ARIA SERIOUS?

ConcertoNet.com , a French website has just put up an interview with Lado Ataneli (in English) to mark the opening of Rigoletto here in San Diego tomorrow night. You can read the interview here . And you can purchase your Rigoletto seats here . Enjoy! - Edward

Last Thursday, the cast of Rigoletto got together for a very enjoyable panel discussion about the opera. In case you missed it, we've placed the entire thing on YouTube that you can watch below. Enjoy! -- Edward

Rigoletto is almost here . After watching the orchestra rehearsal last night I was reminded how much I liked this opera, which is a whole lot. And I think the first scene is one of the best first scenes of Rigoletto I've ever seen. But why talk when there are pictures to share. Photos are by Ken Howard.

Local readers who opened their paper on Sunday we're offered a wonderful look at the family life of traveling opera singer, L'ubica Vargicova with a profile in the San Diego Union Tribune . Non-local readers can click here, to read it . Yes, Martin made Steak Tartare , the bane of vegetarian Public Relations workers everywhere, especially when handed a big heaping plate of it by gracious hosts whom you don't want to offend. Interesting fact: Steak Tartare were named after the Tartans, a fiercely nomadic group who tenderized and "cooked" their meat by placing it underneath their saddle while riding all day. It is useless facts such as these that one can use to dazzle audiences in the hopes they don't notice you moving the food on your plate around so it looks like you ate it. We're just saying... - Edward

It's Friday again. And that means it is time to find out what you are listening to this weekend. Yours truly is on vacation in Puerto Vallarta so I was originally planning on listening to the surf, the birds and the wind but in reality I'm listening to cars honking, people hawking, church bells ringing, donkeys braying and more thunder than is really necessary. Luckily the owner of the bed and breakfast I'm staying at mentioned how much he loved Rigoletto before I packed my bags so I brought him a copy to listen to . Later I'll be heading out to listen to some live Mariachi music which I know nothing about but with a good guide, adventurous ear and open mind I might actually fall in love. I discovered opera this way, so who knows what's in store. So, what are you listening to this weekend? -Edward