Reviews, appreciation and analysis of all things opera
Previously, I conducted an interview with basso Kevin Burdette, which can be accessed at Buff Buffo: An Interview with Kevin Burdette. The following conversation took place in anticipation of Burdette’s scheduled appearances as Doctor Beck Weathers in the world premiere of Talbot’s “Everest” at The Dallas Opera. [Below: Basso Kevin Burdette; resized image of a publicity photograph.] Wm: … Read more
In March 2014, the Board of Directors of the San Diego Opera announced that the company would cease operations, just short of its 50th anniversary. The community uproar that greeted the pronouncement resulted in the resignation of much of the board, and its replacement by a new board dedicated to resolving the company’s financial issues … Read more
Note from William: this continues my series of “end of the year” thoughts on the live performance of opera. My “Thoughts and Assessments” series began at the end of calendar year 2009. Each year since then I’ve discussed a variety of subjects, including the role of philanthropy in opera, the casual destruction by opera companies of … Read more
The following interview took place in the administrative offices of the San Francisco Opera, whose facilitation is deeply appreciated. [Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong; resized image of a Kristen Howbermann photograph, courtesy of Elizaveth DeShong] Wm: What are your earliest memories of music? ED: Music was always a part of my family. My father is a United Methodist … Read more
This continues from A Conversation with Lyric Coloratura Soprano Laura Claycomb, Part 2. [Below: Lyric-coloratura Soprano Laura Claycomb; resized image of a Sergio Valente photograph, courtesy of Laura Claycomb.] Wm: Your show at Glyndebourne the summer before wa also Vladimir Jurowsky’s last show as Glyndebourne’s Music Director. What did that add to the mix of “Ariadne auf … Read more