Reviews

Haroun and the Sea of Stories a surreal, timely treat

Haroun and the Sea of Stories a surreal, timely treat

It is always tricky to adapt a book about storytelling to any medium outside of the written word, and it is even more difficult when you deal with a work which wears its political overtones like a badge of pride.

Arturo Fernandez
Uneven Scarlet Ibis Meditative To A Fault

Uneven Scarlet Ibis Meditative To A Fault

Unfortunately, Weisman's score does not always meet the standard that Cote sets. The issue is that Weisman's music is often relatively one-note if something of little dramatic import is going on.

Arturo Fernandez
A long-standing tradition: La traviata at ROH

A long-standing tradition: La traviata at ROH

Sitting in the audience, I had the feeling I was part of a long standing tradition, one that dates back to 1858 when the opera was first performed at Covent Garden.

Alessia Naccarato
Counter/Culture

Counter/Culture

There was literally something for everyone who enjoys culture. Though many elements tied together, in the end it had the same effect as a large, complex mosaic - no surprise since it was the result of a collaboration between many: Mr. Costanzo conceived the project in conjunction with the artistic directors of Visionaire and National Sawdust, which is known for its interdisciplinary productions.

Loren Lester
"Pop-Up Opera"

"Pop-Up Opera"

Menotti holds an unusual niche in musical history – he's one of the rare post-Puccini composers who continued in the romantic or verismo style while the opera world became mostly atonal and minimalist. He is also one of only a handful of composers – like Wagner – who wrote his own libretti.

Loren Lester
Amahl production a charming gift of youthful energy

Amahl production a charming gift of youthful energy

Amahl's widowed mother, played by soprano Megan Miceli, was another bright star of this production. Like Pfeifer, Miceli's portrayal was honest and nuanced, her round, vibrant tone filling the performance space with ease.

Oliver Munar
First-rate comic experience from an immature masterpiece

First-rate comic experience from an immature masterpiece

The main story is about the lost son of a murdered king, fighting against the weak offspring of the usurper for love and his right to the throne, successfully winning both. That's it, literally. And this perfectly illustrates why a lot of similar operas are gathering dust on the shelves of libraries. A pity, since sometimes the musical material is real gold.

Polina Lyapustina
Standout performances in AVA double-bill

Standout performances in AVA double-bill

Richard A. Raub must be commended for his work with both the cast and the orchestra. While intonation was, at times a noticeable issue, the ensemble gracefully navigated from swelling passage to swelling passage. Raub also maintained an energetic momentum through the work. Raub kept the high level of romanticism without ever losing any precision.

Erik Flaten
Actual magic in Chicago Lyric's Cendrillon

Actual magic in Chicago Lyric's Cendrillon

At this point, Alice Coote is virtually synonymous with this production of Cendrillon, having sung the role of Prince Charming in London, Barcelona, and New York in recent seasons. She brings a beautiful, rich tone and an affable touch to Prince Charming's moping. Stagg and Coote's duets are especially rapturous, with their beautifully-matched instruments making Act III's long-anticipated reunion all the more sublime.

Hannah De Priest
An absolute triumph: Kosky's Carmen

An absolute triumph: Kosky's Carmen

We open to a massive set of stairs as wide as the stage. Perched atop is a lone figure in garishly flamboyant toreador garb. This is our narrator and we understand her to be Carmen, or at least, a version of her. She is an omniscient and timeless figure, as if speaking to us from beyond the grave to tell her story.

Alessia Naccarato

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