Review: Jodie Devos’ ‘Offenbach Colorature’

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This new recital of florid Offenbach rarities sung by Jodie Devos, a young Belgian soprano, is lightning in a bottle. I can’t recall the last time I felt such an ecstatic sense discovery while a CD unspooled around me: nearly a dozen obscure gems from one of the most prolific and ingenious composers of all time are made to sparkle {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Seattle Symphony Orchestra 2018-19 Review: Bach Mass in B-Minor

https://operawire.com/seattle-symphony-orchestra-2018-19-review-bach-mass-in-b-minor/

If you’ve never attended a performance of the Mass in B-Minor, its reputation as one of the greatest works of art in the history of Western civilization can be a little intimidating, and it sets a pretty high bar, even for Mr. Bach. Though I know the work moderately well from recordings, last Thursday night, March 14, 2019, was my {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Lincoln Center’s American Songbook 2019 Review: Joyce DiDonato, “Songplay”

https://operawire.com/lincoln-centers-american-songbook-2019-review-joyce-didonato-songplay/

On March 4, 2019, Joyce DiDonato’s Songplay tour brought her to Lincoln Center’s Appel Room for a night of opera classics and jazz standards. Joining her were the album’s collaborators, pianist and arranger Craig Terry, bassist Chuck Israels, drummer Jimmy Madison, with Lautaro Greco on the bandoneon, and Charlie Porter on the trumpet; these all-stars span a vast body of {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Prototype Festival 2019 Review

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In this seventh edition of New York’s annual Prototype Festival, artistic co-directors Kristin Marting, Beth Morrison, Kim Whitener and Jecca Barry continue to build a contemporary opera and music theater festival that is canny, opportunistic, and fulfills a niche. Programmed during the high season of New York’s busy commercial arts markets (APAP, and ISPA), and experimental theater seasons (Under the {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Talents of the World International Music 2018 Festival Review: Three Tenors From Around the World

https://operawire.com/talents-of-the-world-international-music-festival-review-three-tenors-from-around-the-world/

Dec. 22, 2018, saw the second concert of Talents of the World’s International Music Festival. Following their tribute concert to the legendary Maria Callas, Saturday’s performance was given in celebration of legendary tenor Enrico Caruso’s 145th anniversary. The evening’s program was comprised of not only operatic favorites, but a number of Neapolitan Songs as well. What followed was a highly-charged {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Teatro Verdi Trieste 2018-19 Review: I Puritani

https://operawire.com/teatro-verdi-trieste-2018-19-review-i-puritani/

Possibly one of the most difficult tasks given to a director is that of producing an opera by Bellini. His works contain some of the most sensuously beguiling music written for the stage, his long arching melodies are entrancing and emotionally captivating. There is no doubt that the opportunities for singers to display the beauty and dexterity of their voices are {…}

DVD and CD Reviews

CD Review: Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ayre”

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Toronto-based chamber opera company Against the Grain Theater has launched a new record label. I can’t think of better start to such a venture than this recording of Osvaldo Golijov’s song cycle, “Ayre.” The work captures some of the company’s central ideals: beauty, relevance, and innovation. This ravishing live recording by soprano Miriam Khalil and a top-notch group of soloists {…}

Reviews, Stage Reviews

Carnegie Hall 2018-19 Season Review: Leah Crocetto In Recital

https://operawire.com/carnegie-hall-2018-19-season-review-leah-crocetto-in-recital/

On Thursday, November 8, 2018, soprano Leah Crocetto made her Carnegie Hall debut with a diverse program of songs old and new, beloved and obscure. Among these were works from Ottorino Resphigi, Francois Poulenc, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Richard Rodgers, George Gershwin, and more. Joined by the sensational accompaniment of pianist Mark Markham, Crocetto’s performance made for a stunning showcase of her {…}

DVD and CD Releases

CD Review: Renée Fleming’s ‘Broadway’

https://operawire.com/cd-review-renee-flemings-broadway/

I’ve been listening to Renée Fleming and thinking about the recently deceased Montserrat Caballé. To my ears, Fleming is the only active soprano whose voice can match the ravishing beauty of the Spanish diva’s. Neither singer is beyond criticism, but if voices were tactile, these are the kinds that would be behind thick glass in museums. Fleming, though, is unique {…}

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Review: Jodie Devos’ ‘Offenbach Colorature’

Seattle Symphony Orchestra 2018-19 Review: Bach Mass in B-Minor

Lincoln Center’s American Songbook 2019 Review: Joyce DiDonato, “Songplay”

Prototype Festival 2019 Review

Talents of the World International Music 2018 Festival Review: Three Tenors From Around the World

Teatro Verdi Trieste 2018-19 Review: I Puritani

CD Review: Osvaldo Golijov’s “Ayre”

Carnegie Hall 2018-19 Season Review: Leah Crocetto In Recital

CD Review: Renée Fleming’s ‘Broadway’