Top 5 Operas to See This Weekend – North American (5/25-27): Susan Graham, LA Opera Lead Memorial Day Weekend

By David Salazar

Memorial Day Weekend will not represent a major opportunity for opera lovers in North America to get a taste of their favored artform. But what little there is certainly to be appreciated. Here is a look at our weekend recommendations (in alphabetical order by company).

Backwards From Winter – Center for Contemporary Opera

The New York Opera Fest continues rolling with a look at a new opera by composer Douglas Knehans and librettist Juanity Rockwel. The monodrama, which takes place on Saturday, May 26, 2018, will feature Anke Briegel as the solo soprano reflecting on a love through the elemental filters of seasons, color, nature, emotion, and memory.

Crossing – Los Angeles Opera

For two nights, Saturday and Sunday, Matthew Aucoin’s popular and powerful “Crossing” will get showcases in La La Land. This immersive work, which stars Rod Gilfry as Walt Whitman, Brenton Ryan, Davone Tines, and Liv Redpath, is one that cannot be missed. Aucoin conducts.

Rigoletto – Los Angeles Opera

We are highlighting LA Opera twice because the second “Rigoletto” run offers up a unique performance of interest – the debut of the 2017 Operalia Competition winner Adele Zaharia. She stepped into the production over the last few months, making her debut earlier than anticipated. But this is one of the first opportunities that US audiences will have to see the soprano. She stars alongside Michael Fabiano in one of his final performances as the Duke and Ambrogio Maestri in the title role.

Regina – Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Susan Graham and James Morris. That’s probably enough to recommend any show. But that the duo is performing at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, only adds to the enthusiasm. The performance opens on Saturday, May 25, 2018 and also features Ron Raines and Melody Wilson. Susanna Phillips is also among the cast members with Stephen Lord conducting and James Robinson directing.

Carmen – West Bay Opera

Bizet’s masterwork makes its way to the West Bay Opera company with Nikola Printz in the title role, Salvatore Atti as Don José, and Krassen Karagiozov as Escamillo. José Luis Moscovich conducts a production by Richard Harrell.

 

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