Latest news with #LaTraviata
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Review: S.F. Opera's ‘La Bohème' will make you feel all the emotions
You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll want to see it again. Giacomo Puccini's 'La Bohème,' the most-performed and quite possibly the most-loved opera in the standard repertory, has opened San Francisco Opera's summer season with a bang. Under the baton of guest conductor Ramón Tebar, with snappy work by revival director Katherine M. Carter, this production at the War Memorial Opera House comes about as close to musical and dramatic perfection as you can get. Each of the singers in the cast has real star quality — more on that in a bit. Just as importantly, they form a superb ensemble with the split-second timing of great comedians. Sure, there are big, famous arias, but the effectiveness of 'La Bohème' depends on swift movement from incident to incident. During the opening-night performance on Tuesday, June 3, Tebar's flexible, generous conducting matched that timing and gave this sophisticated score, full of complex tempo and metrical changes, cohesion and tremendous momentum. Add in the magnificent playing of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, performing despite unresolved labor negotiations, and the evening was sheer magic. The basic story is uncomplicated: Boy (the poet Rodolfo) meets girl (the seamstress Mimì). They fall in love. She dies of tuberculosis, an incurable scourge in the 19th century. (If this sounds familiar, Verdi's 'La Traviata,' also a great repertory staple, has a similar trajectory, though a vastly different emotional profile.) In tenor Pene Pati and soprano Karen Chia-ling Ho, the company has an ideal pair of leads. Pati's natural charm and beautiful, easy sound light up everything he does — he was an adorable Nemorino in 2023's ' The Elixir of Love. ' Meanwhile, Ho's shyness and fragility at her character's first entrance on Tuesday grew into real strength over the course of the opera, supported by her big, dark and beautifully controlled voice. There was real chemistry between the two, and you could believe that they'd fallen in love over a lost key only minutes after meeting. That's the baseline drama in the opera: Will Mimì live or die? Will she and Rodolfo stay together or be driven apart by illness? The story of the painter Marcello (baritone Lucas Meachem) and sometime kept woman Musetta (soprano Andrea Carroll in a sparkling and very funny company debut) runs parallel. The couples pair off, split up, come together again. Meachem and Carroll made their characters' love and affection perfectly clear, as well as the fact that the emotional cycle is likely to repeat indefinitely. This Marcello can barely bring himself to curse at Musetta wandering off with a new man at the close of Act 3, an interesting and persuasive dramatic choice emphasizing their hopeless love for each other. Carroll's Musetta might be a bit of a witch ('Strega!' as Marcello shouts), but she's as kindly toward Mimì as Meachem's warmhearted and enormously sympathetic Marcello is toward Rodolfo. Rounding out the cast of bohemians are the philosopher Colline and the musician Schaunard. Romanian bass Bogdan Talos, in his company debut, sang Colline's aria to his old coat, about to be sold to buy medicine for the dying Mimì, with poignant, heart-wrenching intimacy. Baritone Samuel Kidd, a current Adler Fellow, integrated Schaunard seamlessly into the antics, projecting enormous sorrow even as he turns his back on the fading Mimì. Bass-baritone Dale Travis was riotous as the landlord Benoit, outwitted by the bohemians when he tries to collect overdue rent, and as Alcindoro, Musetta's hapless admirer — roles Travis has played numerous times at the Opera. Members of the San Francisco Girls and Boys Choruses enlivened the Act 2 Latin Quarter scene with enthusiastic acting and accurate singing, and the Opera Chorus brought its customary excellence to many moments. David Farley's efficient production design allows easy transitions from the bohemians' garret to different places around Paris. The main dwelling, modeled on the works of painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, nonetheless seems a bit drab for a 19th century artist's studio. Regardless, Carter's direction brings a wealth of vivid interactions to crowd scenes and among the principals. Eight performances remain, divided between the opening-night singers and an enticing alternate cast for Rodolfo, Mimì, Marcello and Musetta. For a great afternoon or evening, get out your handkerchiefs and get yourself to the War Memorial Opera House.
