It’s a common, affectionate criticism of opera to point out how fast improbable things happen in the stories the art form tells. Rodolfo and Mimi, for instance, in Puccini’s La Bohème, are strangers in a Paris apartment building who meet cute when her candle goes out, and are pledging undying love 10 minutes later. But Michael Chioldi knows differently. “Opera really is a … [Read more...]
Verdi ‘Requiem’ marks important moment for Lynn, Master Chorale
Time was, and not all that long ago, that the only way South Florida could hear the Verdi Requiem in concert was to wait for the Florida Philharmonic to schedule it or hope that a big touring ensemble would put it on. This year, there have been two major local performances of this 1874 masterwork: Once in January at a concert by the Palm Beach Opera Orchestra, with … [Read more...]
Verdi performances win top spots in PB Opera’s vocal contest
The annual Palm Beach Opera vocal competition Grand Finals concerts are notable each year for two things above all: The atmosphere of fun and interactivity in the audience, and the exceptional level of youthful talent that soon will be replenishing the stores of the opera houses of the world. Sunday’s concert, which was the 41st in the series that began in 1969, saw 13 young … [Read more...]