Opera Suggestions

[Marge_Simpson]

I am completely spineless.
I just bought a ticket.
I haven't been to Carnegie Hall in ages. How dressy is it for something like this? Because I do not own a ball gown or a tiara.

[kwanfan1818]

If you wore a ball gown and a tiara, people would first think you were a drag queen

Wear what you wear to see ABT. And have a great time: she's wonderful

[emason]

I am completely spineless.
I just bought a ticket.
I haven't been to Carnegie Hall in ages. How dressy is it for something like this? Because I do not own a ball gown or a tiara.

Where are you sitting? I am thinking about getting a ticket.

[SaSherka]

I am completely spineless.
I just bought a ticket.
I haven't been to Carnegie Hall in ages. How dressy is it for something like this? Because I do not own a ball gown or a tiara.

Wow, that was quick! I haven't even bought a ticket myself as I am waiting for Notables tickets to possibly go on sale. If not, I'll splurge on a good seat, but can't shell out $$ now. And you definitely do not need a ball gown & tiara. A couple concerts I attended at CH in the last few years (including JDD's debut at Stern Aud) seemed fairly casual. ABT comparison seems good though

[Marge_Simpson]

Err, I have a habit of acting on impulse. And I tend to think if I don't act quickly, I may miss an opportunity. So I got a ticket last night.
I'm in dress circle. Please, somebody join me!

[reckless]

Somewhat late with my review of I Due Foscari at the LA Opera, which I saw a few weeks ago. This is such a rarely produced opera that it is more of a curiosity. From what I've read, this was the first production in the US in approximately 40 years, though it should get some play with next year being the bicentenniel of Verdi's birth. The music was quite beautiful, showing a lot of the elements you expect from Verdi, but the story and the libretto was extremely bitter and cynical. (It was written shortly after Verdi's wife and both their infant children died.)

The production itself was stunning and the performances were excellent across the board, with Placido Domingo performing the baritone role of the older Francsesco, Francesco Meli as his son Jacopo, and Marina Poplavskaya as Jacopo's wife, Lucrezia. I know a lot of people don't like Poplavskaya's voice, but I really liked it for this role and particularly enjoyed the power of her voice. The LA Master Chorale also was used to great effect as the evil Venetian council. My only nits were that Meli and Poplavskaya had a tendency to overpower Placido at times. I love Placido and his voice is utterly amazing for his age, but he does not have the same power that he once had so he is more restrained in how loudly he sings at times. The other issue is that Lucrezia was so fiery and angry that it was hard to view her as powerless. She was such a strong presence that it was hard to believe that she would really be prevented from following Jacopo to where he was exiled.

I wouldn't be surprised if this production winds up being performed in several other cities next year as part of celebrations of Verdi's birthday.

Next up is Don Giovanni, which I am thrilled to hear is a new production. We have been getting the same turgid revival at the LA Opera for ages, and this one has received nice reviews.

[SaSherka]

Thanks for the review! I didn't like Poplavskaya in La Traviata, but was pleased with her in Faust last season. It seemed that she too was much more pleased with her Margueritte than Violetta, so perception could depend on the role she sings.

Next up is Don Giovanni, which I am thrilled to hear is a new production.

Are you going to catch Angela Meade in Don G? I am thinking about getting this new Don G CD (dream cast?) http://www.amazon.com/Don-Giovanni-I.../dp/B008AS5UAO

Marge, PM me your seat for JDD recital!

[Marge_Simpson]

Unfortunately I didn't write it down, and the email confirming my order just lists the section, not the seat. Hopefully they will mail the ticket quickly and I can tell you the exact seat.

[reckless]

Thanks for the review! I didn't like Poplavskaya in La Traviata, but was pleased with her in Faust last season. It seemed that she too was much more pleased with her Margueritte than Violetta, so perception could depend on the role she sings.

I saw her in La Traviata also, and have virtually no memory of her. So I guess that tells you how much I liked her then. It is funny how much of a difference a role can make. I can think of several performers who I thought were incredible or terrible after seeing them in one role, only to have a completely different view after seeing them in another role.

Are you going to catch Angela Meade in Don G? I am thinking about getting this new Don G CD (dream cast?) http://www.amazon.com/Don-Giovanni-I.../dp/B008AS5UAO

Yep. I had to check, because I wasn't sure which of the sopranos was singing the night I had tickets, but we are scheduled for one of Angela Meade's two shows. That should be fun. I'm also really excited to see D'Arcangelo, because I had a last-minute work conflict last season, missed him in Cosi Fan Tutti, and had to listen to my mom and stepfather rave about the production for weeks.

