Weekend Preview (12/16-18) – USA: Metropolitan, Houston Grand & Anchorage Opera Among Options in Barren Holiday Season

By David Salazar

The holiday season means that few opera companies are in full swing in the United States.

Thankfully, as the case last weekend, there are still operas pulling out the stops to ensure that opera-hungry audiences are not left famished. Here are the opera companies in the US.

On Friday, the Metropolitan Opera showcases its second performance of Verdi’s “Nabucco” starring Placido Domingo in the title role. The cast is rounded out by Liudmyla Monastyrska and Jamie Barton.

Out in Brooklyn, New Yorkers looking for something a bit less conventional can turn to LoftOpera’s production of Verdi’s “Macbeth.” “Macbeth” will also get its final performance on Sunday. The production features an amalgamation of the two versions of the opera from 1847 and 1865.

Meanwhile out west, Anchorage Opera presents a double bill featuring Bizet’s “Dr. Miracle” and Holst’s “Savitri.” That run continues all the way through Sunday for a total of four performances.

Florentine Opera is showcasing a Winter Concert Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday, the Metropolitan Opera continues its run of “L’Amour de Loin,” it’s fifth performance of the run starring Susanna Phillips, Eric Owens and Tamara Mumford. OperaWire called the opera “enlightening” and “one that should be celebrated.” Cleveland Opera Theater will showcase a special performance of Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” The Christmas Classic showcased the journey of the Three Kings to find the Christ Child.

Out west, the Houston Grand Opera presents Jake Heggie’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the company’s final performance of the work this season. The work is based on the famed 1946 film. Meanwhile, the Santa Fe Opera will be presenting its Winter Gala on Saturday evening.

Sunday is rather bare in its offerings though there will be a concert by tenor John Osborn at Opera Naples while the St. Petersburg Opera Company showcases its “Seasonal Sparkle” concert.

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