The Opera Tattler

Reviews of Performances and their Audiences

Recent posts

Category: San Francisco Opera

  • Post L’elisir Talk (5/5)

    David Gockley reiterated his statement from last Sunday's Bohème, that though productions might cut or would be less elaborate, San Francisco Opera would never compromise on vocal quality, despite a downturn in the economy. He also gave hints on San Francisco Opera's latest commissions, the topics include heroism and 9/11, Mary Magdalene, and Hurricane Katrina.

  • Opening of La Bohème

      * Notes * La Bohème opened yesterday afternoon at San Francisco Opera with incoming music director Nicola Luisotti conducting. His tempi were quite elastic, though even when he drew out parts, they did not sound sluggish in the least. The singing was all fine, even wobbly Norah Ansellem (Musetta) managed to be convincing, though…

  • 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…

  • Final Dress Rehearsal of La Bohème

      * Notes * The latest revival of La Bohème at San Francisco Opera may be very good indeed, if the final dress rehearsal was any indication. Though I am not crazy about La Gheorghiu, all the signs are good, she may well look and sound completely convincing as Mimi by the opening on Sunday. The rest…

  • SF Opera’s Ring

    The San Francisco Opera Ring Cycle in 2011 may be canceled. Chronicle Article | oboeinsight Post

  • Post L’elisir Talk (3/5)

    David Gockley started off his talk by highlighting the various opera news stories of the week. Baltimore Opera and New York City Opera both have lost their heads, Opera Pacific has closed, and Washington National Opera is postponing their Ring. This last item is of especial importance to San Francisco Opera, as it is a…

  • Die Toten Kuchen

      Here we have Act II Scene 2 of Die Tote Stadt. Frank is singing about Marietta to the horrified Paul. I believe the person who sings the roles of Frank and Fritz has a very stressful quick costume change just after this scene. Details of Painting | Performance Review of Die Tote Stadt

  • Post L’elisir Talk (2/5)

    Before the talk began there was chatter about how a falling football damaged the principal bassoonist's bassoon during the evening's performance. Again, the economy was spoken of, and ticket sales have gone down starting with Idomeneo, though La Bohème is doing well, naturally. Nicola Luisotti is taking the helm as music director soon, and the plan is…

  • Post L’elisir Talk (1/5)

    Much was said about the faltering economy. Porgy and Bess has been cast, though not all the contracts have been signed. Eric Owens will be Porgy and Laquita Mitchell sings Bess. The cinemacasts continue next Spring, with The Magic Flute, Lucia, Elixir, and La Bohème. As for next season, there will be a Richard Strauss…

  • Idomeneo Log

    11. October 2008: Final Dress RehearsalReview from Dodaro 15. October 2008: Opening Opera Tattler Review 18. October 2008: From the Orchestra* An announcement was made that Alice Coote was ill, but was graciously singing despite this. She started off poorly, but did sound lovely for the most part, at least in Acts II and III.…