Reviews

A clarifying and revelatory evening with Schubert and Jonas Kaufmann

A clarifying and revelatory evening with Schubert and Jonas Kaufmann

The tenor's wrenching interpretations of the cycle's 14 songs while performing strenuous physical movement left no doubt that he was as wholly committed to the rigors of Doppelgänger as he was to the rueful Schwanengesang.

John Hohmann
Julia Bullock: A miraculous evening from Schubert to Nina Simone

Julia Bullock: A miraculous evening from Schubert to Nina Simone

Eschewing any trace of strained posturing or winking high-art condescension she embellished each group of songs with a musical aura; a subtle shift in posture, a theatrical gaze reflecting her oneness with the music and a spot-on sense of purpose.

John Hohmann
The Flying Dutchman sets sail at Lyric Opera of Chicago

The Flying Dutchman sets sail at Lyric Opera of Chicago

It remains essential to engage in a nuanced conversation about the intricate legacy of the man behind the music. The Flying Dutchman, with its timeless themes of love, redemption, and eternal yearning continues to captivate audiences, even as we grapple with the enduring shadows of Wagner's beliefs.

Samuel Loetscher
Karen Chia-Ling Ho's 'star-making' performance in BLO's thoughtful Madama Butterfly

Karen Chia-Ling Ho's 'star-making' performance in BLO's thoughtful Madama Butterfly

It is effectively trading one overdone opera death for another, but I think this decision to change who dies at the end of the story is still one of the most brilliant aspects of the production.

Arturo Fernandez
An absolute triumph of comedy: DMMO's Love for Three Oranges

An absolute triumph of comedy: DMMO's Love for Three Oranges

Every scene was controlled chaos, and despite the insanity onstage, I couldn't look away.

Meghan Klinkenborg
DMMO's The Falling and the Rising forces you to feel

DMMO's The Falling and the Rising forces you to feel

While this contemporary work has had several productions in recent years, these two performances are the first to take place on an active military base, a location that makes the touching story all the more poignant.

Meghan Klinkenborg
Sharing the burden: dwb (driving while black)

Sharing the burden: dwb (driving while black)

White audience members were challenged to confront the discomfort brought on by the opera and the discussion, to sit with the trauma as black individuals must each and every day.

Meghan Klinkenborg
Dark romance & psychological horror in Des Moines Metro Opera's Bluebeard

Dark romance & psychological horror in Des Moines Metro Opera's Bluebeard

Des Moines Metro Opera's cutting edge production of Bluebeard's Castle breathed new life into an underrated opera, blending the digital and traditional in a seamless immersive display.

Meghan Klinkenborg
Des Moines Metro Opera offers musically triumphant Carmen

Des Moines Metro Opera offers musically triumphant Carmen

Carmen is an audience favorite for a reason, so why change what already works? The historical setting is familiar and expected, but the themes of this passionate tale still hit hard.

Meghan Klinkenborg
Highway 1, U.S.A and Down in the Valley: Unearthing Americana

Highway 1, U.S.A and Down in the Valley: Unearthing Americana

The relationship between Bob, Mary and Nate is completely convincing thanks to the outstanding performances of Mr. McNichols Jr., Ms. Crump and Mr. Morgans, respectively. Their voices are ascendant; they master both the height and width necessary for composer Still's score.

Loren Lester

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