John Adams Delivers Jam-Packed Journey into Empire by Jennifer Ann Charron Commissioned for San Francisco Opera’s Centennial Season, John Adams goes above and beyond with “Antony and Cleopatra”—an ambitious work of art with a world-renowned cast, a complicated and brilliant score, and the world-class staging that SF Opera does best. While Adams’ new work…
Paul Dukas’ Opera, Directed by Alison Pogorelc, Asserts Women’s Wisdom by Jennifer Ann Charron Beginning with Paul Dukas’ lush opera, director Alison Pogorelc delivers a gorgeous and deeply clever production—imparting her own interpretation, as well as allowing us room to choose our own. Pogorelc’s unique talent challenges us to engage—desperately needed in today’s operas….
Bright Sheng—A Brilliant, Innovative Composer for Our Time by Jennifer Ann Charron Bright Sheng’s score of Dream of the Red Chamber is one of the most dynamic, yet sumptuous pieces of music I have heard. He blends western and eastern musical traditions and sounds in innovative ways. Chinese folk tunes morph into lush, multi-dimensional…
Michael Cavanagh’s Reimagined Version Entertains & Bewilders by Jennifer Ann Charron Mozart’s Don Giovanni is nonpareil—a masterpiece with an amazing score, jam packed with beautiful arias, duets, and recitatives, and a creepy cautionary tale to keep your morals in check. When Mozart was at his creative height, he collaborated with poet Lorenzo Da Ponte…