Millennial Notes Handel’s Opera Offers an Evening of Musical Delights by Julian Auston West Edge Opera’s production of Julius Caesar serves as a pleasant reminder that small stage opera is far from dead. A small but excellent pit orchestra, conducted by Christine Brandes, delivers a series of gorgeous accompaniments for an assortment of talented…
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…
Michael Cavanagh Delivers the Miraculous Essence of Mozart by Jennifer Ann Charron San FRancisco Opera’s production of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” (All Women Do It, or The School for Lovers) is one the most efficiently fabulous operas I’ve seen. Director Michael Cavanagh showcases the best opera has to offer, all wrapped up in a…