Seton Hall University Classical Concert Series 2023 Review: Cavalleria Rusticana

The traditional Cav/Pag double-bill has a flaw: “Pagliacci” overshadows “Cavalleria Rusticana.” As a result, “Cavalleria,” like an amuse-bouche, is a warmup for a more exciting opera. This bias in the Cav/Pag pairing seems illogical. Both operas are set in rural Italian/Sicilian villages, feature true-to-life characters, love triangles, and culminate in utter tragedy. Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” stands as the first opera {…}

Oct 12, 2023

Seton Hall University Classical Concert Series to Showcase ‘Cavalleria Rusticana’

The MidAtlantic Symphony Orchestra and Seton Hall University Chamber Choir are joining forces with Seton Hall University Arts Council to present “Cavalleria Rusticana” on Nov. 9, 2023. The showcase, which will be conducted by Jason C. Tramm, will feature a concert version of the famed Mascagni work. Stefanos Koroneos will direct a cast starring Laura Zahn as Santuzza, Jeremy Brauner {…}

Jun 29, 2023

Teatro Grattacielo 2023 Review: Don Giovanni

The ominous D minor chord that ushers in the overture of “Don Giovanni” speaks volumes. It is ominous, even supernatural, foreshadowing that this is not one of Mozart’s more lighthearted sex comedies. Though Da Ponte infuses the opera with plenty of humor, there is no escaping the darkness that kicks off the drama giocoso. Interestingly, Mozart also set his Requiem {…}

Oct 20, 2021

Teatro Grattacielo 2021 Review: ‘Cristoforo Colombo’

On October 16, 2021, Teatro Grattacielo presented a concert of highlights from Alberto Franchetti’s opera “Cristoforo Colombo.” Originally commissioned by the city of Genoa, Columbus’ birthplace, it premiered in 1892 to mark the 400th anniversary of his voyage to America. Well-received by Italian audiences, this opera is one that is seldom performed in American theaters. Saturday’s concert marked the first {…}

Feb 9, 2021

Teatro Grattacielo Announces Three 2021 Artistic Residencies

Stefanos Koroneos, artistic director of Teatro Grattacielo, and the company’s Board of Directors have announced three major artistic residencies with the company for 2021. The new artists in residence include: Malena Dayen (Argentina) – 2021 Resident Director Sangminin Chae (South Korea) – 2021 Resident Video and Art Director Jon de Gaetano (USA) – 2021 Resident Lighting Designer The three artists {…}

Jun 2, 2020

Teatro Grattacielo Announces New Giovanni Consiglio Competition, Updates to 2020 Season

Teatro Grattacielo and Camerata Bardi have announced the Giovanni Consiglio Competition, the company’s first solo competition. The competition is open to all singers and all submissions will be made via video. The jury for the competition includes Fabio Armiliato, Kostis Protopapas, Lewis Ehlers, Ken Benson Joseph Resigno, Israel Gursky, Jorge Parodi, Filippo Giabatti, Artur Levy, Francesco Anile, Paola Antonucci, and {…}

Nov 25, 2019

Seton Hall Classical Concert Series 2019-20 Review: La Bohème

On November 21, 2019, Seton Hall’s Classical Concert Series, along with the Charles and Joan Alberto Italian Studies Institute, presented a semi-staged concert performance of Puccini’s “La Bohème.” Focusing on the music and drama, the artists and orchestra, under the baton of Jason C. Tramm, delivered a humorous yet very heartfelt interpretation of the opera. On his approach to the {…}

Jul 9, 2019

Teatro Grattacielo To Celebrate 25th Anniversary This September With Verismo Trilogy

The Teatro Grattacielo will be celebrating its 25th anniversary with a gala performance featuring three unique works by Italian composers. The performance, set for Sept. 28, 2019 at the Gerald Lynch Theater, will feature the first act from Leoncavallo’s “La Bohème,” Act two from Catalani’s “Loreley,” and the third act from Respighi’s “Sleeping Beauty.” The performance will be conducted by {…}