(Photo credit: Curtis Brown Photography) For the first time in Columbus, Ohio, Opera Columbus and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra put on Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.” Soprano Lydia Grindatto leads the cast as Tatyana, with baritone Morgan Smith in the title role. Tenor Dane Suarez sings Vladimir Lensky and mezzo-soprano Hilary Ginther takes on the role of Olga Larina. They are joined {…}
This week audiences will get to hear music from Britain, Kenneth Leighton, and a rarely-heard Offenbach work. Here are the new releases: Kenneth Leighton (1929-88) Every Living Creature SOMM Recordings has released the latest offering from the chamber choir Londinium, directed by Andrew Griffiths, titled “Every Living Creature.” This album commemorates the 35th anniversary of the death of Kenneth Leighton and {…}
On Dec. 19, 2021, Opera Ithaca will present the world premiere of their original film production of “Hansel and Gretel.” The production will feature a new English libretto by OI Artistic Director Ben Robinson. This adaptation casts the Witch as a celebrity chef, who hosts the children on her show as both the guest stars and main ingredients. The project {…}
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 {…}
