RIENZI- LINCON CENTER (Review by Mike Silverman)

The New York Opera Orchestra (NYOO)'s Rienzi conducted by Eve Qualer (bravo!) was not only a pleasant arrangement, but also a breath of fresh air.  At Lincoln center where we often indulge in large, spectacular productions with fire, projection and actions stunts, it was such a great experience to bypass all other visual distractions and to enjoy the music from both the singers and the orchestra, without worrying about whether the singer is about to fall off the stage (Abigale, summer, Met)...

Here is a review by Mike Silverman for Huffington Post which i am in total agreement with--

NEW YORK — One of his most popular works during the composer's lifetime, Wagner's early opera "Rienzi" still has the power to ignite strong feelings today<...to the post>

Maria Callas 78 rpm free audio

“Dolce e calmo”

 

“Casta diva”  

“O rendetemi la speme”

“Qui la voce sua soave”

“Vien diletto, è in ciel la luna”
  

http://www.mariacallasmuseum.org/_cetra/cetra.htm

The Yankee Diva's VLOG series:

HOW TO HANDEL NERVES

what can i say?  I love this woman...Joyce Didonato is one of the most amazing human beings, not just a wonderful mezzo soprano, but a warm, encouraging artist who cares about the growth of other young artists.  Watch the video and you will be thankful, trust me.

New York City Opera Negotiations End In Calls For Boycott, Strikes

 NEW YORK -- New York City Opera declared an impasse Thursday in contract negotiations with unions for its singers and musicians, threatening to present its abbreviated season without them and unilaterally imposing new work rules...

Thanksgiving Post Caballe, Bartoli and Sutherland

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Jonas Kaufmann Recital at the Met

The Jonas Kaufmann Recital at the Met was wonderful. Kaffmann not only sang repertories from Strauss and Mahler, he also brought up Tupac and Liszt.  It it hadn't been the under-the-weather audience's desperate attempt to hold off and release coughing during every brief in-betweens, we would had "the most romantic" performance.  The encores were fantastic as well, although we had to leave at the 4th encore, it was rare that he and the accompanist would be so generous with the performance.  Consider we only applauded  3 encores out of Andire Riau last time! 

 

The Honorable Daphne Guinness in her famous outfit and feathers (this time).

Dang! Giovanni!

Being so close to Met has all the benefits in the world for a learner like me:)  My first Don Giovanni experience was just pampering to say the least.  While the over all cast is great, Peter Mattei's Don Giovanni was purely mesmerizing.  He was perfect for it! see ny post article
I had been working on "Non mi dir" for a while, even though it won't be the audition choice, I just love the aria so much.  It's great to see it done on stage by a Met cast!  Real pros are no joke!

 

Looking forward to "Nabucco" and "Massah"already!!