St. John’s Smith Square was the site of Elizabeth Connell’s final London concert, intended as a farewell to London on her moving to Australia. It was rendered ultimately final by her unexpected death.
Month: April 2013
Aida with all the Trimmings, Even a Blue Silk Elephant!
With the building of the Suez Canal, Egypt became more interesting to Western Europeans. Khedive Ismail Pasha wanted a hymn by Verdi for the opening of a new opera house in Cairo, but the composer said he did not write occasional pieces.
Die Zauberflˆte, Royal Opera
Back for its fourth revival, David McVicar’s 2003 production of Mozart’s Die Zauberflˆte has much charm, beauty and artistry.
A Chat with Aida Designer Zandra Rhodes
When I spoke with Zandra Rhodes, she was in her large San Diego workspace, which she described as having walls decorated with her own huge black and white drawings.
Brindley Sherratt – Sarastro at the Royal Opera House
Brindley Sherratt sings Sarastro in Mozart Die Zauberflˆte at the Royal Opera House, London. All performances are sold out, though returns are possible. The entire run (which ends 9th May) is dedicated to the memory of Sir Colin Davis who conducted this production, by David McVicar, most recently in 2011.
London: Music under the shadow of Handel
http://www.gresham.ac.uk/lectures-and-events/london-music-under-the-shadow-of-handel
Superb BBC Proms 2013 season
The 2013 BBC Proms season ahs just been announced. It’s spectacular – almost all of Wagner’s major operas feature either in full performance or as excerpts. Verdi, Britten, Tippett and Birtwistle also feature. And Joyce DiDonato headlines a glorious Last Night of the Proms.
Pl·cido Domingo sings Nabucco – Royal Opera House
Pl·cido Domingo’s London debut as Nabucco at the Royal Opera House was received with rapture. Domingo’s position in opera is immense. His very presence comes over so well that any performance feels like a historic event. He is a marvel. If Domingo was singing Pl·cido Domingo rather than Nabucco, it hardly mattered. He delivered the big areas well, and was particularly impressive in the typically Verdian dialogues between father and daughter. Domingo isn’t a singer who needs Personenregie. He is simply himself and that’s enough.
Douglas Boyd on Garsington Opera at Wormsley
“Aim for excellence”, says Douglas Boyd, new Artistic Director of Garsington Opera at Wormsley, “and the audience will follow you”.