Reviewers love Tosca, do you?

Greer Grimsley and Lisa Daltirus

The reviews are in, and it’s unanimous — Tosca is a hit!

Paul Horsley of The Independent said “the season-opening production, which debuted September 11 at the Lyric Theatre, features one of the best lead casts that the company has ever assembled, at least in recent memory, and it had me utterly engaged for three hours.” Read the entire review here.

Tim McDonald of The Kansas City Star said “This is a production that shouldn’t be missed — an example of regional opera at its best.” Read the entire review here.

What do you think? Do you agree or have a different opinion? Share your thoughts by clicking “leave a comment” below.

I have lived for art and for love

In this excerpt of an aria from Puccini’s Tosca, Lisa Daltirus (who sings the title role) laments the difficult choice facing her, to save the love of her life. The Lyric Opera of Kansas City production runs September 11 – 19, 2009. Tickets can be purchased at www.kcopera.org.

Puccini’s “reality show”

Paul Horsley of The Independent previews the Lyric Opera production of Puccini’s Tosca, opening this Friday. In it, Lisa Daltirus (Tosca) discusses reality television and her character’s love of God and art.

Check out the story here.

Lyric Opera lands A-list stars for Tosca

Don’t miss the great preview article about Tosca in today’s Kansas City Star!

Lisa Daltirus talks about la diva Floria Tosca, singing/acting and repertoire

Lisa Daltirus, the title character in the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s upcoming production of TOSCA talks about singing, the role and future repertoire.

Keith and Tracy preview Tosca

Ask Tosca anything

Lisa Daltirus

Ask Tosca anything… well, nearly anything.

Post your questions you’d like Lisa Daltirus (who’s playing the title role in our production opening next week) to answer by commenting to this entry. She’ll only answer 10, so make it good, and make it fast!

Confessions of a set designer

Join resident set designer R. Keith Brumley for an At Ease with Opera presentation that will include drawings of the Tosca set to be used in the upcoming Lyric Opera production. Keith will confess his scenic design secrets for building dramatic sets in this uncertain economy. And, there may be other surprises!

 These preview lectures are sponsored by the Lyric Opera Guild. Tonight’s will be held at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library, and begins at 7 p.m.

See you there!

Puccini’s “shabby little shocker”

Join the Lyric Opera Guild for two At Ease programs, designed to educate and entertain casual opera-goers. The following preview the upcoming Lyric Opera of Kansas City production of Tosca.

Opera as History: How Operas Portray Historical Events
Monday, August 24 – 7 p.m. at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center

Guild member Don Dagenais will discuss history as told through the eyes of opera, and in particular, Tosca. Tosca is just one of the operas that portray (or areplaced against the background of) real historical events. How good are opera composers as historians? Come find out!

Confessions of Set Designer: How to be Creative in Trying Times
Monday, August 31 – 7 p.m. at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library

Join resident set designer R. Keith Brumley for a presentation that will include drawings of the Tosca set to be used in the upcoming Lyric Opera production. There may be other surprises!

Opera is Uniquely Kansas City

The fall edition of the KCPT program “Uniquely Kansas City” featured the Lyric Opera production of La bohème on their program. The piece features interviews with Daniel Belcher, who sang his first opera at the Lyric Opera and starred in La bohème, and General Director Evan Luskin.

You can see the full piece below, courtesy KCPT.

lokc_kcpt1

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