The Academy Series is underwritten, in part, by Judy and Peter Leone. Director: Emilio Sagi. requires not one, not two but three tenors in the huge heroic roles of Otello (Khanyiso Gwenxane), Rodrigo (Lawrence Brownlee) and Iago (Alex Shrader). 10 Days in a Madhouse Orth/Moscovitch Sep 2023. I The opera ends, as it must, with the stage strewn with dead bodies. Their love is undone by the vengeful Iago, who is also in love with Desdemona and plots to convince Otello that his wife has been unfaithful. Despite the occasional lack of vocal precision, evenness and weight in the lower register, she sang fearlessly, convincingly portraying Desdemonas passionate but futile struggle to avoid her fate. Opera Philadelphias Otello has three. scene from Black Lodge, Rossini's rarely performed version of Shakespeare's tragedy comes to Opera Philadelphia for the first time in a critically acclaimed production by Spanish director Emilio Sagi (Tancredi 2017). Now that Verdis eponymous opera has eclipsed that of Rossini, the latters may seem staid. Audience members will choose their level of interactivity to explore multiples spaces in the theater, with the performers as guides, and explore Poes verse. Otherwise, you cant do this opera.. Sun-Ly Pierce brought vocal freshness, dramatic immediacy and, at times, surprising power, to the important role of Emilia, creating a perfect balance to Macks heavier Desdemona. The window for submissions closes on May 15. And. After Festival O, the opera season continues in 2023 with the classics Carmina Burana (February 3 and 5) and La bohme (April 28 & 30, May 5 & 7). And for staging so admirably. By: Susan Hall - Sep 27, 2022 - / 3 Opera Philadelphia is reviving Gioachino Rossini's Otello. Opera Philadelphia's "Festival O22" continued Friday night with a revival of Rossini's rarely performed setting of Otello. At first you kind of take it personally. Other performances include a new production of Rossinis 1816 opera Otello, and the world premiere of Black Lodge, a glam rock opera featuring the Los Angeles-based band Timur & the Dime Museum. But a risk-free staging approach dominates the play. READ MORE: Most operas are lucky to have one star tenor. Then Verdi's version debuted in 1887 and was . For more information, visitoperaphila.org. A complete lineup of films will be announced on July 26, but fans can purchase an all-access badge good for all film screenings for just $25. I can't help but think. Rossinis librettist, Francesca Berio de Salsa, took many liberties with Shakespeares plot, although to be fair, Shakespeare took liberties with his 16th century source. Major support has been provided by Ms. Lisa D. Kabnick and Mr. John H. McFadden. Our weekend newsletter will catch you up on the best local stories of the week. Its actually worth hearing, surprisingly enough. His technical command was marvelous: every note clear, even, well-pitched, and even from top to bottom. Philadelphia (AP) -- Rossini's "Otello" premiered in 1816, and the musical adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play was a hit for seven decades. Instead of the handkerchief, there is a love letter sent by Desdemona to Othello with a lock of her hair and a promise of fidelity. But Otello laments about his appearance (My aspect and costume are so different). Instead of the handkerchief, there is a love letter sent by Desdemona to Othello with a lock of her hair and a promise of fidelity. WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. Opera Philadelphias Otello has three. Festival O launches the season with a concentration of five operatic events in two weeks, from September 21 October 2. Always, the journey is the thing. With more rehearsal time, perhaps the recitatives essential in this opera could have been shaped more imaginatively. Written in 1816 and staged in 2022, Otello is a true musical feast. Your email address will not be published. The English sur-titles are clunky and floridthis language would not likely move usbut the director, Emilio Sagi has provided a powerful staging, giving these singers, with their gorgeous voices, a chance to act. (Opera Philadelphia has long championed color-blind casting, and has made efforts to hire Black performers.). Macks Desdemona receives a unique focus in Sagis production, as a woman whose acts of rebellion and loyalty position her as the moral center of a changing world, and Shrader takes on the role of the vengeful Iago. Rossinis, premiered in 1816. The return to live performances will include the return of Festival O, a two-week festival of live, in-person opera. Spanish director Emilio Sagis unit set, borrowed from a company in Belgium, eschewed more expressionistic displays in favor of an attractive tableau that reflected sound well and did not distract from the singers. Most remarkable is Daniela Mack as Desdemona whose stunning mezzo-soprano is matched by her surprisingly realistic acting, and it is she who gives genuine depth to the tragedy. The Raven isnt a new piece, but the equity that comes with its Edgar Allan Poe origins plus the promise of theatrical innovation has already yielded sold-out performances. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Otello Opera Philadelphia No. Attend any live performance with your ACCESS Card or rent streaming content on the Opera Philadelphia Channel with the promo code "ACCESS." Our Story: Mission Statement, Diversity Statement, and History. Rising stars Sun-Ly Pierce, Christian Pursell, and Aaron Crouch also make their company debuts. Commissioned and produced by Beth Morrison Projects, with libretto by Anne Waldman and story, screenplay and direction by Michael McQuilken, Black Lodge takes inspiration from Antonin Artaud, David Lynchs Twin Peaks, and William S. Burroughs, blending opera and rock in an exploration of magic, mystery, regret, and redemption. Conductor: Corrado Rovaris. Otello: Khanyiso Gwenxane; Desdemona: Daniela Mack; Iago: Alek Shrader; Emilia: Sun-Ly Pierce; Elmiro: Christian Pursell; Gondolier: Aaron Crouch; Lucio: Daniel Taylor; The Doge: Colin Doyle. Stay up to date on all future events happening at Kimmel Cultural Campus, By creating an account, you agree to Kimmel Cultural Campus' Privacy Notice. Its more about this person (Otello) being from a different tradition, said Brownlee. Otello: Sept. 23, 25, 30, Oct. 2, Academy of Music, $25-299. The 100-minute whirlwind of Puccinis beloved music is an original reminder of the experimental and evolving nature of the art form. They met in Zurich where Brownlee was singing, worked through the opera together and had a Zoom meeting with Opera Philadelphia music director Corrado Rovaris (a Rossini specialist). Media Contacts Brownlee owns this role today. Only Brownlee (a Rossini specialist) conveyed the astounding vocal athleticism that this music was written for, and did so with a sense of what it could all mean dramatically. Tickets are on sale through September 7. "That first wistful inhalation of young love is intensified, made all the more poignant by bearing witness to its fleeting nature, said The Post and Courier. Academy