LA Phil’s Tristan Project, an Immersive but Flawed Experiment
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It was Gustavo Dudamel’s first Wagnerian outing at the Disney Hall and he conducted like a pro, unleashing stunning intensity and incandescent beauty from the L.A. Phil.
Read More‘Tosca’ Returns to L.A. with a Brilliant New Cast
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Musically, this new Tosca cast is perhaps more exciting than the last. Angel Blue, singing her first Tosca in L.A., commands a fresh and bright soprano voice…
Read MoreOmar Is an American Operatic Masterpiece
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Rhiannon Giddens’ libretto successfully condenses Said’s book into a series of dramatic scenes that culminate in the unforgettable Act II slave auction scene…
Read MoreL.A. Opera’s 'Lucia', Brilliantly Retold as an American Tragedy
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Honorable mention also goes to L.A. Opera’s new chorus director Jeremy Frank, who enlivens many scenes with choruses that are fully engaging and energetic.
Read MoreFlight of Valkyries at the Bowl, in Spacesuits
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Yuval Sharon’s electronic “décor” is probably closer to Wagner’s scenic directions than that of many a contemporary (or traditional) production.
Read MoreA Hot Night on the Nile
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The flame burns the brightest with the Radames of tenor Russell Thomas, who combines elegance with fire, in phrasing and in control of dynamics.
Read MoreLA Phil's 'Fidelio' Is an Opera Hit for the Deaf
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Many in the audience were enjoying themselves and applauding in sign language (shaking both hands in the air)…
Read MorePacific Symphony Stages a Powerhouse 'Otello' in Costa Mesa
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American tenor Carl Tanner gave the finest singing of the evening as the tragic moor Otello. His “Esultate!” in Act 1 pealed through the thick stormy orchestra with a majestic ringing tone.
Read MoreDance As Drama, LA Opera’s 'St Matthew Passion'
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Young dancers of the Hamburg Ballet, who were instructed to improvise and react to the specific words and passages in the music. It’s a novel approach that worked brilliantly.
Read MoreKorean Conductor Gives Sparkle to Italian Belcanto Gem
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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.
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