Stellar singing and lots of swagger in Manitoba Opera's Carmen
Reviews
A contemplative reflection on Dichterliebe in Love In The Time Of…
ReviewNajmi’s tender, sensitive reading of Dichterliebe is worth the price of admission all on its own: I dare say that his Dichterliebe might easily rival the performances of some of the great Lieder singers of the 20th century.
Everything For Dawn: EiO premieres new opera-serial on WNET Group’s All Arts streaming service
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A confused concept: Pearl Fishers in Vancouver
ReviewThe projections describe how the librettists and composer themselves had never visited "Ceylon" (currently Sri Lanka) nor knew about the culture, and were writing from a place of ignorance. Then the curtain rises on the chorus, sets, costumes, and the opening in the tropical setting full of palm trees.
“Electric and exciting”: Edmonton Opera launches 2022-23 season with Puccini’s Tosca
ReviewOn October 22, Edmonton Opera launched what it describes as an “electric and exciting” 2022-23 season with one of Giacomo Puccini’s well-known dramas: Tosca.
Show stealers in Enigma Chamber Opera's Prodigal Son
ReviewThe attention to detail in the characterizations extended to everyone else afterwards, as well. Matthew DiBattista brought a certain hesitancy to the Younger Son that made him endearing, even when he sang more confidently.
Sproule sings a rich, effortless Carmen in Victoria
ReviewPacific Opera Victoria’s season opener for 2022 is Carmen, taking a traditional look at a very traditional opera, but with a few excellent updates.
Carmen doesn't quite commit at Lyric Opera of Kansas City
ReviewI wasn't sure where Jackson's interpretation lands on the scale of "bad girl", which was the main tag the company used in advertisements. On one hand, there was an impressively choreographed fight in the beginning between Carmen and another factory girl, where we saw Carmen's aggression.
La bohème reliable as ever, even in reverse
ReviewIt is surprising how little effectiveness Puccini's score loses when performed in reverse order, and the score still lands each emotional beat even when the context feels radically different.
Cosmic Cowboy a strong premiere, despite a cursed opening night
ReviewThe score's harmonic language is relatively simple, but it is also quite full of little treasures like this, and I found myself enamoured by it by the end.
Michael Spyres at the Park Avenue Armory: big voice in an intimate room
ReviewSpyres was at home, in his element and began the downsizing process to serenade us with exquisite high notes that seemed to come out of nowhere only to blossom as the poet found his with love and the universe.