House, 1420 Locust Street, Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Rising Californian bass Christian Pursell, who today sings small parts in big houses and big ones in smaller ones, was (for me) the surprise of the evening. Margaret Bonds Credo, based on a poem by W.E.B. Part of the Kimmel Cultural Campus, this magnificent 19th century opera house is the oldest venue in the United States still used for its original purpose. Give today to help us unlock $2.5 million with the Artistry Now Matching Fund. Music by Gioachino Rossini vailable upon request by asking venue ushers and front of house staff. Each program mixes interviews with guest travel experts, your call-ins with questions and comments, and music. Festival O22 opens with Toshio Hosokawas The Raven, sung by powerhouse in the making (Opera News) mezzo-soprano Kristen Choi who won raves as Maddalena in springs Rigoletto, and showed her range in Rene Orth and Kanika Ambroses TakTakShoo for the Opera Philadelphia Channel in 2021. The great height of the stage and the excellent arrangement of the 'flies' added increased charms to this department", Take a Virtual Tour of the Academy of Music>> (produced by the Kimmel Cultural Campus). This act is the main reason to revive the piece, and that's what the Opera Philadelphia casting seemed directed toward. No. So this is a daring undertaking for Opera Philadelphiamade more daring by color-blind casting and it is a thrilling production. Will this Otello be the defining production of Festival O22? Read more Sascha Kreklau by David Patrick Stearns Published Sep 20, 2022 At 2 pm in the afternoon, my wife and I attended a showing of The Copper Queen (2021), a filmed version of a new opera originally scheduled for a staged production by Arizona Opera, but its staging was precluded by the shutdown due to the COVID pandemic. Afternoons at AVAwill feature the richly talented (New York Times) soprano Latonia Moore and "warm rich bass-baritone" (Washington Post) Andr Courville in recital with current students of the renowned institution. Towering, heroic but stricken with jealousy, the mythical stage character Otello might seem too anguished to hit numerous high notes at least in the operatic persona famously created by Verdi, adapted from Shakespeare. Give today to help us unlock $2.5 million with the Artistry Now Matching Fund. Part of Festival O22. The annual festival had been impossible to do during the height of the pandemic. Her maid, Emilia (Sun-Li Pierce) adds another wonderful mezzo voice. Afternoons at Academy of Vocal Arts: Sept. 24 (featuring Andr Courville) and Oct. 1 (featuring Latonia Moore), 1920 Spruce St., sold out. The new season shows an ongoing commitment to creating original films, including a screening of new and classic opera films as part of Festival O. This is a result of committed scholarship and the availability of singers who have mastered the difficult technique that proper Rossini singing requires. Rossinis innovations showed the path that Meyerbeer, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi and other Italianate composers would explore over the next century. Another surprise is that in the Rossini, Iago becomes a minor character and not the master manipulator we all know and love to hate, and with that change is the loss of the profound psychological drama the play gives us. Take a Virtual Tour of the Academy of Music>>. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Though the first two acts are standard, above-average Rossini, words say one thing, and the music expresses something else at times. Khanyiso Gwenxane, making his Opera Philadelphia debut as Otello, rises to the challenge there, and throughout cuts a credible, multi-faceted character. A far-better vocal fit is Rodrigo, Otellos romantic rival for the hand of Desdemona. But this is how they referred to Black people at that time, now and into the future. Tickets: $25-$299. www.operphila.org, 215-732-8400. Libretto by Francesco Berio di Salsa after William Shakespeares play Othello, or The Moor of Venice. Then Verdi's version debuted in 1887 and was. (Well, it requires six tenors, if you count the Doge, Lucio, and the offstage gondolier.). The orchestra, under Corrado Rovaris baton, is in splendid form; Rossinis playful and spirited overture gives no clue as to the disastrous deeds to come, making the opera all the more moving. Shraders Iago went even further in that respect. Its outside my realm, he said. Its how we live. Sun, Sep 24 Simon Boccanegra Fri, Sep 29 Simon Boccanegra View the full Opera schedule . I understand why Rossini's Otello is seldom performed . New Production For more information, visitoperaphila.tv. Performer Jennifer Harrison Newman in a Brownlee has wanted to sing it for years. The Italian tragedy shone with exceptional, unusual depth, the moor Otello portrayed by black American tenor Russell Thomas, conductor James Conlon carefully guiding . Its possible that Rossini librettist Francesco Berio de Salsa knew Shakespeares original source material but was blissfully unaware of Shakespeare. Khanyiso Gwenxane as Otello and Rina Hirayama as Desdemona in a production from Germany's Musiktheater im Revier Gelsenkirchen. Act III takes a further step into the 19th century. Most operas are lucky to have one star tenor. Only the middle and right of the stage are used, why not the left? With a $2.4 million budget, the festival is smaller than past years in some ways, but bigger in others. A strong supporting cast matched Brownlee down the line, with a particularly headstrong characterization of Desdemona from Argentinian mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack.A company favorite, previously heard in Philadelphia as Carmen and in the world premiere of Kevin Puts' Elizabeth Cree, she brought a haunting stillness and exquisitely sustained vocal line to Rossini's version of the Willow Song. All I can say with safety is that these singers are a rich and fabulous pleasure to listen to. Required fields are marked *. This week Opera Philadelphia announced its upcoming 2022-2023 season, starting in the fall. What's On. Opera Philadelphia really is a world class arts organization and we're lucky to have them here in the city. Devan observes that each festival has had a mind of its own in terms of acclaim and popularity. This was a period of dramaturgy when storytelling was sometimes secondary to Olympic-level singing opportunities. The first two acts require such florid vocal display; soprano Beverly Sills once described this genre of opera as having notes so high even a dog can't hear them. Streaming On the Channel. Otello. How will the opera play when Brownlees Black Rodrigo insults Gwenxanes Moorish Otello for thinking that he could marry the white, aristocratic Desdemona? Today he once again is considered a major influence in the development of both Italian and French opera. Single tickets for Opera Philadelphia's 2022-2023 Season go on sale Tuesday, July 19, when opera fans can curate their experience with a wide array of options, starting with the much-anticipated return of the company's