Met Opera Review: "Elixir of Love" is a Dose of Perfection

By David Salazar (For the 03.09.2012 Performance)

I am not exaggerating with my title in the least.

But I do have one major gripe with this performance that has less to do with the performance and more to do with certain decision making. How is this performance not on HD in 3 weeks? Let's check the facts:

A. Juan Diego Florez + Diana Damrau + Mariusz Kwiecien +Alessandro Corbelli = Superstar Cast. They are superstars for a reason (reason being that they have the habit of giving superstar type performances on a consistent basis).
B. Donizetti's L'Elisir D'Amore = One of the most accessible operas both dramatically/comically/musically in the entire canon and hence a perfect work to reach out to not only the seasoned opera goer, but the new opera audiences both young and old. Sounds like a good way to promote opera to the unseasoned. 

C. Factor A  
        +
 Factor B 
         =
$$$$/ A happy audience/ Artistic fulfillment (I'm these are all equally important to the Met management)

Gerald Finley at the Met Opera Shop

Yesterday Baritone Gerald Finley held a CD and DVD signing at the Met Opera Shop. Unlike the prior two we attended this one was rather informal. No big lines, and no security. It made for a rather intimate setting allowing fans a chance to speak to baritone.

Gerald Finley is currently singing Don Giovanni in Michael Grandage's New Production.

Otello Live

Today Rossini's Otello will be presented live for the Zurich Opera House starring Cecilia Bartoli and John Osborn. The opera will be presented through Medici Live. Here is the link.

And for all of you watching tell us what you think.

Notable DVD and CD releases for the month of March

This month four great selections will be released by some of the greatest singers and from the worlds greatest opera houses.

The great Wagnerian tenor Peter Seiffert sings the title role of Tannhauser alongside his wife Petra Maria Schnitzer as Elzabeth. Beatrice Uria Monzon adds star power to Robert Carsen's acclaimed production. Sebastian Weigle conducts. 

L'Elisir D'Amore returns

Tomorrow Diana Damrau and Juan Diego Florez bring their acclaimed Adina and Nemorino in L'Elisir D'Amore. Alessandro Corbelli and Mariusz Kweicien also star in John Copley's classic production. Donato Renzetti conducts.  

For more information view our preview: http://salazarfamilycircle.blogspot.com/2011/08/lelisir-damore-2011-12.html

Is Latonia Moore the next great Aida?

Today at 1pm Latonia Moore makes her Met Debut as Aida. Listen Live on WQXR and tell us what you think.

For those who did not hear this broadcast, You  missed a wonderful new talent. One that virtually stole the show vocally from the rest of the principals. Good luck Latonia Moore, you have just become an artist to look forward to!

No Urmana this Saturday!

Latonia Moore will make her Metropolitan Opera debut this Saturday afternoon in the title role of Verdi’s Aïda, replacing Violeta Urmana, who is ill.