La Traviata (Fremont Opera) – A Summer of Camellias

Posted on August 31, 2010 by philip

In May I saw West Bay Opera’s production of Verdi’s operatic version of Dumas’ play Lady of the Camellias three times, and in June I went twice to the Pocket Opera version.

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Norma – Hanky-Panky in Ancient Gaul

Posted on August 25, 2010 by philip

Vincenzo Bellini is generally considered to be the master of Bel Canto , and Norma , written in 1831, is generally considered to be his masterpiece.

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Pirates of Penzance – Lamplighters Music Theatre Comes to the Peninsula

Posted on August 17, 2010 by philip

When William Penn established a household in Philadelphia, he invited his father’s two unmarried sisters to come to the Colonies and keep house for him.  The two ladies had felt lonely in England ever since William’s father had died and were delighted to accept. Continue reading »

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Carmen – Elina Garanča Gives New Meaning to “Sexy”

Posted on August 5, 2010 by philip

In recent years I have seen Carmen performed by West Bay Opera, Pocket Opera, Opera San Jose, and Met HD.  Every production is different, and I’ve liked every one of them. Continue reading »

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Turandot – The Prince of Tartary raises stupidity to a new height – or should I say depth? But Love (and Puccini) conquers all.

Posted on July 26, 2010 by philip

This is the third time in less than a year that I have seen this Zeffirelli production of Turandot on HD, and I want to share with you the change in my reaction to each performance.  Here then, in chronological order, are my reviews written on November 7, November 21, and July 21: Continue reading »

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La Boheme – To Cry or Not to Cry

Posted on July 23, 2010 by philip

La Bohme is one of the most popular operas of all time. Continue reading »

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Pocket Opera La Traviata – Even smaller is even better

Posted on July 19, 2010 by philip

Before I begin my review, I want to make a confession.  I love opera.  In particular, I love opera-in-the-small.  I show that love by writing these reviews and by my support for two small local opera companies.  I am a member of the  West Bay Opera Guild and a member of the Pocket Opera Board of Directors. Continue reading »

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Cosa Fan Tutte & Don Giovanni Review – Mozart takes a hit

Posted on July 14, 2010 by philip

Going to an Emerging Pictures’ European HD performance is frequently an adventure. Some of the European theaters and directors can do strange things to an opera. Continue reading »

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Eugene Onegin Review – Something is different

Posted on July 10, 2010 by philip

San Francisco Splash operanut (Philip Hodge) questions what makes this Met HD production different – Is it me?  Is it this particular production?  Is it Met HD?  Continue reading »

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Romeo et Juliette Review – A very mixed reaction

Posted on June 28, 2010 by philip

The Opera Nut finds he has a very mixed reaction to seeing his first opera of the Met HD 2010 Summer Encore Series.  Continue reading »

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