Now That’s Amore
The Los Angeles Opera kicked off its 2009-2010 season with a starry opening night gala. An elegant and perfectly coiffed crowd made its way to the Music Center for a dazzling night of Donizetti.
The new season opened with the light hearted “L’Elisir d’Amore,” also known by its English title “The Elixir of Love.” The production hit a few bumps in the road early on when acclaimed super tenor Rolando Villazón had to pull out due to vocal chord surgery. The popular Italian bass Ruggero Raimondi suffered a torn tendon. But despite the double whammy of unexpected cast changes, the bucolic comedy was a delight.
Elixir tells the tale of a loveable bumpkin, a dashing sergeant and a flirtatious beauty who become ensnared in a love triangle after consuming a magic potion. Tenor Guiseppe Filianoti made his Los Angeles Opera debut as the love-struck Nemorino. Soprano Nino Machaidze made her U.S. debut as alluring Adina while opera favorite Nathan Gunn returned to the stage in the role of Belcore. The warm, harvest time set with its rustic wagons and bails of hay was designed by Johan Engles. After an enthusiastic round of applause, gala guests made their way downstairs for a first class feast.
There’s more comedy, drama and passion on the way as the opera puts on one of its most impressive seasons ever. The biggest highlight will be the ambitious presentation of Wagner’s Ring Cycle. The large-scale production is a first for Los Angeles and comes to the city thanks in part to a generous $6 million donation by Eli and Edythe Broad.
The season continues with “Siegfried.” It tells the fanciful tale of Wagner’s masterful hero who claims the coveted golden ring after slaying the dragon Fafner with his magic sword. He defeats the great god Wotan in battle and, risking all, walks through fire to awaken the beautiful sleeping warrior goddess Brunhilde with a kiss.
Up next, Handel’s “Tamerlando” makes its Los Angeles Opera premiere. The tragic masterpiece with its soulful arias and vocal fireworks features countertenor Bejun Mehta, soprano Sarah Coburn as well as LAO General Director Plácido Domingo taking on the role of Bajazet.
In December, it’s Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! as the opera puts on the popular “Barber of Seville.” The season also features two recitals by international superstar Renee Fleming as well as the “Recovered Voices” series. It all wraps up with the marathon three-part ring cycle, which begins in May and ends in June. It’s a big year for opera lovers and that’s something to sing about!
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