People who make Opera: Charles Prestinari

-
Our Chorus Master, Charles Prestinari, talks about his job and involvement with our production of The Daughter of the Regiment.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

10 Interesting Facts About Faust

-
A few weeks ago Dr. Nic shared with us 10 interesting things about Der Rosenkavalier , born out of an agonizing ride in the elevator where we stopped on every floor from the subterranean parking garage to the 18 th floor. Luckily we didn't have to recreate that experience to get 10 interesting facts about Faust ... 1. There is a well-known Christmas carol hidden in Méphistophélès ’ first aria, “Le veau d’or”, often called the “Golden Calf aria”. 2. The best known tune from Faust, Valentin’s aria “ Avant de quitter”, was added in 1864, a couple of years after the premiere of the opera (1859) for performances in London. It was sung in English at those performances and the French version followed later. 3. Although the story of Faust is based on Goethe’s original verse play (1806), it only covers Part I of the poet’s version, avoiding the more philosophical depths of Part II. 4. The source of the story of Faust was an actual person, a Doct
Read more

10 Questions with Stephen Powell

-
Image
San Diego Opera Audiences have gotten to know baritone Stephen Powell pretty well over the last two decades (made his SDO debut in 1997) and practically needs no introduction. With that being said, it's great to have him back, even better as the title role in Rigoletto! Stephen was kind enough to answer some casual questions during his time in between rehearsals. 1. What was your last gig before coming to San Diego? I sang the role of Oliver Jordan in the European premiere of William Bolcom's new opera DINNER AT EIGHT this past fall at the Wexford Festival in Wexford, Ireland. I debuted the same role in the world premiere in March of 2016 with Minnesota Opera. 2. How do you relate to/feel about your character, Rigoletto? As a father of two sons, I relate very personally to Rigoletto's need to protect his child from the real dangers of the outside world. In his world away from home, he leads a fragile existence under the protection of the Duke. He knows the precarious po
Read more

What Are You Listening To This Weekend?

-
Image
When Thursdays are like Fridays things really get messed up... but since we're closed on Fridays in August it is time to ask, what are you listening to this weekend? Here at the Aria Serious tower we're going to listen to Lehar's The Land of Smiles . We wonder why this isn't performed that much -- it is a wonderful piece of music. Share your listening plans in the comments below and whatever you listen to this weekend, make it a good one!
Read more