Month: March 2017

Review: Vittorio Grigolo’s Star Shines Bright in L. A. Opera’s Stellar “Tales of Hoffmann” – March 25, 2017

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Los Angeles Opera audiences witnessed an extraordinary performance of Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffmann”, in which Italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo was the most lustrous of several on-stage stars, while an all-star Hoffmann of the preceding generation, Plácido Domingo, presided as conductor. [Below: the poet Hoffmann (Vittorio Grigolo, left) is revived by his muse (Kate Lindsey, right); edited image, … Read more

In Quest of Handel and Vivaldi Opera Performances – May to November, 2017

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The baroque revival by “mainstream” opera companies of early 18th century operas by the composers Vivaldi and Handel is a phenomenon that has grown in popularity since the 1970s. I will be reporting on a Vivaldi production at the Korea National Opera, and Handel productions at the Glimmerglass Festival, the Santa Fe Opera and the Houston Grand Opera.  … Read more

Review: Sarasota Opera’s Affectionate Mounting of “Love for Three Kings [L’Amore dei Tre Re]” – March 11, 2017

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The Sarasota Opera, as part of its 2017 four production Winter Opera Festival, has created a new production of Montemezzi’s lyrical opera “L’Amore dei Tre Re (The Love of Three Kings)”. The  opera was a staple of the repertory of European and North American opera houses in the 50 years after its 1913 premiere. Yet, despite its … Read more