[SaSherka]

It is funny how much of a difference a role can make. I can think of several performers who I thought were incredible or terrible after seeing them in one role, only to have a completely different view after seeing them in another role.

Agreed! Also, a role a particular singer WANTS to sing may not necessarily be the one they SHOULD sing. Casting is another case (*ahem* Mme Netrebko in current Met's Elisir)

I had to check, because I wasn't sure which of the sopranos was singing the night I had tickets, but we are scheduled for one of Angela Meade's two shows. That should be fun. I'm also really excited to see D'Arcangelo, because I had a last-minute work conflict last season, missed him in Cosi Fan Tutti, and had to listen to my mom and stepfather rave about the production for weeks.

Lucky! But then again, I haven't heard her Donna Anna, so she may or may not be great in the role... although I am positive she'll do fab!
Speaking of D'Arcangelo's surely Don G, have you seen this short clip that JDD recorded last year during the above CD's rehearsals/concerts?

[emason]

Also easily lead astray here. I ordered a Dress Circle ticket for Joyce D, so Marge, anyone else, you will have company.

[Marge_Simpson]

Excellent! I got my ticket, I am in Row BB, Seat 40.
SaSherka, you must get a ticket ASAP.
Who is in for dinner after the show?

Incidentally, this has given me the push I needed to start sewing with the lovely brocade fabric I bought over the summer. So expect to see me in a slinky skirt.

[BlueRidge]

Saw Anna Bolena with Sondra Rodvanovsky at the WNO last night.

Whatever one may say about the individual singers, in its totality it was great and earned a full standing ovation from the audience. It had incredible drama and really brought the best out of the music. I was on the edge of my seat! Comparisons are odious, my mother always said, and I only saw the Met in the Live in HD, but this had what that lacked. It was exciting.

I'm not sure I like Sondra R's voice but she so took control and brought incredible drama to her portrayal. Most of the other singers were decent or better. I particularly liked Sonia Gonassi who sang well and was very moving as Jane Seymour.

Score another one for the Washington Opera!

Its also really fun to go to the Kennedy Center.

[emason]

Excellent! I got my ticket, I am in Row BB, Seat 40.
SaSherka, you must get a ticket ASAP.
Who is in for dinner after the show?

Incidentally, this has given me the push I needed to start sewing with the lovely brocade fabric I bought over the summer. So expect to see me in a slinky skirt.

Yes to dinner, absolutely. We are going to want to discuss the performance. IIRC, I am in row EE over on the right side; I grabbed an aisle seat because it's easier on my legs.

[SaSherka]

Excellent! I got my ticket, I am in Row BB, Seat 40.
SaSherka, you must get a ticket ASAP.
Who is in for dinner after the show?

Yes to dinner, absolutely. We are going to want to discuss the performance. IIRC, I am in row EE over on the right side; I grabbed an aisle seat because it's easier on my legs.

I have to wait with my ticket purchase, but I assure you I'll be there one way or another!
I may be going down just for the day, so will need to catch a bus back after the concert and CD signing (you bet I am getting my CD signed, along with a few other JDD fans I know )

[Marge_Simpson]

SaSherka, have you bought a ticket yet?

[SaSherka]

Excellent! I got my ticket, I am in Row BB, Seat 40.
SaSherka, you must get a ticket ASAP.
Who is in for dinner after the show?

Yes to dinner, absolutely. We are going to want to discuss the performance. IIRC, I am in row EE over on the right side; I grabbed an aisle seat because it's easier on my legs.

SaSherka, have you bought a ticket yet?

Could not find the thread post-FSU update!
Just bought a pair of 2nd row center parquet seats! Who wants to upgrade their ticket or invite a friend??? $61 with fees. Unfortunately, the $20 tickets I was hoping for are all in the Balcony, but there have been a number of returns in the orchestra, so I decided to splurge.

ETA: How rude of me! How are you dealing with the Sandy aftermath??? Hope you got spared. A lot of my friends were or still are without power.

[Marge_Simpson]

I'm fine, and you aren't rude.
I'm crossing my fingers that the performance is not cancelled - AFAIK, 57th Street is still blocked off. But if they are still selling tickets, I guess that's a good sign.
Are we doing dinner afterwards?
And BTW, would you use a clutch bag if you had one?

[SaSherka]

I bought the tickets with hope that the performance is going to happen. If it is cancelled, I am sure CH will automatically refund tickets. If it's postponed, I hope it's for another weekend. Most likely no dinner or a very quick one for me as I'll have to catch the 6 or 6:30pm bus back.
Clutch? Sure

[emason]

I just found out my friend Peter is also going, sitting at the other end of the row I'm in. We'll have a real entourage going soon.

Do not think this will be cancelled. I believe the crane has now been secured and people are being let back into the area.