season-opening Festival O22, which takes the stage after a two-year hiatus, expanding into new spaces and genres. The fact that some listeners hissed him during his curtain call was a compliment to how compellingly evil he was. Khanyiso Gwenxane as Otello and Rina Hirayama as Desdemona in a production from Germany's Musiktheater im Revier Gelsenkirchen. An incredible simplicity and colorlessness destroys the excitement of the play. But Im trying to raise awareness, and this is a part I can play by doing this., The revelation for Brownlee is that the 1816 Rossini opera which falls between Shakespeares 1603 Othello and Verdis 1887 operatic adaptation lacks explicit references to skin color. Academy House, 1420 Locust Street, Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA 19102. The voices also have to be very good actors. Busy week? Is the opera stage just the place where singers go on stage and sing their songs? Set in the 1920s,\r with elegant costumes and scenery evocative of the gilded world of\r Downton Abbey, Sagis production puts a unique focus on the character of\r Desdemona, a woman whose acts of both rebellion and loyalty position \rher as more than just a symbol of lost innocence, but as the moral center \rof a changing world. Devan had the team to examine the cultural baggage associated with this famous character. As good as recorded music can be on a good audio system, nothing is ever going to substitute for the passion in a live performance. We have to make it about the characters in order to make it a believable, credible story. Read more >>. Was Rossini a proto-feminist by making Desdemona (sung here by Daniela Mack) far more substantial than the tragic trophy wife of other versions? WHYY thanks our sponsors become a WHYY sponsor. Each August, Rossinis hometown of Pesaro holds a festival in which at least one of his rare works is staged. A monochromatic decor that serves no purpose is the columns surrounding 2/5 of the stage. of reviews: 7: Un 'Otello' de Rossini en manos espaolas. The Academy's acoustics and the demands of operatic scenery were given careful consideration during the planning phase in 1855 by the architects, LeBrun and Rung. Otello | Opera | Performances, schedule and tickets | Opera Philadelphia | View more information on Operabase Information: www.operphila.org, 215-732-8400. Music composed by Gioachino Rossini. The secondary role of Desdemonas father Elmiro rang forth with impressive power and clarity. Opera Philadelphia is now accepting film submissions to be considered for the Festival O. Rossini simplifies the musical textures to afford insights into psychological and to portray naked brutality. The winter concert Carmina Burana + Credopairs one of the most-recognized choral works with one that has rarely been performed since its premiere. Certainly, its epic three spirited hours, though best heard by those who already know the playing field of this 200-year-old piece that doesnt always reach across the centuries. That was a legit question in my only previous live encounter with this rarely done piece (2017 at Loft Opera in Brooklyn), but less so at the Opera Philadelphia performance Sunday afternoon at the Academy of Music. Shakespeare is painful to watch, said Gwenxane, referring to some of the plays coarse but often-cut dialogue. Theclassic elegy on grief transforms into a chilling monodrama for mezzo-soprano and 12-piece chamber orchestra, inspired bythesupernatural elements of Nohtheater. Learn how your comment data is processed. The murder became inevitable. The audience responded with an enthusiastic ovation clear validation of Opera Philadelphias bold decision to program this rarely performed masterpiece. ", Gov. Opera Philadelphia presents its Opera at the Academy series at the Academy of Music, located at Broad and Locust Streets in center city Philadelphia. Libretto by Francesco Berio de Salsa after William Shakespeare's play Othello WHYY provides trustworthy, fact-based, local news and information and world-class entertainment to everyone in our community. It announced a return to live in-person performances with Festival O in September. The first two acts require such florid vocal display; soprano Beverly Sills once described this genre of opera as having notes so high even a dog cant hear them. This season brings genre-pushing variety, from the premiere of David T. Little's 'Black Lodge' to Rossini's rarely seen 'Otello' By Heidi Waleson Oct. 4, 2022 5:47 pm ET Eschewing vocal pyrotechnics for serpentine legato, subtle rubato and convincing acting, he underscored the villains duplicity and charm. If the choir didnt make a sound in one or two places, it would seem like they wouldnt be able to go on stage. Not likely. When you have big characters, big singers, big actors, it [externals] doesnt matter at all.. All photos by Steven Pisano courtesy of Opera Philadelphia. . The event will include cocktails in the Academy of Music lobby and a three-course dinner on stage. In contrast, the new opera on film series attracted 800 entries that had to be narrowed down to 20. You can now use Art-Reach's ACCESS Card, which provides $2 tickets to those from a low-income household or household with disabilities. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Alek Schrader, a bel canto tenor who came to prominence fifteen years ago by hitting nine high Cs in the Metropolitan Opera competition, gave a memorably intelligent portrayal of Iago. An innovative La bohmefrom director Yuval Sharon concludes the season on an optimistic note, with the classic story told in reverse to end with the promise of new love. 4 Oct 22 / Bachtrack: No voice felt redundant. of reviews: 7 Un 'Otello' de Rossini en manos espaolas 14 Oct 22 / Scherzo Young South African Tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane, who has been laboring in provincial German houses, still needs to develop the vocal ease, weight and range, particularly at the bottom, to command the stage and convey Rossinis subtly differentiation by timbre of the three lead tenor roles, whereby Otello is meant to have the more heroic timbre. This Promotion Code is not currently valid for the selected package. There is a tremendous moment, nearly at the end, when Otello, confused and enraged, murders his long-suffering and tormented wife. Desdemonas Willow Song and prayer is asymmetrical reverie, Otellos subsequent recitative is grimly resigned, and his stabbing of Desdemona is a shockingly quick denouement. We have to take hold of the narrative., Gwenxane is on board with that: If we play it by race it wouldnt make sense this time. Otello and Rodrigo, rivals for Desdemonas hand about to fight a duel, fling high Cs and Ds at one another like violent sword thrusts. And Rossinis third-act murder of Desdemona is one of those operatic eruptions that arrives like a bolt out of the blue. The neglect of this 1816 work is understandable if unjustified. Set in the 1920s, with elegant costumes and scenery evocative of the gilded world of Downton Abbey, Sagi's production puts a unique focus on the character of Desdemona, a woman