It proved to be smooth sailing as Des Moines Metro Opera thrillingly met the substantial challenges of Wagner’s seminal work, The Flying Dutchman. They started by assembling a nonpareil cast…
Stunning Cunning Vixen in Iowa
Given the miraculously spellbinding production of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen at Des Moines Metro Opera, New Mexico just may have to cede its motto: Land of Enchantment. There is…
A Superb World-Premiere Recording of Leonardo (not da) Vinci’s Didone abbandonata (1726) from the Florence May Festival
This is one of three Leonardo Vinci recordings that I’ve had the privilege of reviewing in recent years. The other two were Siroe re di Persia (from the renowned Teatro…
Louise in Aix
Most of us know “Depuis le jour” from Louise, but few of us know Gustave Carpentier’s opera Louise. The Aix Festival has just now reintroduced the opera in a production…
New Opera Festival Debuts in Loudoun County, Virginia this Summer
‘Midsummer Opera Dream’ celebrates classical music July 16th to August 2nd with community opera, family shows, masterclasses and more. STERLING, Va — Renowned opera musicians and Loudoun County artists are…
Des Moines: A Rake to Remember
Des Moines Metro Opera has advanced its record for excellence with a musically resplendent, visually rich, wholly riveting production of Stravinsky’s multi-faceted piece, The Rake’s Progress. The glories in store…
The Story of Billy Budd, Sailor in Aix
“After Benjamin Britten,” the title continues. Thus a twentieth century masterpiece was reduced to its twenty-first century essentials — six singers, three keyboards, percussion, a platform and a sail. The…
Don Giovanni in Aix
The late, justly mourned Pierre Audi, general director of the Aix Festival for these last seven festivals, matched renowned conductors and stage directors to create monumental stagings of the gamut…
Les Indes galantes – Discovered in Rural Hampshire
It is 12 years since Glyndebourne staged Hippolyte et Aricie, and eight since ETO showcased Dardanus, but perhaps Garsington’s success last summer with Rameau’s wicked comedy Platée will have prompted…
Outward 18th Century Charm with Insights into Character for Glyndebourne’s New The Marriage of Figaro
Mariame Clément’s new production of Le nozze di Figaro doesn’t throw any big or provocative ideas at Mozart’s perennial masterpiece – a mainstay for Glyndebourne and its most performed opera…