Reviews, appreciation and analysis of all things opera
San Diego Opera revived its 2008 John Coyne production of Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci”, whose single set portrays a rustic village with a small stage on which a traveling troup of commedia dell’arte players are scheduled to perform that evening. [See Cura, Futral Shine in New San Diego Opera “Pagliacci” – March 22, 2008.] For the 2014 revival Australian … Read more
Houston Grand Opera’s 2013-14 season is notable for the introduction to North America of two ambitious projects. The most ambitious effort, scheduled for April 2014 is the first set of a collaborative venture in mounting Wagner’s four opera “Ring of the Nibelungs” with Valencia, Spain’s Fura dels Baus. One opera a year will be introduced … Read more
Houston Grand Opera mounted Verdi’s “Rigoletto”, providing East Texas the opportunity to experience a youthful cast, comprised of strong contenders for operatic superstar status. The conductor was Houston Grand Opera’s Music Director Patrick Summers, who is the opera company’s co-manager (with general director Perryn Leech). Summers’ career has been devoted to mentoring many of the world’s … Read more
Note from William: The following interview with the Opéra de Montréal’s General Manager, Pierre Dufour, took place in the administrative offices of the Opéra de Montréal. [Below: Opéra de Montréal General Manager Pierre Dufour; edited image of a publicity photograph.] Wm: You became general manager during a time of financial crisis for the Opéra de … Read more
Fifty years ago, as a college sophomore, between studying, term papers and fraternity parties, when the interest and opportunity arose, I would purchase an orchestra seat to the San Francisco Opera. The spring semester over and finals done with, I took in the final performance of San Francisco Opera’s Spring Opera Theater production of Rossini’s … Read more