Concert and opera reviews from Northern California.
The afternoon began with a prelude of Bernstein orchestral music from “West Side Story”, as the stage was transformed into a museum, with 1950s patrons stopping to admire the statue of Venus.
Read MoreKurt Herbert Adler, for whom the program is named, was a long-time General Director of San Francisco Opera; the two-year Adler Fellowships began in 1987 and have graduated many world-renowned artists since then...
Read MoreNina Stemme was a shimmering icy princess. Dressed in a sea-foam green flowing gown she looked and sounded terrific.
Read MoreAdams wrote his own music to words from diaries, journals, and mining songs...Sellars mixed and matched these many texts to form the libretto. The two men have worked together extensively and seem to have a very mutual admiration.
Read MoreSoprano Ellie Dehn makes her role debut. Her performance was energetic and her voice grew more confident throughout the evening. She has a sweet and pleasant soprano...
Read MoreThe production is an old one, done initially by the world-famous British producer John Copley in 1987 and used six times previously between then and now. It has aged extremely well.
Read MoreSoprano Christine Goerke...was masterful in the role of Elektra, with her voice rich, full, and dominating in every scene. Dressed in basic unadorned black and ready for action in black running shoes, she moved with energy and grace all over the stage.
Read MoreDavid Hockney, the original designer, celebrates his 80th birthday this year with many exhibits of his work throughout the US and internationally.
Read MoreAmerican soprano Julie Adams, as Mimi, gave her first (of two) 2017 performances (having sung the role last year in the “Bohème for Families”. She was a genuine and believable heroine, with a clear and creamy voice and warmth and beauty in her smile.
Read MoreItalian bass-baritone Ildebrando D’Arcangelo makes his SF debut in the role; he is a strikingly handsome, sensual performer with an appropriate air of entitlement and sings lustily throughout.
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