Opera exchange
Editor, Madeline Crotty, Pinellas Opera League
A funny thing happened on the way to the opera … When attending the recent Metropolitan Opera HD Simulcast of Carmen, I happened to casually glance at the person sitting a seat away from me. I was surprised to see that it was Tito Capobianco, the world-renowned opera stage director. Being curious, after politely introducing myself, I asked him what he thought of the Carmen we had just seen. He said it was an excellent, creative production and that the two lead singers were superb. He applauds the Metropolitan Opera for the service it is providing for the public to see opera at its best. He did, however, find the love scenes a little too sensuous for his taste. (Bobbie Pioli)
“Adventures in Opera and Musical Theater” … The partnership established some eight years ago between The Pinellas Opera League and Ruth Eckerd Hall continues to flourish. From an initial audience of 5 the attendance has steadily grown.. Approximately 85 people attended the most recent presentation. Mark Sforzini, Artistic Director of St. Petersburg Opera Company, spoke on “The Essence of Opera” (How It Got Started). In his enthusiastic and engaging style he gave a detailed account of the origins of opera. The audience was able to follow opera’s development through the visual chart, expertly produced electronically by Ivan Zatkovich, a serious opera buff and technology guru. (Bill Weiss)
Opera & Dance Video Presentations …The Pinellas Opera League and the Leepa-Rattner Museum were saddened at the recent unexpected death of the league’s past present, George Laurent. Mr. Laurent had initiated a partnership with the museum some seven years ago to show opera and dance videos at the museum on a monthly basis, free of charge. Both organizations are now committed to continue this wonderful legacy for the benefit of the community. For a listing of current showings, visit our table in the lobby. (Madeline Crotty)
“Cosi fan tutte or “The school for lovers” … …. Kudos to the St. Petersburg Opera for their recent creative production of Mozart’s romantic comic opera “Cosi fan tutte” at the Palladium. At the sold out Sunday matinee performance the cast of young singers delighted the audience with their comic touches and singing The orchestra, under the baton of artistic director, Mark Sforzini, stayed true to Mozart’s quick paced musical score. The entire company was enthusiastically cheered and given a much deserved standing ovation for the lively interpretation of this classic work. (Middy Larson)
Renee Fleming wows audience at Opera Tampa … Opera lovers were treated to a special concert by the renowned opera diva Renee Fleming, on Jan. 26th. The orchestra, led by Maestro Anton Coppola accompanied the incomparable soprano in an ambitious program of seldom performed verismo arias as well as works by Rossini, Puccini and R. Strauss. Three encores capped an evening to remember with the finale, Gershwin’s Summertime, bringing down the House. Opera Tampa is celebrating its 15th year. (Middy Larson)
“Orpheus and Eurydice:’ …The New Century Opera Company in Tarpon Springs, recently performed Gluck’s masterpiece. Constantine Grame, artistic director, assembled an impressive cast of soloists, chorus and ballet dancers. Sung in English, the opera was accessible to everyone in the audience. Mr. Grame’s talent was most apparent in his accompaniment of the performance on the piano. (Bill Weiss)
Opera a la Carte will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore … at Ruth Eckerd Hall on March 5th. You won’t want to miss this authentic, colorful and sparkling production with full chorus and orchestra.
“Carmen” as seen at the Metropolitan Opera HD Simulcast Broadcast … The Met’s recent production of Carmen is one not to be missed. There is still time to see this powerful production at the Encore series presentation, scheduled for February 3rd at participating movie theaters. This production had just about everything: high drama, stirring music, sensuous seduction, perfect casting of Latvian mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca with tenor Roberto Alagna and skillful direction by British stage director Robert Eyre. Amazing costumes and sets, brilliant choreography and choral excellence additionally enhanced the production. The focus on the earthy realism of this tragic story demonstrated for our modern eyes and ears the timelessness of Bizet’s CARMEN. (Dick Pioli/M. Crotty)
Is it possible to interest this generation in Opera? …..The Pinellas Opera League thinks so and we are interested in developing a program to present to teenagers. We are looking for opera-buff educators and administrators to assist us as we proceed with this endeavor. Requirements: Opera-going interest/experience, creative ideas and enthusiasm. For more information call Dick Pioli, Pinellas Opera League Education Committee (727) 445-1590. (rtpioli@aol.com)
Opera made a difference in the lives of the children … studying at the Royal Theater Boys & Girls Club Art Academy in midtown St. Petersburg.. Some students from the Academy had been chosen to perform in the chorus of “The Barber of St. Pete” production which was performed in June 2009 at the Largo Cultural Center. The production was sponsored by the Pinellas Opera League, in partnership with the St. Petersburg Opera Company and the Largo Cultural Center. Below are excerpts from the letters recently received from the Director and Music Instructor of the Academy, attesting to the opera’s impact upon the children.
“On behalf of our Academy I would like to thank the Pinellas Opera League for the opportunity it provided to our students to experience performing in a real opera: “The Barber of St. Pete’. ….
This real life experience was an opportunity of a lifetime that will not soon be forgotten. The student performers have created a culture of appreciation and enthusiasm for opera at our Academy… This makes arts education relevant in today’s media glamour culture.”
“The most important aspect of the experience remains the obvious sense of achievement and self-value that these students received from their participation in the opera. It is as if they rubbed up against the tree of self-confidence and now carry with them the knowledge of who they are and who they can become.” (Edited by Madeline Crotty)
“Opera Exchange” …. is an attempt by the Pinellas Opera League to circulate opera news and happenings to opera enthusiasts in the Tampa Bay area. In this, our first issue, all comments were made by members of the league. We are thinking of printing future issues on a periodic basis, with input from outside sources as well as from league members. The League is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation of opera in the Tampa Bay area. It achieves this through the various programs it offers to the community as well as its support of local opera venues. It has also expanded its mission to include developing outreach programs to present in the schools. .We look forward to receiving your comments and suggestions for inclusion in any future issue. Please contact Madeline at (727) 943-9216 or mcrotty2@tampabay.rr.com