Reviews, appreciation and analysis of all things opera
Barrie Kosky’s acclaimed production of Handel’s “Saul”, first seen in England’s 2015 Glyndebourne Festival, was presented by the Houston Grand Opera. Kosky mounted a powerful psychological drama. Charles Jennens’ libretto for “Saul” – composed in the late 1730s – was concerned as much with contemporary religious controversies as the Biblical stories about the youthful David … Read more
The San Francisco Opera has unveiled the first part of a trilogy of new opera productions for the three Mozart operas of which Lorenzo da Ponte was librettist. The first of these productions, “The Marriage of Figaro” introduces two of the themes that underlie the three productions. The first of these themes is that all … Read more
The following conversation continues discussions that began with Rising Stars: An Interview with Saimir Pirgu and continued through A Conversation with Lyric Tenor Saimir Pirgu. Wm: I am pleased that you have returned to Los Angeles, Saimir! The first time I ever saw you perform was your American debut in Los Angeles as Rinuccio in Hollywood … Read more