Observer
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
New opportunities bloom for young Omani designers at ROHM
Imagine the excitement of being asked to create something for a major international event. For emerging designers in Oman, participating in The Violetta Project at the Royal Opera House Muscat offers a chance to showcase their talent and gain valuable experience. It's not just about designing costumes; it's about taking part in a cultural event that can open doors to new opportunities. For young creative minds, this experience can be inspiring and motivating, giving them a taste of what it's like to work on a global stage. The project focused on reimagining the character of Violetta from Verdi's La Traviata, encouraging students to interpret her emotional journey through fashion. Participants explored her story, transforming her character's complexities into visual designs. For many of these young designers, it was their first encounter with a project of this scale and significance. They had the chance to learn new skills, collaborate with professionals, and imagine how their work could contribute to storytelling in the performing arts. It was an opportunity to see how fashion can help bring a dramatic character to life, marrying design with narrative. Oman's fashion scene has been growing steadily over recent years. Designers like Amal Al Raisi have made a name for themselves by creating modest clothing that appeals across the Middle East. Her designs blend traditional styles with modern influences, helping to define a unique contemporary identity. Amal has built a brand that resonates with many, becoming a symbol of how local talent can influence regional fashion and expand its reach. Another prominent figure in Oman's fashion industry is Atelier Zuhra. Known for its high-end gowns, the brand has attracted international attention and has dressed some of the world's biggest artists and celebrities. This success story shows how Oman's creative industry is developing rapidly, with local brands gaining recognition on the global stage. It proves that with talent and dedication, Oman can compete in the international fashion market. These achievements are happening alongside initiatives like those at the Royal Opera House Muscat, which actively supports young talent and cultural exchange. The partnership with the Scientific College of Design is a good example. It offers students a rare chance to work on projects that connect fashion, theatre, and music — broadening their experience and exposing them to international standards. Such collaborations help bring fresh ideas into Oman's creative industries and encourage dialogue between local and international artists. Recent performances of La Traviata featured acclaimed singers and a renowned conductor, Plácido Domingo. But it's programmes like The Violetta Project that tap into the real potential of Oman's growing arts scene. When young designers get involved in projects like this, they gain not just skills but confidence. They see that their work can reach wider audiences and have a real impact. By supporting these kinds of initiatives, Oman is building a stronger arts and fashion scene. These opportunities help young talent gain exposure, learn from experts, and prepare for future success. They also demonstrate Oman's commitment to developing its creative industries — creating a space where new ideas thrive and cultural stories are told through many forms of art. For these young designers, participating in such projects isn't just a chance to learn; it's a step towards a brighter future for Oman's cultural landscape.
Times of Oman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
ROHM announces winners of Violetta design project
Muscat: The Royal Opera House Muscat (ROHM) , in collaboration with the Scientific College of Design, announced the winners of The Violetta Project: A Journey into Fashion Design, a special initiative inspired by its recent production of Verdi's La Traviata. This project invited fashion design students to explore the character of Violetta through the lens of costume design, reimagining her emotional journey in fresh, creative ways. As a place of learning and cultural enrichment, the Royal Opera House Muscat continues to open its doors through educational initiatives that make opera and the arts more accessible. This project encouraged students to approach opera from a new perspective, deepening their engagement with narrative, character, and historical context. After a series of curated workshops that supported students in translating Violetta's dramatic evolution into visual design, two standout participants, Nihal Al-Khaziri and Shadan Al-Malki, were selected for their compelling work. Their designs impressed judges with their ability to capture the complexity and transformation of Violetta's character, blending narrative insight with innovative fashion interpretation. The project fostered both technical and creative growth, equipping young designers with professional tools in storytelling and character development while inspiring a deeper appreciation for opera and its emotional richness. Acclaimed performances The initiative coincided with two acclaimed performances of La Traviata on May 1 and 3, conducted by the legendary Plácido Domingo with the Orchestra and Chorus of Teatro Carlo Felice, under the direction of Marta Domingo. The production starred Juliana Grigoryan in her faultless and emotionally bruising debut as Violetta and Yusif Eyvazov as Alfredo, his fabulous tenor voice offering the perfect partnership. The production featured striking visuals and flamenco-inspired choreography by the Antonio Gades Company.
