Delaware Valley Opera Company 2023 Review: The Stronger, Cavalleria Rusticana, and I Pagliacci

Credit: Julie Smith Delaware Valley Opera Company (DVOC) presented a unique triple-bill on August 13, 2023, which included the Philadelphia debut of Misha Dutka’s “The Stronger.” This was accompanied by Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” and Leoncavallo’s “I Pagliacci.” The operas were performed at the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center in Philadelphia. It’s no small job to showcase three operas {…}

St. John’s in the Village 2023 Review: Felix Jarrar & Friends ‘Off with His Head’ – ‘Roberto Devereux’

Gaetano Donizetti’s “Roberto Devereux,” though not performed with any regularity, showcases the composer’s masterful ability to capture the characters’ raw emotions through stunning music. Salvadore Cammarano crafted the Italian libretto, drawing inspiration from François Ancelot’s tragedy “Elisabeth d’Angleterre” (1829) and Jacques Lescène des Maisons’ “Historie secrete des amours d’Elisabeth et du comte d’Essex” (1787). Devereux also served as the focus {…}

Wilmington Concert Opera Announces 2023 Season ‘Back to Before’

The women and minority-run Wilmington Concert Opera (WCO) has announced its 2023 season, “Back to Before,” marking its return to its pandemic-postponed 2020 programming. Here’s what’s in store for Delaware opera fans. In April, WCO will serve up one of two mainstage shows—a first for WCO— starting with “La serva padrona.” Pergolesi’s quintessential intermezzo, stars baritone John Michael as Uberto {…}

Wednesday Afternoon Music Club to Present Concert by ‘Felix Jarrar & Friends’

(Credit: Eliana Brea) Pianist and composer Felix Jarrar, soprano Caroline Spaeth, and mezzo-soprano Rebecca Sacks are set to present a concert sponsored by the Wednesday Afternoon Music Club. Their program will feature works by Jarrar and lyricist/librettist Bea Goodwin including “Voyelles” (text by Rimbaud), the New England premiere of “Queen Mary’s Lament,” and the world premiere of the acapella song {…}