* Notes *
The orchestra sounded lovely under Nicola Luisotti in the final dress rehearsal of San Francisco Opera's Aida yesterday afternoon. The woodwinds were particularly good, especially the oboe and clarinet. Zandra Rhodes' bright and colorful production is coming together, and it was nice to see everyone transformed and everything in order after attending three previous rehearsals. There is some beautiful singing, but it might just be Dolora Zajick's show, as her Amneris thus far has been commanding. The opera opens the 2010-2011 season this Friday, and by all indications, it should be a wonderful spectacle.
* Tattling *
The line to get into the rehearsal formed before noon. Most of the attendees in Box B were rather ill-behaved. Not only did some arrive after the music started, was there even talking, and removal of shoes. The woman next to me wore an enormous floppy hat that she thankfully removed during the actual performance. She may have texted whilst no music was occurring, but it was difficult to discern given that she was on my right side.
There was a shocking amount of hooting and hollering after arias and at the end of scenes. Luisotti had to silence the audience after Act I with "I'm sorry to inconvenience you, but we have to start now." He did not have his customary white sweater on during the performance. Thankfully it was draped over his navy blue shirt when he came out to bow.
The Opera Tattler 
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