The Opera Tattler

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Post L’elisir Talk (4/5)

David Gockley confirmed that Peter Grimes, which was to be part of the 2009-2010 season at San Francisco Opera, is likely to be one of the casualties of the economic downturn, just as La Cieca reported yesterday. Gockley also promised to add "no sniffling" to the list of admonitions printed in the program.

In related news, the cast for this season's Porgy and Bess has been finally announced, at least, officially. The cast includes Eric Owens (Porgy), Laquita Mitchell (Bess), Gregg Baker (Crown), Karen Slack (Serena), Chauncey Parker (Sportin' Life), Angel Blue (Clara), Eric Greene (Jake), and Alteouise deVaughn (Maria).

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5 responses to “Post L’elisir Talk (4/5)”

  1. Dodaro Avatar
    Dodaro

    That makes me very sad. About "Peter Grimes", I mean.

    I am not at all sad about Eric Owens.

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  2. Immanuel Gilen Avatar
    Immanuel Gilen

    Does this mean one less production next year compared to this year?

    Also, was Grimes canceled altogether or will it be planned for 10/11?

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  3. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    Dear Dodaro: I am also sad about Grimes. I just read about this opera in The Rest is Noise. Perhaps you should go to San Diego to hear it next year.

    Dear Immanuel: I believe it is canceled entirely, and it may well be that there will be fewer productions next year.

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  4. Not For Fun Only Avatar
    Not For Fun Only

    Alex Ross really likes Britten, as he devotes an entire chapter to him in his book. But in this case I haven't been able to share his enthusiasm. I've seen Death in Venice at the Met, and I saw the Peter Grimes HD broadcast, but I just did not get into these operas. I like some of the orchestral music, but I find the characters unpleasant.

    Still, I don't want to deny anyone the opportunity to hear Peter Grimes. It is very unfortunate that SFO is having to drop productions.

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  5. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    I'm not so sure about Britten, I didn't like Death in Venice, for example, but I did like Billy Budd. At this point I've heard 6 of his operas, and I can't say he's my favorite, but I do think I have a certain appreciation for him.

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