An Introduction to The Marriage of Figaro

We recently sat down with Don Dagenais of the Lyric Opera Guild and spoke with him about the upcoming Lyric Opera production, The Marriage of Figaro.  Don speaks to this production’s roots with the Lyric Theatre and talks about how this opera classic was a bit controversial when it first premiered.  Watch the video below and hear everything Don has to say about this farewell to the Lyric Theatre.

A night of “well-grounded comedic action”

Nili Riemer stars a Marie, Photo by Cory Weaver

The reviews are in and it’s official, The Daughter of the Regiment is HILARIOUS!  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.

Robert Trussell of The Kansas City Star hails “Laughter flows frequently in comic opera because of the sense of humor of director Dorothy Danner…Riemer’s arresting soprano was gorgeous and blended well with Robertson’s tenor, which he exercised with masterful control, even when flawlessly reaching for high Cs.” Read the entire review here.

Paul Horsley of The Independent raves The Daughter of the Regiment “is an entertaining evening with strong singing and a generous portion of well-grounded comedic action.”  Read the entire review here. (You may need to scroll down to find the review.)

Tom Ryan of Present Magazine exclaims “This is enjoyable opera for first tasters and veterans of seasonal campaigns.”  Read the entire review here.

Sarah Tyrrell of KCMetropolis.org writes “Nili Riemer’s versatility was once again in full display on the Lyric stage.  From the start Riemer thoroughly embodied a carefully developed character; her Marie was a petulant, bright-eyed, utterly charming tom-boy.”  Read the entire review here.

Angie Fiedler Sutton of KCStageBlog writes “From the moments of the first sounds of the overture to the last moments, the music was flawless.”  Read the entire review here.

Do you agree, think the reviewers left something out, or want to share your opinion?  Write your review of The Daughter of the Regiment in the comments section.

The Daughter of the Regiment Piano Dress

Last night, February 15th, the first dress rehearsal of The Daughter of the Regiment occurred at the Lyric Theatre.  This first dress is also a piano dress rehearsal, which means the singers are accompanied only by a piano instead of the full orchestra that will be joining them for the second dress rehearsal today.  Some recognition should go to Mark Ferrell, the piano accompanist, who has filled this role for a number of years.

Watch the video below to view a clip from a popular Act I aria, known as the regimental song (“Chacun le sait“) or “La la la,” sung by the talented Nili Riemer (Marie), who returns to the Lyric Opera after starring as Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance (2009).

You may have noticed that everything is being sung and spoken in English.  This opera was originally performed in French, but the Lyric Opera will be performing an English version.  This is being done for a few reasons.  Originally the Lyric Opera performed all operas in English as a way to make opera more accessible to opera newbies.  This tradition lasted until the late 90′s, when the company decided to start producing operas in their original language.  Another reason for performing this opera in English is that it is very heavy in dialogue, and we felt the comedic elements of the show would be better appreciated if performed in English.  Being the second to last opera in the Lyric Theatre, this approach seems an appropriate way to honor our history and produce a truly accessible opera.

Enjoy!

Some of the Best of 2010

Photographer: Karen Almond

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.

Read what was said about the Lyric Opera:

The Independent:
Paul Horsley picked as his Big Twelve of 2010.

The Kansas City Star:
Patrick Neas recognized as the year’s high notes.

Brenda Harris: The New American Norma?

There are only 3 performances remaining of Norma and the critics seem to agree that the Lyric Opera debut is a show that shouldn’t be missed.

If you remain undecided about coming to Norma, we have a couple of teasers that may help you decide.

Last week Laura Spencer from KCUR did an interview with Brenda Harris about Norma.  Listen to the interview here.

We also have an excerpt from a dress rehearsal.  Watch Brenda Harris perform part of the classic aria “Casta Diva” and see what the buzz is about.

Rave Norma Reviews

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.

A Different Take on Norma

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.

Click here to read and listen to this informative piece on Norma.

Norma Piano Dress Rehearsal

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.

Inspiration and Vision for Norma

Reflection (1900) by Odilon Redon

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:

Some background on Norma

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:

The Kansas City Star:
Complex ‘Norma’ inspires director Kristine McIntyre

The Pitch:
To Diva Or Not to Diva

Camp:
Lyric Opera of K.C. Enters New Territory with ‘Norma’

The Kansas City Star:
Lyric Opera tackles tragic ‘Norma’