whose acts of both rebellion and loyalty position her as more than just a symbol of lost innocence, but as the moral center of a changing world. Otello (new production)Music by Gioachino Rossini; libretto by Francesco Berio di SalsaSep 23, 25, 30, Oct. 2, 2022Academy of MusicPerformed in Italian with English supertitles, The Raven (new production)Music by Toshio HosokawaBased on the poem by Edgar Allan PoeSep 21, 24, 29, Oct 1, 2022Merriam TheaterPerformed in English with English supertitles, Black Lodge (world premiere)Music by David T. Little; libretto by Anne WaldmanScreenplay and direction by Michael Joseph McQuilkenProduced by Beth Morrison ProjectsOct 1 & 2, 2022Mainstage at the Philadelphia Film CenterPerformed in English with English supertitles, Opera on FilmSep 27-Oct. 2, 2022Philadelphia Film Center, Afternoons at AVACo-presented with the Academy of Vocal ArtsSep 24 & Oct 1, 2022Helen Corning Warden Theater, Academy of Vocal Arts, Carmina Burana + Credo (concert performances)Carmina Burana music by Carl OrffAdapted from the Carmina BuranaCredo music by Margaret BondsText by W.E.B. Is it necessary to use not the possibilities of the theater? Rossini's "Otello" opens Opera Philadelphia's Festival O22. Opera on the Mall (a populist-oriented opera screening at Independence Hall) is absent, pending a new approach in future years when Devan envisions multiple opera screenings in different neighborhoods. It gets difficult for everyone. Late Night Snacks including the Bearded Ladies Cabaret: Sept. 21-25 and Sept. 28-Oct. 4 at The Switch, 421 N. 7th St., pay what you can. Rossini's rarely performed version of Shakespeare's tragedy comes to Opera Philadelphia for the first time in a critically acclaimed production by Spanish director Emilio Sagi (Tancredi, 2017).Set in the 1920s, with elegant costumes and scenery evocative of the gilded world of Downton Abbey, Sagi's production puts a unique focus on the character of Desdemona, a woman whose acts of both . October 1, 2022 at 8:28 am Rossini can you hear me? Sep 27, 2022 0 Khanyiso Gwenxane as Otello. #operaphila #operaphilly #rossini, Your email address will not be published. Starring Khanyiso Gwenxane in his U.S. debut as Otello, Lawrence Brownlee as Rodrigo, Daniela Mack as Desdemona, and Alek Shrader as Iago.Video and Production from Opra Royal de Wallonie - Lige (Belgium) About Opera Philadelphia Opera Philadelphia,the only American finalist for both the 2016 International Opera Award for Best Opera Company and the 2020 International Opera Award for Best Festival, is the very model of a modern opera company (Washington Post). PHILADELPHIA (AP) Rossini's "Otello" premiered in 1816, and the musical adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play was a hit for seven decades. The usually racist Iago, also a tenor in this version, is a lesser presence. Photo: Steven Pisano. Support for the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and Chorus has been provided by Alice and Walter Strine, Esqs. When this letter is intercepted by Desdemonas father and given to Otellos rival, Rodrigo, the plot of jealousy and revenge rolls relentlessly over the lovers. Above image: Khanyiso Gwenxane as Otello. The ensemble passages among the tenors were also a treat; their voices were so different they had to reach to find common vocal ground. Photo: Sascha Kreklau Fotografie Sascha Kreklau Set in the 1920s with elegant costumes and scenery, Rossini's rarely performed version of. 1902 saw a series of operas produced by Pietro Mascagni. Then Verdi's version debuted in 1887 and was. This bold, surrealist work blends opera and rock into an alchemical exploration of magic, mystery, regret, and redemption, featuring, Recitals with current and future opera stars. Opera Philadelphia creates new VP position for equity and diversity. Soprano Kara Goodrich and tenor Joshua Blue return to Opera Philadelphia as Mim and Rodolfo, with baritone Troy Cook returning as Marcello and soprano Melissa Joseph making her company debut as Musetta with her effortless vocal technique (Boston Musical Intelligencer). And to make sure that Otellos journey happens the way it should, the all-but-indispensible Gwenxane is guarding against any possible COVID infection. Frank Luzi Lina Gonzalez-Granados makes her company debut conducting. of reviews: 1 Opera Philadelphia Chorus and Orchestra are center stage in Carmina Burana 9 Feb 23 / Seen and Heard Otello Opera Philadelphia No. In the companys first live fall festival since 2019, general director and president David Devan says it will have an overall theme of virtuosity, whether the ornate but intense vocalism in Otello at the Academy of Music, the theatrical immersion of Toshio Hosokawas The Raven at the Miller Theater, the surreal sortie into the mind of a tormented writer in the David T. Little/Anne Waldman opera Black Lodge featuring Timur & the Dime Museum at the Philadelphia Film Center, which is also hosting the genre-stretching films in a six-day opera-centric series. His lovely voice is a bit too lyrical for this part, but his mastery of the line is considerable. Opera Philadelphia: Otello Set in the 1920s, with elegant costumes and scenery evocative of the gilded world of Downton Abbey, Sagi's production puts a unique focus on the character of Desdemona, a woman whose acts of both rebellion and loyalty position her as more than just a symbol of lost innocence, but as the moral center of a changing world. Opera Philadelphia's 'Otello' has three. Gallery Expand - Location Opera Philadelphia presents its Opera at the Academy series at the Academy of Music, located at Broad and Locust Streets in center city Philadelphia. It was not in his nature. Bass-baritone Christian Pursell as Desdemonas father also didnt get off easy, and like Gwenxane, seemed seriously promising but a bit vocally unfinished. Part of Festival O22. Learn more about Social Responsibility at WHYY. Gray and blue costumes. Khanyiso Gwenxane as Otello with tenor Colin Doyle as the Doge and members of the Opera Philadelphia Chorus in Rossini's Otello at Opera Philadelphia. