Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Aida preview party at Opera Memphis

Last night, I was privileged to attend a preview party for the next production at Opera Memphis, Aida.  There are some photos attached.

The chorus was absolutely wonderful, putting out far more sound than their numbers belied.  Steve Carey, of course, had prepared them wonderfully, and did his usual wonderful job of making the piano come alive with orchestral intensity.

Maestro Ching was back and in a big way.  His conducting is always so clear, and principals and chorus responded accordingly.  I've missed him, and had hoped to appear in his opera based on Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, but it appears the role I did a demo tape for him of has been cast.  You can still hear me sing Egeus on his blog, mine, and my Facebook page.

The principals sounded great, especially Galina Ivannakova as Amneris.  I could not believe, quite frankly, just how wonderful and voluminous her sound was.   She sang an aria from The Maid of Orleans and just blew us all away.

Can't wait to see and hear more....

Did John Calvin Believe in Inerrancy?

Did John Calvin Believe in Inerrancy?