*Santa Schifezza: a fictional, small town that would be near Palermo if it existed. Some parts of Sicily are known for their visual splendor, verdant vineyards on cliffs overlooking an azure Mediterranean or quaint fishing villages charmed by Greek, Roman, Moorish and/or Norman architecture. This is not one of those parts. SS is dusty. SS
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Jeder Mensch
These days, I alternate world premiere prep by day with dusting off my piano chops by night. Artists for The Inspector arrive this weekend, and the show opens on April 27. But before that, I’ll have the privilege of taking the stage with mezzo Kate Lindsey for a recital at The Barns. On that recital
Read MoreCan You Hear Me Now?
Last night I had the pleasure of attending the first preview of a new musical featuring the lyrics of Mark Campbell, librettist for The Inspector (premiering April 27 at The Barns!). This isn’t a “review” blog, and I’m not a critic. Nor would it be fair to post any of my opinions about a show
Read More2011 Season On Sale Tomorrow! (Saturday 3/12/11)
Wolf-Ferrari Le donne curiose June 17, 19 & 25 at The Barns Including a fabulous preshow chat by yours truly one hour before curtain Written near the beginning of Wolf-Ferrari’s career, The Curious Women is a charming chamber opera. We discovered it a few years ago, and I’ve been carrying around a score for a
Read MoreWTOC 1985: Transformations
Susa’s Transformations took The Barns by storm in summer 1985. An amazing cast in an exciting and edgy production. I had just managed to worm my way into Wolf Trap (see the music staff listing below), having defected recently from my first career in music therapy. (Possibly, the fact that this production of Transformations was
Read MoreBut Before the Summer…
Yes, we have a fabulous summer season on tap. But this spring has its own charms, in the form of the world premiere of The Inspector – a new comedy from John Musto & Mark Campbell – and a rare DC-area recital appearance by mezzo-soprano and Metropolitan opera artist Kate Lindsey (WTOC 2005, 2006). The
Read MoreWTOC 1978: Duchess of Malfi
As we get ready for this spring’s premiere of The Inspector, it’s fascinating to look back at Wolf Trap’s first opera premiere – at the Filene Center in 1978. The file on this show is about three inches thick, largely with press clippings. It was quite the story, both onstage and off. It seems that
Read MoreHappy 40th!
And so we enter our fifth decade. Wolf Trap Opera turns 40 this summer, and we’re getting ready to kick up our heels and have a wonderful midlife adventure. More details on the summer festivities as soon as I’m able to (February 7), but until then, come with me on another kind of journey. Starting
Read MoreTexas Already?
My apologies for ignoring California. I had gotten the flu after the New York leg and thought I had bounced back. I was wrong, and it has taken me all of Ohio and California to feel human again. The good news is that things are looking up. Only about 2,500 miles and 350 arias to
Read MoreShoes!
It’s not much of a secret that my colleague Rahree is all about the shoes. Of course, we are in search of fabulous singing on this audition tour. But not inconsistent with that quest is Rahree’s lookout for classy and distinctive ladies’ footwear. It’s a hobby and a passion. She was sporting a pretty amazing
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