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Verdi suppressed this character entirely. [Opera Philadelphia at the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St] September 23-October 2, 2022; operaphila.org, Rossini can you hear me? The channel is available for viewing on computers and mobile devices, and on TV screens via Chromecast and the Opera Philadelphia Channel app on AppleTV, Android TV, Roku, and Amazon FireTV. concludes the season on an optimistic note, with the classic story told in reverse to end with the promise of new love. Otello 2022 October Otello at Philadelphia Performances Reviews Staged Operas Otello at Philadelphia 8 months ago Andrew Moravcsik Gioachino Rossini finished Otello in 1816, the same year as his comic masterpieces, Il barbiere di Siviglia and La Cenerentola. The first act is packed with bubbling major-key bel canto numbers more similar to his comic works and thus unsuited to tragic melodrama. operaphila.org - Rossinis rarely performed version of Shakespeares tragedy comes to\r Opera Philadelphia for the first time in a critically acclaimed production \rby Spanish director Emilio Sagi (Tancredi, 2017). PHILADELPHIA (AP) Rossini's "Otello" premiered in 1816, and the musical adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play was a hit for seven decades. Braille guides will be available upon request by asking venue ushers and front of house staff. Rossini's version of Shakespeare's tragedy comes to Opera Philadelphia for the first time in an elegant production starring Khanyiso Gwenxane in his U.S. debut and star tenor Lawrence Brownlee. For the next decade and a half, Rossini would devote himself almost exclusively to tragedy, for which he crafted a new style of operatic expression. The latter two are acknowledged masterpieces. Certainly, its epic three spirited hours, though best heard by those who already know the playing field of this 200-year-old piece that doesnt always reach across the centuries. Starring Khanyiso Gwenxane, Lawrence Brownlee, Daniela Mack, and Alek Shrader. Otello was spearheaded by artistic advisor Lawrence Brownlee, the star tenor whose repertoire now includes 15 Rossini roles. Classics such as the 1979 Joseph Losey-directed Don Giovanni and the 2001 Carmen: A Hip Hopera starring Beyonc are mixed in with more indie-style films. The disarmingly charming (Bachtrack) tenor Alasdair Kent returns to Opera Philadelphia, and soprano Brandie Sutton and rising star (Philadelphia Inquirer) baritone Ethan Vincent make their debuts as the soloists. Nonetheless, he husbanded vocal resources and exploited opportunities cannily, creating some compelling moments in the final act. The casting allows for a deeper dive into the operas class distinctions. Set in the 1920s, Otello Khanyiso . PHILADELPHIA (AP) Rossini's "Otello" premiered in 1816, and the musical adaptation of Shakespeare's famous play was a hit for seven decades. Wonderful set and the singers were incredible. Opera Philadelphia is proud to join Art-Reach as an ACCESS Partner! premiering Oct. 1 and 2 As good as they were in Act III, South African tenor Gwenxane, in his U.S. debut, and mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack, as Desdemona, missed intricate details that can be so thrilling earlier in the opera, and even the broad strokes were at times unruly. Opera Philadelphia supporters can get up close and personal with the Otello set at the Festival O22 Celebration Dinner. The mood of Act III is established at the outset by an offstage gondolier singing a sentence from Dante: "There is no greater sorrow than to recall . But a risk-free staging approach dominates the play. Rodrigo, who drowns out everyone in duets and trios. Review: A Singular Sensation Returns to Philadelphia Opera with the O22 Festival It was "expect the unexpected," from Hosokawa's RAVEN, Rossini's OTELLO, Little and Waldman's BLACK LODGE METAPHOR (Denise McCormack): 2022 Fringe review, Living a Fairytale: Kathryn Manger in Philadelphia Ballets CINDERELLA, TWELFTH NIGHT (Lantern): Some are born great. Copyright 2001-2023, Kimmel Cultural Campus. Committed to developing opera for the 21st century, the company is recognized as a hotbed of operatic innovation (New York Times). This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website and personalized content. But when a work written 200 years ago according to the wishes of that period is being staged again 200 years later, shouldnt a dramaturge be needed? A 1907 performance of Madama Butterfly starring Caruso and Farrar was attended by Puccini. The world premiere of David T. Littles Black Lodge is presented as a film with live performance at the Philadelphia Film Center, which will also host the companys first-ever film festival. Fortunately, there are Emilia and Iago, and we see that she can turn into a leading character in her side characters. Opera Philadelphia has partnered with Art-Reach and Nicole Sardella to provide Audio Description for this production on September 30. Be very careful what you need to know. So warns the unnamed protagonist of, . By the turn of the century, he was known to most people as the composer of a single opera (The Barber of Seville), several overtures, and one religious work (Stabat Mater). It is an indisputable fact that a classical work is long. Opera Philadelphia. Don Giovanni literally goes to hell. Gioachino Rossini finished Otello in 1816, the same year as his comic masterpieces, Il barbiere di Siviglia and La Cenerentola. Du BoisFeb 3 & 5, 2023Academy of Music, La bohme (new production)Music by Giacomo Puccini; libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe GiacosaApr 28 & 30, May 5 & 7, 2023Academy of MusicPerformed in Italian with English supertitlesRuntime is approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. luzi@operaphila.org. As the centerpiece of Opera Philadelphias Festival O22, the Emilio Sagi production imported from Opra Royal de Wallonie in Belgium offered a chance to hear Rossinis alternative to the more famous Verdi Otello in a handsome black-white-and-gray production updated to the 1920s with a generally capable cast. Other performances include a new production of Rossini's 1816 opera "Otello," and the world premiere of "Black Lodge," a . Through his European contacts, Brownlee was introduced to the little-known, 33-year-old South African tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane who had sung the Rossini Otello in a small theater in Germany. as theaters shuttered and more people sought culture from the comfort and safety of home. Brownlees extraordinary vocal charisma posed a challenge to everyone else on stage yet all adapted in ways that, in the end, exceeded the sum of its parts. Directions & Parking Opera Philadelphia's Festival O September W 21 Th 22 F 23 Sa 24 Su 25 M 26 Tu 27 W 28 Th 29 F 30 Sa 1 Su 2 The Academy of Music Otello 8:00 pm 2:00 pm 8:00 pm 2:00 pm Miller Theater The Raven 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm 7:00 pm in Los Angeles. Black Lodge: Oct. 1 and 2, Philadelphia Film Center, $25. Isnt a symmetry an aesthetic perception necessary for the play ? I rehearse, he said, and I hibernate.. This places Rodrigos pleas to her and his direct confrontations with Otello at the center of the drama. Beethoven told Rossini that he should stay away from serious drama. Rossini's rarely performed version of Shakespeare's tragedy comes to Opera Philadelphia for the first time in a critically acclaimed production by Spanish director Emilio Sagi (Tancredi, 2017). as DAL has confessed before, I dont have the arcane opera lingo with which to comment on the flourishes to arias and the various and wondrous effects great voices can achieve. Even more than most bel canto operas, Otello relies on great singers who can surmount difficulties with ease, improvise ornamentation at will, and convey pathos while doing so. . Thats not Brownlee. As in Shakespeare's play, Desdemona defies her father, Elmiro, and marries his enemy Otello rather than the nobleman Rodrigo. Tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane in his U.S. stage debut