Matthew Aucoin, Tamara Wilson, Cecilia Violetta López Headline Top 5 Operas to See This Weekend – North America

By David Salazar
(Credit: Claire McAdams / Vanessa Preziose)

Most people recognize that there is a major world premiere taking place this weekend. But the reality is that there are two. The weekend is also full of appetizing offerings and this weekend’s selections come down to a mix of classics with star casts as well as a Spanish-language masterpiece that undeniably deserves greater attention.

Norma – Calgary Opera Association, Canada

Bellini and Romani’s masterwork gets its first performance of the season on Saturday evening with a cast that includes Aviva Fortunata, Annie Rosen, Chad Shelton, and Alain Coulombe. Alice Farnham conducts Nic Muni’s production, which is sure to be one of the essential performances in Canada of the 2019-20 season.

Aida – Houston Grand Opera, Texas

Starting on Friday and Sunday, the HGO will open a star-studded production for the second straight weekend. This time it will be Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s venerated work with a diverse cast that features Tamara Wilson, Russell Thomas, Melody Moore, Reginald Smith Jr. Peixin Chen, and Musa Ngqungwana. Patrick Summers conducts a production by Phelim McDermott.

Eurydice – Los Angeles Opera, California

Probably the highlight of the weekend, Matthew Aucoin and Sarah Ruhl’s new opera will get its world premiere with a cast starring Danielle de Niese, Rod Gilfry, Josh Hopkins, John Holiday, Barry Banks, Stacey Tappan, Raehann Bryce-Davis, and Kevin Ray. Aucoin will conduct the work himself with Mary Zimmerman directing. This opera will not appear again for another seven days, so that should add to the intensity of the opening performance with singers ready to give it their all knowing that they have a week to rest it off.

The Chronicle of Nine – Odyssey Opera, Boston, Massachussetts

For one night only, Odyssey Opera will present the world premiere of Arnold Rosner and Florence Stevenson’s “The Chronicle of Nine: The Tragedy of Queen Jane.” The opera, which tells the story of the nine-day reign of Henry VII’s great-granddaughter and her bloody end. The co-production with Boston Modern Orchestra Project will feature Megan Pachecano, James Demler, David Salsbery, Aaron Engebreth, and Krista River, among others. Gil Rose will conduct this world premiere.

Il Postino – Opera Southwest, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Starting on Sunday, Opera Southwest will present Daniel Catán’s “Il Postino” with a cast that includes Cecilia Violetta Lopez, Alex Richardson, and Raul Melo. Guillermo Figueroa conducts with Crystal Manich directing. Catán operas are true events for any opera lover with “Il Postino” among his finest works.

 

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