Tag Archives: Opera San Jose

Madama Butterfly Review – Opera San Jose’s Provocative Take on Puccini’s Classic Favorite

Posted on February 22, 2014 by philip

There is only one possible word to describe Act I of the opera I saw on Sunday, February 16, 2014 – Beautiful. Never has Puccini’s gorgeous music been played with such delicate precision.  Continue reading »

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Hansel & Gretel Review – An Afternoon of Sheer Delight

Posted on November 21, 2013 by philip

I have a problem. How do I write a review of Opera San Jose’s production of Hansel & Gretel that expresses the utter joy that I felt Sunday afternoon November 17, 2013. Taking a slight liberty with the Rogers and Hammerstein song about Maria in The Sound of Music,  Continue reading »

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Falstaff OSJ Review – ‘Tis the Season to be Merry (Wives of Windsor, that is)

Posted on September 9, 2013 by philip

I’ve read the script a couple of times, but I’ve never seen a performance of Shakespeare’s play, The Merry Wives of Windsor. I did see Nicolai’s opera of that title this summer, but it’s been 12 years since I last saw Verdi’s masterpiece, Falstaff. That drought is being ended with a vengeance this fall. Yesterday, September 8, 2013, I saw Opera San JosÉ perform it, and I’m looking forward to seeing it again on the 15th with the other cast. Continue reading »

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Schicchi Review – Part Two of Opera San JosÉ’s double bill from Puccini’s Il Trittico

Posted on April 19, 2013 by philip

Twenty-minutes after the ethereal redemption that ended Suor Angelica I’m back in my seat applauding Maestro Joseph Marcheso as he makes his way to the podium. He well deserves the applause for the way he led the orchestra in perfect sync with the action and the singing through all the rapid swings of mood throughout the first opera. And with the crashing discords that begin the overture, we immediately know that the forthcoming mood will be drastically different from the emotional wringer we have just been through. Continue reading »

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Angelica Review – Part One of Opera San JosÉ’s double bill from Puccini’s Il Trittico

Posted on April 16, 2013 by philip

There is so much to say about the wonderful production that I saw on Sunday, April 14, 2013, that I am going to do it in two reviews. Here is my review of Suor Angelica; the review of Gianni Schicchi will appear shortly.  Continue reading »

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Fledermaus Review – Happy Hour at Opera San JosÉ

Posted on November 16, 2012 by philip

IF you live anywhere near San Jose California, and IF you like any of opera, light opera, operetta, or musicals, THEN run, do not walk, to the Opera San JosÉ web site (or call them at 1-408-437-4450) and order your tickets to see Cast I perform Die Fledermaus on Saturday 11/17, Tuesday 11/20, or Sunday (matinee) 11/25.  Continue reading »

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The Pearl Fishers Review -Bizet’s Other Opera

Posted on September 17, 2012 by philip

I had seen three productions of The Pearl Fishers by the Minnesota Opera (1986, 1991, and 2009), and one by Opera San Jose (2004), so it wasn’t a brand new experience for me.  Nor was it brand new for the company who had produced it three times at Montgomery Theatre (1990, 1994, 2004) before the current production at the California Theatre, which I have just seen on September 9, 2012.  Still, I feel that I am just beginning to know and appreciate it.  Continue reading »

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FAUST Review – Opera San Jose produces a sensitive interpretation of the classic legend

Posted on April 28, 2012 by philip

Last Sunday, April 22, 2012, I saw my fourth production (and my sixth performance) of Faust in the last two years – and next Sunday I plan to go again and see Opera San Jose’s other cast. Continue reading »

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La Traviata II – Further thoughts after seeing 2 more (complete) performances

Posted on March 7, 2012 by philip

Here’s the Opera Nut again with a few more thoughts after two weeks and two complete performances of La Traviata.  Continue reading »

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La Traviata Part 1 – A Thrilling Rendition of an Old Favorite

Posted on February 15, 2012 by philip

Our church service each Sunday includes a section called “Caring and Sharing” at which we are invited to share our “Joys and Sorrows”.  Well, what happened to me after the service last Sunday, February 12 2012 was both a Joy and a Sorrow.  The Joy was seeing and hearing Rebecca Davis as Violetta in Opera San JosÉ’s production of  La Traviata  Continue reading »

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