On November 14, 2021, New York’s Teatro Grattacielo presented a semi-staged production of Pietro Mascagni’s “L’Amico Fritz.” Unlike his hit, “Cavalleria rusticana,” Mascagni’s second opera orbits the far reaches of the standard repertoire. I give the company credit for reviving the somewhat charming opera, but there were misfires in the musical execution and elsewhere that marred the production, leaving me {…}
Opera Philadelphia has announced its 2021-22 season, which includes both in-person and video productions throughout the year. So let’s kick it off with the onstage performances. On Stage It all starts with “Amici e Rivali” starring Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres. This pre-season concert will showcase the two tenors alongside conductor Corrado Rovaris and the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus {…}
This week, audiences worldwide will get a unique opportunity to experience multiple opening night events from several major companies. The recommendations also extend to unique new opera experiences as well as some famed classics featuring opera’s biggest stars. Deceiver of Citizens (Now) Music and video director Jonathan Khuner and composer/librettist Michael Senturia’s short opera tells the story of a Deceiver {…}
With the 2019-20 season fully underway, we have found this challenge of selecting a choice few operas every weekend increasingly challenging as there is really a lot of special work going on around North America. Nonetheless, as per usual, we have whittled it down to five works that we think will bring a balanced operatic diet for those who want {…}