San Francisco Chronicle
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Opera breaks out of the pit for hands-on orchestra showcase
This was no ordinary orchestra concert. Sure there was a seated audience in the usual place, in front of the performers, but on this sunny, breezy afternoon, there were patrons also behind the musicians — lounging on couches. Some stood on walkways overhead, while a cluster of three boys wandered around the performance space during the show. The concert, dubbed 'Soundcheck,' was so casual that two children even sat within the orchestra, one next to bassoonist Rufus Olivier, another next to oboist Gabriel Young. But that's how the San Francisco Opera wanted it to be –– unpretentious, relaxed, family-friendly. Music Director Eun Sun Kim had long wanted to get the San Francisco Opera Orchestra out of the pit at the War Memorial Opera House. And here they were on Saturday, May 17, at St. Joseph's Arts Society, a deconsecrated church on Howard Street, performing a free event for a crowd of 350 that welcomed everyone, from toddlers and Opera newbies to longtime patrons. 'People are aware that there's an orchestra without knowing very much about it. I want the orchestra to be seen,' Kim told the Chronicle before showtime. Indeed, the musician thought it was refreshing to perform in such a way where 'we're more out in the open and the audience is really focusing on just us,' noted Asuka Annie Yano, a member of the violin section. On the podium, with microphone in hand, Kim discussed the instruments of the orchestra, asking members of each section to play a short selection. Many in the audience recognized familiar tunes like 'Libiamo' from Verdi's ' La Traviata ' and ' The Ride of the Valkyries ' from Wagner's 'Die Walküre,' the latter a preview of what's to come as Kim plans to bring Wagner's epic 'Ring' cycle to the Opera House as part of her initiative to conduct Verdi and Wagner works each season. 'So often we only get to experience a live performance through a single vantage point. Eun Sun's invitation for the audience to move around the orchestra is an invitation to experience music-making in a dynamic, immersive relationship between artists and audience,' said Matthew Shilvock, the Opera's general director. To close out the hourlong concert, Kim thrilled the audience with Benjamin Britten's 'The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra,' conducting while simultaneously pointing to and calling out which instruments were playing. And what a way to close things out @SFOpera 🤯🎼🤩 — Mariecar Mendoza (@SFMarMendoza) May 17, 2025 Oscar Zheng traveled in from Oakland with his 7-year-old daughter Faith, who noted she particularly enjoyed the flutes. 'I like the tiny ones best,' she said, referring to the piccolo. The orchestra and attendees mingled before and after the concert, too, learning about instruments directly from the musicians. Double-bassist Shinji Eshima demonstrated his instrument to one group of entranced children, while a few feet away, Zachariah Spellman showed just how loud a tuba can be. 'It is vitally important that our young people get an education in music and this is the perfect place and a great location to do it,' said San Franciscan Chi Energy, who emphasized the value of exposing younger generations 'so used to synthesize sounds' to 'real instruments with real people playing them.' 'I thought it was a great use of the space and they were fun to see. It seemed like an educational event in a lot of ways,' said John Hunt, also of San Francisco, who plays jazz trombone professionally. 'I've never been in this space before and it was a revelation to come in here. I'm so glad I came.'
CNET
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Today's NYT Connections Hints, Answers for May 15, #704
Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands puzzles. Today's Connections puzzle has a tricky blue category -- you better hope you know your opera. Read on for clues and today's Connections answers. The Times now has a Connections Bot, like the one for Wordle. Go there after you play to receive a numeric score and to have the program analyze your answers. Players who are registered with the Times Games section can now nerd out by following their progress, including number of puzzles completed, win rate, number of times they nabbed a perfect score and their win streak. Read more: Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every Time Hints for today's Connections groups Here are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group, to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group. Yellow group hint: Why did you do that? Green group hint: Think Frosty. Blue group hint: Carmen, La Traviata. Purple group hint: Not fake. Answers for today's Connections groups Yellow group: Rationale. Green group: Types of snow. Blue group: Last words of famous opera titles. Purple group: Real ____. Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words What are today's Connections answers? The completed NYT Connections puzzle for May 15, 2025, #704. NYT/Screenshot by CNET The yellow words in today's Connections The theme is rationale. The four answers are basis, foundation, grounds and reason. The green words in today's Connections The theme is types of snow. The four answers are crust, ice, powder and slush. The blue words in today's Connections The theme is last words of famous opera titles. The four answers are Bess, Butterfly, Flute and Seville. The purple words in today's Connections The theme is real ____. The four answers are deal, estate, Madrid and world.
