Placido Domingo, James Conlon and Christopher Koelsch join Malibu opera heavyweights Marc and Eva Stern in unveiling the 2019-20 season, and this one is a must.
It starts out with a bang and a spectacular production of the Italian favorite “La Boheme.” The heart-stopping masterpiece usually earns a ten on the romantic scale. The Barrie Kosky program introduces Marina Costa-Jackson and the return of Simir Pirgu. It’s the first new production of this longtime favorite in years. The emotional story leads some to shed a tear, but LAO says not to worry: “We will lower the lights so on one can see you cry.”
Kosky will return later in the season with a whimsical new take on “The Magic Flute.” That production runs November to December, but all Seen can say is that if you are rocking Amadeus, you better do it right. In a 2003 interview, Kosky described his interpretation as “weird and wonderful.” James Conlon conducts four of the six performances while Grant Gershon picks up the remaining two. They are both excellent leading an orchestra, so either way you can’t go wrong.
As we creep into 2020, you can check out “Eurydice” with libretto by Sarah Ruhl singing her heart out to Matthew Aucoin’s music.
It is followed by the long-awaited return of L.A.’s shining star Placido Domingo. The seasons just keep getting better and better. Bravissimi!
MY SWEET VALENTINE IN THE KEY OF G
Mailbu superstar Kenny G will be “grafting elements of R&B, pop and Latin to his smooth jazz foundation” for a Valentine’s weekend concert coming up this month. Albert-George Schram conducts this swooning spectacular at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The sultry sounds of this long note saxophone sensation will meld with the Pacific Symphony for a romantic delight, Feb. 15-16.