In case you didn’t notice, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City was featured in a couple of year-end “Best Of” lists. We are honored and exited that the Lyric Opera is seen as a great example of the arts in Kansas City. With the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opening in September of THIS YEAR, the continued work on our Opera Center complex, and continued support from our patrons, we know that we can do even better in 2011.
Brenda Harris (Norma) and Laura Vlasak Nolen (Adalgisa) star in Norma. Photographer Karen Almond
The reviews are in and the wait for a Bellini opera “was well worth it.” See what the reviewers are saying below, and if you don’t think the reviewers got it right leave your own review in the comments section.
Timothy McDonald of The Kansas City Star raves “Let there be no doubt about it – Bellinian “bel canto” is here in Kansas City, and the wait was worth it… Harris and Nolen were a compelling pair of rivals…together the pair of sopranos was most impressive.” Read the entire review here.
Paul Horsley of The Independent raved Laura Vlasak Nolen portrayal of Norma’s rival Adalgisa, “Her gorgeous voice is filled with complex colors and liquid fire – a lush mezzo imbued with multiple dimensions and feelings.” Read the entire review here. (You may need to scroll down to find the review)
Lee Hartman of KCmetropolis.org hails, “Brenda Harris, in the title role, treated the 1100-member audience on Saturday’s opening night to a master class of vocal elegance and beauty…Nolen and Harris’ duets were amazing.” Read the entire review here.
Tom Ryan of Abozzos.com says, “Bellini is not the name for an Italian delicacy or dish, but after experiencing his opera “Norma”, I came away feeling as if I’d consumed a seven course feast for the soul. The combined ingredients of the complex score, the performing artists with their incredible instruments of voice, the orchestras nuanced precision, elegant atmospheric sets, the resonant narrative of an occupying Roman Army and the occupied people of Gaul, and the subtle lighting offered a rich sensory experience.” Read the entire review here.
Grace Suh of The Pitch writes, “In one of the most technically demanding roles in the opera canon, a supple-voiced Harris showed absolute focus.” Read the entire review here.
COMMANDOpera.com hails: “Miss Harris in the opinion of COMMANDOpera is nothing less than an American treasure, and should be valued as such for the roles she determines to bring to life.” Read the entire review here.
Do you agree, think the reviewers left something out, or want to share your opinion? Write your review of Norma in the comments section.
NPR, as part of its World of Opera program, recently ran a program about Norma in conjunction with covering a presentation of it at the International Music Festival in Warsaw, Poland.
Learn about the demanding nature of the role of Norma and how a change in the composition of orchestras to reflect the original instrumentation is a trend that is gaining traction. At the International Music Festival, the ensemble Europa Galante has taken this approach to Norma.
Last night, November 2nd, the drama from the elections had nothing on the drama that could be seen on the Lyric Theatre stage. The piano dress rehearsal of Norma, which is the first full dress rehearsal, was held and we were able to get some footage of a scene from the production. The scene, whose English translation means “She will die, consumed by her own vices,” occurs during Act I and features Brenda Harris as Norma, Luiz-Ottavio Faria as Oroveso, and some of the Chorus. To help you understand the plot of the scene we have included a translation of the singing below the video. Enjoy!
Translation:
NORMA
Are there those who dare
To raise seditious voices,
Warlike voices, before the altar of God?
Who dares to question my inspired words, Seeking to hasten the ordained fate of Rome?
That will not come through human efforts.
OROVESO
How long, then, must we remain oppressed By Rome? Have not the Roman eagles Sullied enough our native shores, Our ancestral temples? Brenno’s sword Can remain no longer idle.
ALL
Let that sword, for once, be brandished!
NORMA
And broken,
If one of you should draw it
Before the destined time. Not yet
Is the moment of our vengeance.
The Roman spears are still
Stronger than the Druids axes.
ALL
What command has God given you?
What prophecy?
NORMA
In the secret books of Heaven,
On a mortal page, I read
The name of proud Rome.
One day she shall die; but not at your hands.
She will die, consumed
By her own vices, Await that hour,
That fatal hour decreed by God.
And meanwhile, peace! I cut the sacred mistletoe.
We sat down with Kristine McIntyre, the director of Norma, and discussed her mind set in preparing for Norma. Ms. McIntyre speaks about how the scenic design influenced her decisions in preparing for the production and why the French symbolist painter, Odilon Redon, provided some inspiration for theme of the show.
Ms. McIntyre provides great insight into Norma and her motivations and how they relate to the story. The interview is a great introduction for someone new to opera or even new to Norma. Watch the interview with Ms. McIntyre below:
Brenda Harris stars as Norma. Photo courtesy of Michigan Opera Theatre
Since this is the Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut of Norma, we expect that not a lot is known about this bel canto classic. Learn about the mindset of the Director, Kristine McIntyre, or why any self-proclaimed diva can’t miss the drama with a capital D that takes place in Norma.
Click the links below to read all of the media coverage of Norma:
Brenda Harris recently sat down with COMMANDOpera.com via Skype and discussed at length the title role in Norma, what is so difficult about the role, and how she prepares for it. Ms. Harris also reflects on why it is as important for her to understand the psychology of the characters as it is to master the arias.
The interview is broken up into 6 parts and totals around 40 minutes. It is insightful and informative and is a must watch for anyone coming to Norma.
Carmen may have just ended, but we open Norma a month from now and want to start sharing some great material about Norma with you. Brenda Harris, who will be singing the title role and made her Lyric Opera debut last season as Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, is considered one of the leading contemporary singers of the role.
Listen as Ms. Harris performs the Casta Diva aria. Does goosebumps sum it up?
You can learn more about Ms. Harris on her website.
