Vocal focus from CCMN*
SOUTHERN CA VOCAL EVENTS
Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights
Deep breath…
LONG BEACH OPERA opens their main season this weekend, with Tobias Picker’s steamy Thérèse Raquin, starring MARY ANN STEWART and ED PARKS for just two performances at San Pedro’s Warner Grand Theatre. (The second is next weekend.) Based on the scandalous novel by Émile Zola and with a libretto by Gene Scheer, this 2001 opera is the story of a woman forced into an unhappy marriage, and the affair that results in murder and madness. Picker’s music is lush and full of angst, and these shows will likely sell out. Get yours on the LBO website, but start with this “sneak peek” at one of the memorable duets from the opera (video starts automatically): Click here
La Boheme marks the start of SAN DIEGO OPERA’s season, their first since reorganization, and is met with high hopes for the future. (This means that empty seats will be scarce…) SDO favorite MORGAN SMITH returns as Marcello, with ALYSON CAMBRIDGE (Mimi) HAROLD MEERS (Rodolfo) and SARA GARTLAND (Musetta) making their San Diego Opera debuts. Four performances run 1/24 – 2/1. Info and tickets
Local Baroque ensemble TESSERAE includes the beloved Wedding Cantata from Johann Christoph Bach in this Friday’s concert at St. Matthew’s in the Palisades. Their website and releases fail to tell us who’s singing, but the concert should provide a very enjoyable evening, also featuring music by Buxtehude and ol’ J.S. himself. Click here
One recital, three concerts, two sopranos, two pianists — two of the winners from the Beverly Hills Auditions make the rounds this weekend, with concerts Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Encinitas, Torrance and Beverly Hills, respectively: ELISABETTA RUSSO and KARIN MUSHEGAIN are accompanied by pianists VLADIMIR KHOMYAKOV and PAUL ROMERO. Get more info and links to details for all three events
As usual, there’s more on the calendar. Have a wonderful week, whatever you choose, and thank you for supporting live singing!
