Any section can have great harmony as well as tremendous strife. With a change of personnel and myself becoming Principal after twelve years of sitting Third Chair, I hope to usher an era of cooperation, artistic integrity and excellence that my section mates and I desired and can finally have."

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 24, 2018
Rusalka: Opera at its most operatic

Rusalka: Opera at its most operatic

The last act brought the curse to its deadly conclusion. I could sense the audience collectively grimacing as Rusalka wandered onstage, knife in hand and feet bloodied. The pristine white floors became stained with pools of red where she discarded her silvery heels. The imagery and music made it clear. There will be no happy ending for the poor nymph.

Meghan Klinkenborg - Jun 23, 2018
An Insightful, Relevant Look At Divas

An Insightful, Relevant Look At Divas

But of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention Arielle Rogers as Sisieretta Jones. Arielle Rogers had easily the most to do throughout the night: Sisieretta eventually became the emotional core of the evening, and that is no small task.

Arturo Fernandez - Jun 22, 2018
Don't miss: the RCM's unsettling double-bill

Don't miss: the RCM's unsettling double-bill

"This piece shows us the extremes of real life relationships: friendships, dysfunctional marriages, unrequited love, toxic relationships, marital rape, etc. It explores how humans react differently to emotional and physical abuse, stress and loss. It really does cover a lot of ground for a work which is only 45 minutes or so in length!"

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 21, 2018
dell'Arte Opera nods to Mozart & Salieri in 2018

dell'Arte Opera nods to Mozart & Salieri in 2018

"Because it's such a long process, and because of the intensity of the repertory/festival format at the end, our training regimen is quite intense for the singers. Some come away truly ready to leap forward in their careers; others in the ensemble and smaller roles get a real taste of what it takes to do things well - the tremendous amount of work and commitment required."

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 21, 2018
The Rose Elf: Hot Times In The Cool Catacombs

The Rose Elf: Hot Times In The Cool Catacombs

Early in the opera the lovers share a moment in which they assume the role of rose petals and enfold the elf, quite literally, within themselves. It was a wildly passionate action, which, like the presence of a life-size elf, distorts our sense of reality, even within the confines of this dark fairy tale.

John Hohmann - Jun 21, 2018

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