as Otello with tenor Colin Doyle as the Doge and members of the Opera Philadelphia Chorus in Rossini's Otello at Opera Philadelphia. Rossini's Otello requires three excellent tenors, which is next to impossible in today's opera world, but Opera Philadelphia achieved this goal with their three tenors.The celebrated international star Lawrence Brownlee was a vocally outstanding Rodrigo, a noble swain intoxicated by Desdemona, who in her turn idolizes the military hero . Du Bois, is an affirmation of racial justice, peace, and Black pride expressed through powerful melodic language and ingenious orchestration. A trailblazing Black, female composers work is revived by Opera Philadelphia, A major work by an undersung Black, female composer from the 1960s, based on the writings of W.E.B. Stairs that were literally used after Desdemona died. The Raven, based on the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe, is examined anew through an immersive experience enveloping Hosokawas piece, conceived by director Aria Umezawa and Philadelphias own Obvious Agency, that takes over the Miller Theater on Broad Street. Give today to help us unlock $2.5 million with the Artistry Now Matching Fund. Set in the 1920s, with elegant costumes and scenery evocative of the gilded world of Downton Abbey, Sagi's production puts a unique focus on the character of Desdemona, a woman whose acts of both rebellion and loyalty position her as more than just a symbol of lost innocence, but as the moral center of a changing world. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. All three of the main tenors Khanyiso Gwenxane as Otello, Lawrence Brownlee as Rodrigo, and Alek Shrader as Iago were individualistic, well-chiseled voices in this classic tale of a great military general destroyed by newlywed jealousy. California residents do not sell my data request. You may also email [emailprotected]or call 215-893-1955for assistance. So this is a daring undertaking for Opera Philadelphiamade more daring by color-blind casting and it is a thrilling production. All rights reserved. OPERA NEWS, COMMENTARY, AND REVIEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. The orchestra is incredible. Rarely does it work! As we recover from this lockdown period, I think we need to lean into the virtuosity of opera in all of its forms, said Devan, to give us a reason to leave the house, and be with others in an artistic experience.. Only his curious decision to display Desdemonas dead body throughout the final scene, rather than suddenly revealing it at the final moment, seemed to rob the evening of a proper melodramatic conclusion. In the afternoons, hear the future of opera perform alongside stars at their training ground, in a series of concerts at the Academy of Vocal Arts. Together we can reach 100% of WHYYs fiscal year goal. This week Opera Philadelphia announced its upcoming 2022-2023 season, starting in the fall. Join us to keep up-to-date with all things Opera Philadelphia. Elsewhere, he is condescendingly referred to as The African., But not all Africans are Black, said Brownlee, especially in the 1920s milieu in which the opera has been reimagined. Opera on Film: Sept. 27-Oct. 4, Philadelphia Film Center, entire series $25. Leadership support for Otello has been provided by Mrs. Sandra K. Baldino, Carolyn Horn Seidle, Jean and Gene Stark, and Barbara Augusta Teichert. In opera, you think youre going to have an escape from it, but you dont. In Act II, however, Rossini intensifies the dramatic tension, recasting bel canto style in a more powerfully conflictual manner. operaphila.org - Rossini's rarely performed version of Shakespeare's tragedy comes to Opera Philadelphia for the first time in a critically acclaimed product. All artists, programs, and prices subject to change. For a time, Rossini was the most influential composer in the world. Brownlee debuts his 18th Rossini role as Rodrigo in director Emilio Sagis stately and elegant interpretation that evokes the gilded world of Downton Abbey. This act is the main reason to revive the piece, and thats what the Opera Philadelphia casting seemed directed toward. #otello #operaphiladelphia Academy House, 1420 Locust Street, Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Rossinis Otello premiered in 1816. A distraught Desdemona sings something akin to a mad scene, filled with wild, nearly unsingable, vocal roulades. It just came out that way. Throughout Europe, he has been offered Otello, the title role requiring a tenor-range agility but baritone undertones. What's On On Stage 2023 - 2024 10 Days in a Madhouse Orth/Moscovitch Sep 2023 Simon Boccanegra Verdi Sep - Oct 2023 Unholy Wars Sulayman Sep - Oct 2023 The Anonymous Lover Bologne Feb 2024 Madame Butterfly Puccini Apr - May 2024 Streaming On the Channel PAPER TIGER Lancaster Now Streaming Black Lodge Little / Waldman Now Streaming Rossini's "Otello" opens Opera Philadelphia's Festival O22. Black Lodge, composed by former Opera Philadelphia composer-in-resident David T. Little (Soldier Songs), is described as a surreal piece loosely based on the writings of William S. Burroughs, part magick ritual, part mad scene. The piece was developed with Timur and the Dime Museum, to be both a film and a performance, respectively. This bold, surrealist work blends opera and rock into an alchemical exploration of magic, mystery, regret, and redemption, featuring Timur & the Dime Museum. The composer knocked out 34 operas in 13 years during the period when Otello was written. Sign up for our weekly newsletter. Rossini is the first great Italian composer of the 19th century. Dive into the O22 Festival Book for a complete guide to the Festival, with artist bios, program essays, and more! Dr. Derrell Acon is a singer and arts administrator from Long Beach Opera who will take on the unique role of HR exec and equity, diversity, and inclusion officer. The return of Festival O brings an array of live experiences to the fall; Margaret Bonds. This time it was "Otello" not Verdi's 1887 classic, but Rossini's far rarer version, from 1816, which Opera Philadelphia deserves great credit for staging. Please give today. A mixed-plate performance thats 50% cabaret destination, 50% neighborhood jawn, and 100% good to the last bite. Black Lodge a cinema piece that now has a combination of film and live elements is close to selling out. But the first task was finding the right Otello. Annual subscriptions are offered along with pay-per-view rental options for individual performances. (Well, it requires six tenors, if you count the Doge, Lucio, and the offstage gondolier.). I have to navigate such things every day. Want a digest of WHYYs programs, events & stories? Edgar Allan Poes haunting poemsinspire an evening of immersive theater on the stage of the Merriam, the centerpiece of which is Toshio Hosokawa's The Raven. The 100-minute whirlwind of Puccinis beloved music is an original reminder of the experimental and evolving nature of the art form. The Three Tenors On the musical side, "Otello" is unusual for having three tenors in lead roles, namely Otello, Rodrigo, and