So this weekend’s preview will really account for two weekend’s worth as the final days of 2018 will only feature opera at a very small number of companies. The Pacific Opera Project (POP) will bring its run of Puccini’s “La Bohème” to an end on Dec. 21 and 22. Meanwhile, Amore Opera’s own season-opening production of “La Bohème” will come {…}
Every weekend that draws ever closer to Christmas leaves more and more opera companies in hibernation. But there are still some that have plans for you this holiday season. Otello – Metropolitan Opera Verdi’s greatest masterpiece gets its opening performance of the season with superstar soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Desdemona. She is joined by Zeljko Lucic and tenor Stuart Skelton {…}
POP, the acronym for Los Angeles’ youthful Pacific Opera Project has a number of meanings. It can stand for Pop-up Theater (Pacific Opera Project’s productions can take place in a variety of venues and even at short notice). It can also mean “popular” (POP makes opera accessible for audiences whose principle interest might simply be an affordable night out). Over {…}
On Dec. 7, 2018, the Pacific Opera Project (POP) will close its 2018 season with eight performances of its acclaimed 2012 production of “La Bohème: AKA ‘The Hipsters.’” The production will be headed by two different casts. The first cast will see JJ Lopez (Rodolfo), Maya Rothfuss (Mimi), Aubrey Trujillo-Scarr (Musetta), and Ben Lowe (Marcello) headline the leading roles, while the {…}
The Pacific Opera Project is set to join forces with The Occidental College Glee Club for its upcoming production of Verdi’s Lla Traviata.” The two will collaborate on two performances scheduled for Oct. 27 and 28, 2018 at Occidental College’s Thorne Hall; the two organizations last worked together in 2016 for “The Rake’s Progress,” which was largely deemed a success. The upcoming {…}
On Sept. 1, 2018, the Pacific Opera Project will return to the newly renovated Ford Theatre for a fully staged production of Bizet’s “Carmen.” The performance, which will be held for one night only for an audience of 1200, will be directed and designed by Artistic Director Josh Shaw. The opera will be conducted by Music Director Michael Powers, choreographed by Amy {…}
The Pacific Opera Project will be bringing their final performance of Rossini’s “La Gazzetta” to viewers around the world via livestream on July 7, 2018 One of Rossini’s lesser-known operas, “La Gazzetta” follows a Neapolitan father who takes out an advertisement for his daughter, in the hopes that he can find her a worthy, or at least wealthy, suitor. As {…}
While the summer is in full swing, there aren’t all that many companies in production at the present moment. That said, there are still a plethora of solid offerings. Here’s a look at our top picks, in alphabetical order by company. Rocking Horse Winner / Vinkensport or The Finch Opera – Opera Saratoga This unique double bill features music by {…}
On June 28, 2018, the Pacific Opera Project will present the west coast premiere of Giacomo Rossini’s rarely performed “La Gazzetta.” “La Gazzetta” premiered in Naples in 1816, ran for 21 performances and was revived once, in 1928. It was not seen on stage again until England’s Garsington Opera presented it in 2001, followed by 2005 productions at the Rossini Festival {…}
It’s a big weekend in the opera world, with undeniably the biggest show coming from the biggest star around. Here is a look at five can’t-miss performances from around the North American continent (In alphabetical order by company). NJ Verismo Opera – Turandot Puccini’s final opera gets one performance in NJ with Zhanna Alkhazova in the title role, Philip Alongi {…}
The Pacific Opera Project will open it’s 2018 season with one of its biggest productions yet, “Mozart’s Don Giovanni.” The production, which is slated to run from April 13 through 22, 2018 at The Vortex, a large warehouse space in downtown Los Angeles will feature 70 tables per night, movie theater style seating, and single seating at communal tables. The {…}