The Opera Tattler

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SF Opera’s Les Troyens (Martens)

Sfopera-troyens-martens-2015* Notes * 
Yesterday mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens (pictured left in Act II, photograph by Cory Weaver) sang Cassandra in San Francisco Opera's Les Troyens. She sings again on June 20, 2015. Martens has a lovely resonant voice with powerful low notes and searing high ones. Compared to soprano Anna Caterina Antonacci, with whom she shares the role, Martens is less raw and does not convey the same complete devastation. It is worth the effort to hear both singers, both are gratifying in different ways.

It was a delight to hear Maestro Donald Runnicles conduct the orchestra again. The woodwinds had a gorgeous, velvety sound, the strings shimmered, and the brass was bright and fluid. The chorus was powerful and the rest of the singing was consistently impressive.

* Tattling * 
A woman in Box B whispered a lot during Act II. This might not have been noticed but her voice is high and squeaky, so I had to angle my chair in a way so I could focus on the orchestra.

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2 responses to “SF Opera’s Les Troyens (Martens)”

  1. Michael Strickland Avatar
    Michael Strickland

    Heard it from the balcony again last night, and the performances by everyone were even better than on Sunday. By the final outing, the ensemble should be so good it will take us directly to heaven.

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  2. Sacto OperaFan Avatar
    Sacto OperaFan

    I heard Mr. Hymel is sick and cancelled. I hope he is better by Saturday night, 6/20; I have a ticket for that performance. While I don’t care for French opera in general, I have been looking forward to this production. I hope its the one that changes my outlook on French pieces. The only French opera I like is Hoffman. Will report back.

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