Review: London, Handel, and David Alden – “Radamisto” at English National Opera, October 13, 2010

[Note from William: This report on Handel’s “Radamisto” at English National Opera in London, is the last in the series of four reports I have posted on performances I attended in Great Britain and France in early October 2010.] Handel operas are performed because of their music, rather than their dramatic content.  A Handel opera’s … Read more

Review: Toby Spence Stars in Des McAnuff’s Rousing Production of Gounod’s “Faust” – English National Opera, London; October 14, 2010

[Note from William: This is the third in the series of four reports I am posting on performances I attended in Great Britain and France in early October 2010.] Des McAnuff, the Tony award winning director for 1985’s Broadway theatre production, “Big River”, as well as 1993’s “The Who’s Tommy”, also directed “Jersey Boys”, 2006’s … Read more

Review: Genaux, Brownlee and Vinco Romp in Rossini’s “L’Italiana” – Garnier Opera House, Paris – October 8, 2010

[Note from William: This is the second in the series of four reports I am posting on performances I attended in Great Britain and France in early October 2010.] The Opera National de Paris has, since the opening of their new larger opera house at the site of the Bastille, has used the glistening Opera … Read more

Review: Domingo’s Domain – The Incredible Maestro Conducts Los Angeles Opera “Nozze di Figaro”, October 6, 2010

Earlier this year, William, your website host reported on Placido Domingo’s feat of conducting a series of performances of Thomas’ “Hamlet” at Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center (see Michael Chioldi, Micaela Oeste Enrich Washington National Opera’s Theatrically Absorbing “Hamlet” – May 22, 2010, while preparing and singing Siegmund in Wagner’s “Die Walkuere” in Los … Read more

“Porgy and Bess” at 75 Years: An Interview with Gershwin Biographer Walter Rimler, Part II

William: 75 years ago this fall, “Porgy and Bess” had its premiere. The following is the second part of an interview for operawarhorses.com with Gershwin biographer Walter Rimler. The first part of the interview may be accessed at “Porgy and Bess” at 75 Years: An Interview with Gershwin Biographer Walter Rimler, Part I.] * * … Read more