Opera in the Present Tense

If you're not an active opera fan you may not know that there's opera other than La Bohème performed in America. No, I don't mean Carmen. Or The Mikado.

I mean opera composed by people who are still alive. This is exciting to me not only due to the excellence of the music, the brilliance of the singers, and the incredible vistas of the sets which are art in themselves. It excites me because there is new life constantly being breathed into the genre.


Here's a sampling of some new American opera that's making waves.

Il Postino--Daniel Catán
Based on the 1994 film by the same name as well as the 1985 novel Ardiente Paciencia by Antonio Skármeta, this opera addresses the end of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's life in exile from his homeland. Premiered at LA Opera in August 2010.

Shadowboxer--Frank Proto and John Chenault
Based on the tumultuous personal life of boxer Joe Louis. Premiered at the University of Maryland's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in April 2010. Along with the pit, the opera calls for an 8-piece jazz combo onstage.

Moby Dick--Jake Heggie
Exactly what it sounds like. This adaptation of the classical Melville novel had a positively triumphant premiere with an all-star cast at the Dallas Opera in April 2010.

The Inspector--John Musto
To be premiered in April 2011 by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts. Loosely based on Gogol's satire The Government Inspector.

Orpheus and Euridice--Ricky Ian Gordon
Orpheus and Euridice saw a smashing success in 2008 at Long Beach Opera. The work casts a soprano as Euridice and a clarinetist as Orpheus, both of whom dance throughout the opera.

Paradise Lost--Eric Whitacre
Whitacre is primarily known for his choral works and caused quite a stir when, at a very high point in his popularity, he announced this work. A mixture of styles was used in what he calls "music theatre." Inspired heavily by Japanese anime and manga, the show melds opera with musical theatre, electronica, film score, and Asian drumming.

Madame White Snake--Zhou Long
A classical Chinese transformation myth about a white snake demon who turns into a beautiful woman in order to experience love. Premiered February 2010, Opera Boston.

Before Night Falls--Jorge Martín
Produced by the Fort Worth Opera (my hometown, by the way) in May 2010, this work is based on the book and subsequent film of the same name. The story is autobiographical, a look at the life, imprisonment, and escape of Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas.

Two Boys--Nico Muhly
The first opera from the 28-year old darling of the "nonclassical" genre, this is said to be the story of a murder hatched by two young men in a chat room. To be premiered at the ENO in 2011.


National Opera Week wraps up on Sunday, November 7. I hope that you will enjoy some more opera before that day and beyond!




Pro musica,

Mo
nmlhelp@naxousa.com

National Opera Week Festivities!

National Opera Week is October 29-November 7, 2010!

I find that people rarely take a neutral position on opera.* They tend to love or hate opera, laud or lambaste it. But at least during National Opera Week, I encourage you to have equal-opportunity ears--you might just find something you'll love.
Below you will find some links and catalog numbers so you can check this out for yourself!


According to OPERA America, National Opera Week is not only a week to promote opera across the country, but is also a time to continue celebrating the accomplishments of the 2010 NEA Opera Honors recipients: Soprano Martina Arroyo, General Director David DiChiera, Composer Philip Glass and Music Director Eve Queler. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere fancy, you might have access to a free event, open recitals, and more.

If your hometown doesn't have these types of offerings, you can always worship at the temple of La Divina from home** by reading, watching, and listening. You can even sing if you are so inclined and your neighbors are out of town.***


Blogs
People Who Talk About Opera:
Opera Chic- If you were unaware, snarkiness is beloved in opera, and Opera Chic knows how to do it right. There's also opera news.
Operagasm- Don't worry about the name, the site is both practical for opera singers and hilarious for all parties.
Opera Tattler- Opera reviews and chat in San Fran and beyond.
An Unamplified Voice- Met Opera Reviews.


People Who Do Opera and Talk About It (Or Have Their Publicists Talk About It) Later:
Joyce DiDonato
Nicholas Phan
Anna Netrebko


Opera Houses:
Metropolitan Opera (Also check out the fabulous Met Player!!!)
New York City Opera
Washington National Opera
Houston Grand Opera
Royal Opera House
Teatro Colon


In the NML:
Mozart, Le nozze di Figaro-- 8.660102-04
Verdi, Tosca-- HCD31096-97
Strauss, Ariadne auf Naxos--C67166-67
Bellini, La Sonnambula--NEI232475
Tchaikovsky, Eugene Onegin--ALC2007
Wagner, Tristan und Isolde--8.660152-54
Britten, Peter Grimes--LSO0054
Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor--CDS576
Adams, Nixon in China--8.669022-24









So get in the spirit, will you?




Pro musica,
Mo
nmlhelp@naxosusa.com





*My position is staunchly pro-opera.
**Preferably in pajamas with a glass of wine.
***Just kidding, who cares if your neighbors are there?