Equal parts stressful and reverent: #AtGBound

Equal parts stressful and reverent: #AtGBound

Never a stranger to tackling contemporary subject matter, Against the Grain once again confirms its position as a leader of the pack in the world of underground, indie opera. BOUND is currently finishing the first stage of its multi-year workshop journey, and the direction it's heading in is both exciting and scary - in very good ways.

Greg Finney - Dec 15, 2017
More than The Scream: Dear Edvard

More than The Scream: Dear Edvard

The piece hones in on Munch (Tim McDevitt) who, having admitted himself to a sanitarium, is treated by an impressionable, young nurse (Pearl Sun). Enamored of her celebrity client, she takes charge of his unconventional treatment. In lieu of shock therapy, this fictional version of Munch undergoes a series of role-playing reenactments in order to relive the traumatic events that formed his personality; a conceit no more plausible than say, time travel.

Jeremy Hirsch - Dec 13, 2017
Some uncomfortable questions about the Levine business

Some uncomfortable questions about the Levine business

When it comes to Levine's abuse of those who are younger than him and who looked up to him, I'm almost at a loss. Should he be judged for his actions in a contemporary arena, where the tolerance for is closer to zero? Should he be one who takes the fall for an industry that has turned a blind eye for too long? Should we crane our necks and look past Levine, towards the next abuser?

Jenna Simeonov - Dec 12, 2017
Talking with singers: Clarence Frazer

Talking with singers: Clarence Frazer

"Only if you are 100% prepared can you make art, can you make music. This is where the fun is. This is where the passion is. This where the reward is. It's amazing when you know something so well, how rewarding the rehearsal and performance process will be, the discoveries you'll make, in the music, with your colleagues and with yourself."

Jenna Simeonov - Dec 12, 2017
A generous Winterreise at Wigmore Hall

A generous Winterreise at Wigmore Hall

Mitsuko Uchida's playing was beyond beautiful from the very beginning. The music seemed to be a part of her. Her musicianship was flawless, creating a churning winter landscape full of ice and storms. Her playing never lost its relentless energy, driving the story to its inevitable conclusion.

Vivian Darkbloom - Dec 12, 2017
Winning combos: Coote, Drake, & Schubert

Winning combos: Coote, Drake, & Schubert

They finished the first half with a stirring rendition of Erlkönig, a song which Coote navigated with a wonderful array of vocal colours and a beautiful sense of drama. Drake created a gorgeous picture of the dramatic song through the energy of his playing, the pair bringing to life the scene in an intense and visceral way.

Vivian Darkbloom - Dec 11, 2017
Seasonal opera done right at HGO

Seasonal opera done right at HGO

Rarely have I ever been able to use the word "effervescent" to describe performances of newly-composed operas, but that is exactly the word I used to describe this one upon its conclusion. This work came as a breath of fresh air. It did not try overly hard to be anything other than a setting of a good story which happened to be set at Christmastime, and that is precisely why I perceive this work as having longevity.

Andrew Schneider - Dec 10, 2017
'Tis the season for Schwag!

'Tis the season for Schwag!

We've got tees, hoodies, and our adorable little Schmug, all designed with care by the folks here at Schmopera. Get a laugh and help support our ad-free, opera-savvy content this holiday season. Happy shopping!

Jenna Simeonov - Dec 8, 2017
Talking with singers: Ah Young Hong

Talking with singers: Ah Young Hong

"Honestly, I still don't think I know anything about this career. My focus is purely on the music. I'm afraid I'm terrible at giving advice about the career. Just do what you love - never mind your bills aren't paid!"

Jenna Simeonov - Dec 8, 2017
#AtGBound: "A shocking, immediate connection."

#AtGBound: "A shocking, immediate connection."

A certain type of demographic goes to the opera, and perhaps there's only a small amount of overlap between that demographic and those who may understand more clearly what it feels like to be detained, mistreated, or bound by others' rules.

Jenna Simeonov - Dec 7, 2017

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