Iago, each with a distinctively different sound. Many of his works have been re-evaluated, produced on stage, and recorded. Whereas most tenors in this repertoire stress the soft side of the rejected lover, Brownlees brassy tone, crisp articulation and perfect Italian diction not only filled the house but bolstered Rodrigos presence and power as a character. In between Shakespeares Othello (1603) and Verdis Otello (1887) comes the rarely seen/heard tragic opera by Rossini, a composer famous for his comic works. And this is something that I can do as well., Though the Otello cast is multiracial, having two Black tenors in the same productions is unusual. Single tickets for Opera Philadelphias 20222023 Season go on sale Tuesday, July 19, when opera fans can curate their experience with a wide array of options, starting with the much-anticipated return of the companys season-opening Festival O22, which takes the stage after a two-year hiatus, expanding into new spaces and genres. The Verdi opera is not pleasant at all. 14 Oct 22 / Scherzo: The audience responded with an enthusiastic ovation. Madame Butterfly Puccini Apr - May 2024. Certainly, the opera takes on extra dramatic weight by having recitative accompanied by orchestra rather than keyboard. Internationally renowned Academy of Vocal Arts alumsLatonia Moore and Andr Courvillereturn to their training ground for a recital series with current Resident Artists. Be very careful what you need to know. So warns the unnamed protagonist ofDavid T. Littlesnew cinematic opera,BlackLodge. An independent take on Philadelphia theater and arts, 1887) comes the rarely seen/heard tragic opera by Rossini, a composer famous for his comic works. Their love is undone by the vengeful Iago, who is also in love with Desdemona and plots to convince Otello that his wife has been unfaithful. The revival of an architecturally kitsch, early twenty-first century production from Parma, Italy could not dim the luster of this finely wrought Otello . Yet Rossinis adaptation focuses not so much on Otellos changing psyche or Iagos evil machinations, but rather on Desdemonas effort to overcome parental and social opposition to her love for Otello. Among tenors, we have a saying: If Jose Carreras, Bruce Ford and Nicolai Gedda can do it, you can do it if youre on the right track. As in Shakespeare's play, Desdemona defies her father, Emilio, and marries his enemy Otello rather than the nobleman Rodrigo. Sign up for the WHYY News Wrap-Up today. Then Verdi's version debuted in 1887 and was acclaimed as a pinnacle of the art form, causing Rossini's version to recede into a rarity. Between the Notes: Otello In-person Lecture, Between the Notes: Otello Virtual Lecture, Album Review: Opera Troubador Joshua Blue (@BlueBardsCastle) Proves Those Who Sing Can Also Jam On His New Album BL, "A pillar of a timeless story is its ability to be retold and still captivate audiences as if it were their first t. Black Lodge will be part film screening and part industrial rock opera concert, featuring punk-operatic spectacle (LA Times) Timur & the Dime Museum alongside musicians from the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra. Photo: Steven Pisano. Approximately 3 hours including one 20-minute intermission, Production from Opra Royal de Wallonie - Lige (Belgium). The orchestra is incredible. Maestro Corrado Rovaris' engagement as the Jack Mulroney Music Director has been made possible by Mrs. John P. Mulroney. 9 Oct 22 / Opera Today: Rossinian vocal fireworks overcome dramatic torpor in Opera Philadelphia's Otello. Q&A with Jesse Cline of Media Music Theatre, Blonde Brief: Sean Thompson stars in LEGALLY BLONDE, An Aerialist Brazilian: Danila Bim discusses her work with Cirque du Soleils VOLTA. When this letter is intercepted by Desdemonas father and given to Otellos rival, Rodrigo, the plot of jealousy and revenge rolls relentlessly over the lovers. But Rossinis little-known Otello that Opera Philadelphia opens on Friday the centerpiece of its Sept. 21-Oct. 3 Festival O22 takes an alternate route in its story of the Venetian army general who is destroyed by suspicions of his wifes infidelity. 215.893.5902 This is my first big Rossini role. Then theres the casting: Most operas require one star tenor; this one needs three, for the characters of Otello, Rodrigo and Iago., Opera Philadelphia is so brave to put on this Rossini Otello, declared stage director Emilio Sagi, who originated the 022 production in Liege that sets the opera in 1920s Europe to emphasize the class hierarchy. Opera Philadelphia's 'Otello' has three. Performed in Italian with English Supertitles Rossinis world, after all, wasnt one of deeply considered dramaturgy. For me, its all who has more influence in society., Im very happy to do it like that, said director Sagi, who was waylaid by visa problems and could only advise from his home in Spain. This voice has real potential; I would like to hear it again. Both will be presented during the festival. We talk about our favorite travels in Europe, as well as travel anywhere in the U.S. and the rest of the world. On Stage 2023 - 2024. without the most famous handkerchief in all of literature? The window for submissions closes on May 15. TWELFTH NIGHT (Lantern): Shall we set about some revels? DuBois, is being staged at the Academy of Music, After 942 days, Opera Philadelphia returns to the Academy of Music, Canceled during the pandemic as a super-spreader event, now live opera comes back to the Academy of Music with a dark production of "Rigoletto. Rossinis librettist, Francesca Berio de Salsa, took many liberties with Shakespeares plot, although to be fair, Shakespeare took liberties with his 16th century source. October 6, 2022 Our Friday at Opera Philadelphia's Festival O22 provided a surprise for me. It will feature, The Raven, a 2012 opera by composer Toshio Hosokawa based on Edgar Allen Poes poem produced as Japanese Noh Theater. Written in 1816 and staged in 2022, Otello is a true musical feast. Thus, the operas core emotional axis is Otello and Rodrigo vying for Desdemona in a clash between the aristocracy and military class. Except Desdemona? Footnote: Rossini actually wrote an alternate happy ending to this opera, where everyone lives. I The opera ends, as it must, with the stage strewn with dead bodies. One hears these innovations in Otellos score. Opera on Film explores the crossover of opera into cinema that took on a greater importance during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the last two years, Opera Philadelphia pivoted hard into filmmaking when live performance was impossible because of the pandemic. Without Desdemonas hair, its as if there was no color at all. Academy House, 1420 Locust Street, Suite 210, Philadelphia, PA 19102. Otello dies from guilt. One reason for its rarity is its demand for great tenors which, famously, are not thick on the ground; Rossinis. One reason for its rarity is its demand for great tenors which, famously, are not thick on the ground; Rossinis Otello requires not one, not two but three tenors in the huge heroic roles of