Opera may come and Opera may go, but most agree that the LA Opera is here to stay. In fact, most people today will tell you that the LA Opera is near or at the top of its game. How refreshing to complete this wonderfully cultural city with a world class opera company churning out world class productions. A recent evening with that superbly talented group proves that this is one of the finest Opera companies in the world. "Culturally Speaking" a firm whose mission is to promote personal enrichment through cultural experience, recently visited the LA Opera.
The cast for this performance included the following: Figaro was played by Ildar Abdrazakov; Susanna was played by Barbara Bonney, Count Almaviva was played by David Pittsinger and Countess Alamaviva was played by Adrianne Pieczonka. Cherubino was played by Lucy Schufer and Marecellina was played by Anna Steiger. The orchestra was led by Kent Nagano with Ian Judge as the Director.
What a wonderful evening this opera presented for either first-time visitors to the opera or veteran attendees. Everything was superb; the casting, the sets, the lighting...and the music -- oh the music! The hall was filled with this particular evening with a very attentive, quiet and enthusiastic audience, all great benefits to the performers indeed.
The story features the usual innuendo and playfulness associated with Mozart's operas, and the cast cleverly played the parts to the fullest while also injecting a sense of modern humor (and in some cases jazzy music) to pull this production into the current age.
Although Dorothy Chandler Pavillion can be slightly dreary (particularly in comparison to its new neighbor, Disney Hall) it is still a grand auditorium, and one can feel completely satisfied both acoustically and visually spending an evening there.
If you are in Los Angeles and need an evening activity, be sure and consider the LA Opera. Regardless of what is playing, its very likely to be worth your time.
###
No comments:
Post a Comment