The Opera Tattler

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Susan Graham at SFS

Susan-Graham-by-Dario_Acosta* Notes *
Susan Graham (pictured left, photograph by Dario Acosta) is singing Berlioz's La Mort de Cléopâtre with San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas this weekend. The piece, a replacement for the previously announced Brahms's Alto Rhapsody, is quite suited to Ms. Graham. Her clear high notes and fully developed sound work well with its descriptive, declamatory nature.

The orchestra supported her in a characteristic glimmering way. The basses were particularly nice at the end. Graham sang "L'île inconnue" from Berlioz's Les nuits d'été song cycle as an encore.

The Berlioz was sandwiched by more 19th century music including Brahms' rather odd Variations on a Theme by Haydn and Schumann's Fourth Symphony. The cello and oboe were lovely in the Schumann, which was recorded for a future release.

* Tattling *
There was light talking during Brahms and even some whispering during Schumann, though we were asked emphatically not to make noise because of the recording.

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3 responses to “Susan Graham at SFS”

  1. Mike A Avatar
    Mike A

    Long time lurker, first time commentor lol.
    I was there last night. Susan Graham was indeed on fire last night. She also looked like every bit of Cleopatra, with shimmering gown with cape and jewelry, even tiara/headdress! Most importantly, she really emoted well as a dying queen, something really important for this piece. She got drowned a bit during the loudest orchestral bursts, but otherwise she sounded great. The audience loved her!!!
    I’d quite like the Haydn Variations, which I thought was done pretty lovely, and the Schumann piece was steely but superbly played.
    You didn’t mention, but there was weird incident in the Rear Box towards the end of La Mort, right after Cleopatre started dying. Some guy seemed to be very upset and grunted loudly and left his chair towards the door. It was pretty loud and noticeable (I was in Loge B across the hall and could still hear him.) Good thing Susan wasn’t affected by it.
    All in all, lovely night at the Symphony, the beginning of a crazy weekend! I had ticket for Ars Minerva’s “The Amazons in the Fortunate Isles” on Sunday, and now considering if I should do Ian Bostridge’s Schubert Lieder on Saturday night!

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  2. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    I really should have written about Susan Graham’s outfit, it was striking. Thank you for mentioning it, and you are completely right about how well she emotes.
    Thank you for the tattle too, I didn’t hear it but was very close to the stage for this performance.
    It is a crazy weekend! I’m going to the Ars Minerva performance tomorrow, but regret missing Bostridge.

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  3. Ruth Robertson Avatar
    Ruth Robertson

    We were concerned that Susan Graham cancelled the opera gala for Glockly. Has anyone heard anything regarding her wellness or what is going on with her? She has not updated her Facebook page either in a month.

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