The Opera Tattler

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Serse at San Francisco Opera

Xerxes-graham-oropesa* Notes *
Händel's Serse (Act III pictured left, photograph by Cory Weaver) had an impressive second performance last night at San Francisco Opera. The English National Opera production at hand premiered in 1985, yet is still as fresh and comedic as ever. This was helped by the deft, transparent playing from the orchestra. The brass was particularly lucid. Maestro Patrick Summers kept the music moving fluidly, sometimes just a bit faster than the singers. The statue chorus was also charming.

The singing was lovely all around. Michael Sumuel was exceedingly amusing as Elviro, and his warm voice was a welcome contrast with all the high voices in this opera. Wayne Tigges was a pompous, silly Ariodate, but never unsympathetic. Heidi Stober was delightful as the unloved, conniving Atalante. Her voice is bright and rich. Sonia Prina too has pretty resonances in her voice, but could have perhaps sung more smoothly. She did play Amastre with the right amount of bluster. Lisette Oropesa was a restrained and elegant Romilda, her voice is cold and pretty, and she only pushed it too hard during the last note of one aria in Act II. David Daniels (Arsamenes) cut a fine figure, and sang well, with good volume. Susan Graham was most impressive in the title role, sounding clear toned and moving with a beautiful ease.

* Tattling * 
For the most part the audience was silent. There was some talking amidst latecomers and ushers at the beginnings of Acts I and II. At least one watch alarm sounded at 8pm. Someone stood behind me during "Più che penso alle fiamme del core" and jingled the change in his pocket with the music.

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7 responses to “Serse at San Francisco Opera”

  1. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    I’m so sad that I can’t go!!!!! 😦 😦 😦

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  2. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    Hopefully you’ll get a chance some other time!

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  3. Roberto Avatar
    Roberto

    I went to the performance on 11/11.
    I believe that I read in a review somewhere that it doesn’t take more than 2 minutes for the audience to be into it. I couldn’t agree more.
    Susan Graham (Serse) doesn’t stop to impress me. After all these years, she still can pull a rabbit out of the hat. Her technique is really amazing. Wonderful singer and wonderful actress! One of the most charismatic opera singer of our time.
    The same can be said about David Daniels (Arsamenes). He is a miracle.
    Michael Sumuel (Elviro) was also very entertaining. The flower scene was very funny.
    Lisette Oropesa (Romilda), Heidi Stober (Atalanta) and Sonia Prina (Amastris) also had their moments.
    Patrick Summers made us love this opera as much as he does. The orchestra was marvelous.
    By the way, including Patrick Summers, except for Sonia Prina, who is Italian, all the cast is American.
    I could feel that everybody on the stage and in the pit was having as much fun as the audience.
    I know this opera from the Willie Christie recording. This performance surpassed that recording in every single way. I wish they record this one. It has the potential to be the recording reference of this opera.
    It is one of the rare occasions that I left the War Memorial with the impression that the director respected my intelligence. Everybody that is part of this production gave their best.
    It was a real privilege to have seen this Serse.

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  4. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    I was also at the 11/11 performance, and must agree, it was incredible.

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  5. Sacto OperaFan Avatar
    Sacto OperaFan

    Greetings All!
    I have to chime in that this Xerses was fantastic. Perfectly cast with a brilliant staged production. This could have been one LONG evening if the staging was anything less that fantastic.
    I am not a fan of Baroque music, but the cast was too good to pass. I especially wanted to hear David Daniels before it was too late. Susan Graham is also another of my favorite singers….so I had to go.
    I’m glad everything worked. I got a seat in the Balcony Circle, so now I have sat in all sections of the opera house. I liked that section – you can see pretty well and you hear really well. I generally sit in Orchestra. I may move my subscription up there if i can sit in one of the last two rows. I don’t think I can handle sitting in Row A – I am terrified of heights. I also enjoyed the televised close up of the stage action. It’s like being at the Met HD broadcasts, but with real singers…..best of both worlds.
    Cheers!
    -SOF

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  6. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    So glad you enjoyed the performance!

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  7. Mike Avatar
    Mike

    I’m curious what type of foods do they serve at operas? I’m assuming it’s not as much junk food as say a movie theater?

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