Otello (Khanyiso Gwenxane), Rodrigo (Lawrence Brownlee) and Iago (Alex Shrader). Best known for breezy comedies, Rossini convincingly raged with an extravagant density of notes in a story that exposes Venetian ruling class as a place where women are treated like property, marriage consolidates political power, and military heroes are expect to know their place. Yet it is Otello that marked a turning point in Rossinis own work and the history of opera. What was the reason for staging this play in the 1920s? With music director Corrado Rovaris showing orchestra and chorus in excellent form, you had a clear sense of what the opera is and is not. Unholy Wars Sulayman Sep - Oct 2023. The only predictable element is the life-and-death stakes that are so endemic to the operatic genre. But by his death in 1868, many of his operas were no longer played. Foremost among them is Lawrence Brownlee, a global superstar coloratura tenor, whom Opera Philadelphia secured for the fiendishly difficult role of Desdemonas conventional suitor Rodrigo. For example, Otello was the first opera to show murder or suicide on stage something to the censors objected to so strenuously that they imposed on early performances an incongruous happy ending in which the protagonists live happily ever after fortunately, not longer in use. One cannot help but ask what is the color of jealousy. The costumes, designed by Ursula Patzak, were from the early to mid 20 th century, and were unobtrusive and perfectly suited to the staging. Festival 022 schedule: The Raven: Sept. 21, 24, 29 and Oct. 1, Miller Theatre, all performances are sold out. The Opera Philadelphia Channel creates a digital space in which artists can perform and explore, through a series of new commissions by visionary composers and dynamic performances produced for the screen. Anyway, lets say life is short, art is long, performances are beautiful, and lets end it here. California residents do not sell my data request. How can you have an Othello without the most famous handkerchief in all of literature? Film produced by opera companies during theatrical shutdowns are screened alongside classic opera films, films inspired by opera, and more. Please verify you are using the correct Promotion and try again. Interest among filmmakers is high: since the company began accepting submissions on Tuesday, over 50 films have been sent in. (Courtesy of Beth Morrison Projects). C AST & C R E AT I V E T E A M. by Spanish director Emilio Sagi (Tancredi, 2017). In the 19 th century, it attracted Giuditta Pasta and other superstars; and its revival a generation ago attracted the likes of Federica von Stade, Cecilia Bartoli, Anna Catarina Antonacci, Montserrat Caball, Jose Carraras, and Samuel Ramey. Celebrate the art form's foray into cinematic opera with a series of feature-length and short-form screenings, including classic opera films, recent cinematic works created for the Opera Philadelphia Channel, panel discussions, and more. I cant help but think. The Philadelphia production is Gwenxanes U.S. debut. Give today to help us unlock $2.5 million with the Artistry Now Matching Fund. The latter two are acknowledged masterpieces. Yet in Rossinis day it was revelatory and not just musically. Opera Philadelphia for the first time in a critically acclaimed production. Since its opening in 1857 the Academy has seen events such as the American premiere of Faust and performances by such legendary figures as Tchaikovsky, Strauss, Rachmaninoff, Saint-Sans, Mahler and many others. Another surprise is that in the Rossini, Iago becomes a minor character and not the master manipulator we all know and love to hate, and with that change is the loss of the profound psychological drama the play gives us. Today, a new generation of singers have made the opera their own. With that came welcome dramatic tension. Otello is repeated Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 at the Academy of Music. The return to live performances will include the return of Festival O, a two-week festival of live, in-person opera. The featured role is Rodrigo, sung by Lawrence Brownlee, artistic advisor to the company and one of the world's leading bell cano tenors. Only since the 1950's has Rossini been given the credit he is due. "That first wistful inhalation of young love is intensified, made all the more poignant by bearing witness to its fleeting nature, said, return to Opera Philadelphia as Mim and Rodolfo, with baritone, making her company debut as Musetta with her effortless vocal technique (, Music by Gioachino Rossini; libretto by Francesco Berio di Salsa, Performed in Italian with English supertitles, Performed in English with English supertitles, Music by David T. Little; libretto by Anne Waldman, Screenplay and direction by Michael Joseph McQuilken, Mainstage at the Philadelphia Film Center, Co-presented with the Academy of Vocal Arts, Helen Corning Warden Theater, Academy of Vocal Arts, Music by Giacomo Puccini; libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa, Runtime is approximately 100 minutes with no intermission. Simon Boccanegra Verdi Sep - Oct 2023. Next door at the Academy of Music, Rossinis Otello stars South African tenor Khanyiso Gwenxane in his U.S. debut in the title role as he masters the title role with a slightly dark tenor, which scores particularly well in the lyrical moments (Mundo Classico), alongside Opera Philadelphia favorites Lawrence Brownlee, Daniela Mack, and Alek Shrader. Argentinian mezzo Daniela Mack brought considerable experience in major houses across Europe and the US. at the Philadelphia Film Center. Opera Philadelphia had pivoted to filmmaking during the pandemic. She is flung down across the stairway that dominates the set, and the men are so absorbed in their own misery that only the four helpless maids notice her corpse. Operas were assembled in weeks not years, as in current times often with recycled music from past operas. The composer seems possessed; director Sagi describes it more as theater than music. This is one for the life list if youre an opera fan. The Anonymous Lover Bologne Feb 2024. But Act III Otellos murder of Desdemona departs from standard operatic formulas in a chilling portrait of obsession that takes on mercy-defying momentum. Devan even talks about future years being the Sundance of opera films.. Copyright All rights reserved | Theme by, Style, imagination & not a little daring: a new staging of Handels, The English Music Festival, Dorchester-on Thames. Italian Maestro Corrado Rovaris conducted with verve. Shapiro, House Democrats pressure Senate Republicans to greenlight gun reform bills, Biden celebrates bipartisanship, crisis averted in Oval Office address on debt ceiling deal, Three years after George Floyd, activists push for racial equity and police accountability. Time and again, encounters with Rossinis Otello prompt the question: Is everybody in this opera a tenor? What was the reason for staging this play in the 1920s? Support for costuming has been provided by Sarah and Brad Marshall. 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