Concert and opera reviews from Southern California.
Angela Meade, replacing the indisposed Rodriguez, sang from the side of the stage, while choreographer Nicola Bowie acted the role of Queen Elizabeth in costume on stage.
Read MoreVisually, the LA Opera production is a stunner. The grand mise-en-scène of Thaddeus Strassberger, dramatic lighting of JAX Messenger, and brilliant costumes by Mattie Ullrich all come together to evoke the classical grandeur of Ancient Rome.
Read MoreDoug Fitch's production features colorful visuals – fantastical creatures of the forest, lush sylvan scenery, fanciful costumes and elaborate video projection special effects.
Read MoreLA Opera’s 2018 staging of Glass’s “Satyagraha” is a down-to-the-details revival of Phelim McDermott’s highly acclaimed production first unveiled at the ENO in 2007
Read MoreAt age 78, Mr. Domingo is neither the most elegant of Verdi baritones nor the most lustrous, but his tones are so personal, the expression so warm in humanity, that make his Rodrigo so memorable.
Read MoreLike the happy-go-lucky Duke of Mantua in Act II of the opera, the curse was lifted by the opening night and, judging from the winning performance last evening, “Rigoletto” is probably the finest, most compelling show of the current opera season.
Read MoreTV star Kelsey Grammer sings and speaks the duo role of Dr. Pangloss and Voltaire (narrator) reasonably well for his first foray into opera. Broadway veteran Christine Ebersole is luxury casting as the campy one-buttocked Old Lady.
Read MoreMr. Domingo, amazingly, had sung the tenor role Ismaele some 35 years ago and here sings the agony of the flawed king of Babylon with heartrending pathos.
Read MoreThis “Pearl Fishers” is unapologetically traditional, an enchanting mise-en-scène populated with real divers, fishermen, ocean waves and exotic Oriental colors on stage, as well as real pearls in the cast and orchestra.
Read MoreAs Cavaradossi, tenor Russell Thomas apparently saves his best for last and sings with rining Italianate tone and slancio that have heretofore escaped him.
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