Works by immigrant composers star in Chicago Opera Theater's winter program - By Eloise Marie Valadez
Chicago Opera Theater presented a mix of heartfelt tunes, love songs, whimsical and patriotic pieces during its recent winter program.
The Joffrey Ballet's "Chicago-centric" version of The Nutcracker is outstanding - Review by Carol Moore
***** Highly Recommended ***** The Joffrey Ballet’s “Chicago-centric” version of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is quite simply magnificent. By setting The Nutcracker amidst Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, Wheeldon gave the city a unique gift. It’s become a holiday tradition at my house! No matter how many times I see The Nutcracker, I never get tired of the feeling of anticipation and excitement before a performance, waiting for that first chord of Tchaikovsky’s glorious music! 4 BIG Spotlights
Salieri's "Falstaff" delights - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
***RECOMMENDED*** Mention the name "Salieri" and most people will instantly think of his alleged rivalry with a much younger composer -- Mozart -- and his supposed all-consuming jealousy of the boy genius' prodigious output. But Italian composer Antonio Salieri (1750-1825) was already a highly-successful composer and mentor by the time that Mozart arrived at the royal court in Vienna. In fact, Salieri composed more than 35 operatic works during his lifetime. Thanks to the highly resourceful folks at Chicago Opera Theater, especially General Director Lawrence Edelson, local opera lovers should be thrilled to have the opportunity to separate the myth from the man and actually get to hear his glorious music firsthand. In its Chicago premiere, Salieri's "Falstaff" delights the curious nearly 227 years after it was created. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
"Carmina Burana" had Audience Clamoring for More - By Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** For avid classical music lovers, "Carmina Burana" tends to hold a special place in their hearts. They flock to venues worldwide to get the opportunity to hear this rarely performed 20th-century cantata composed by Carl Orff every chance that they can get. For others, this somewhat obscure piece holds numerous surprises for its first-time listeners who are curious to discover what all of the fuss is about. Both groups were equally represented in droves at the recent, extremely brief run at Lyric Opera of Chicago, which had the enthusiastic opening night audience -- which was largely made up of members a good 20 to 30 years younger than your average patron attending a traditional opera at Lyric -- clamoring for more. 4 BIG SPOTLIGHTS
"The Capulets" - a new twist on an old tale - Review by Carol Moore
**** Recommended I’d heard of Chicago Repertory Ballet, but I’ve never seen anything of theirs, so I was delighted to get an invitation to see "The Capulets" at the Ruth Page Center. "The Capulets" is a fascinating riff on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, a story ballet focusing on Juliet’s parents. The choreography was sensual, evocative and athletic. The execution was flawless, especially the swordplay! 4 Spotlights
"Cavalleria rusticana" and "Pagliacci" - Review by Jeffrey Leibham
****HIGHLY RECOMMENDED**** Perhaps the most famous double bill that exists within the operatic repertoire -- and, surprisingly, there are more than you might initially imagine -- has returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago. "Cavalleria rusticana" and "Pagliacci," often lovingly referred to as "Cav/Pag," are once again thrilling audiences with their compact storylines, richly melodious scores and morally conflicted characters who, undeterred by their individual fates, end up shining brightly from their rural Calabrian villages. One of the reasons why this production is so special is the fact that it features the Lyric debuts of two exciting new performers: mezzo-soprano Yulia Matochkina as Santuzza and tenor SeokJong Baek as Turiddu, the conflicted lovers at the heart of "Cavalleria rusticana." 4 SPOTLIGHTS
Shakespeare Sings Discovery Concert - Review by Crista Zivanovic
Chicago Opera Theater Discovery Concert explores Shakespeare’s timeless tales through music, a lovely invitation to its upcoming “Falstaff” opera by Salieri in December
"Medea" - A Review by Jeffrey Leibham
***RECOMMENDED*** For the casual audience member attending an operatic performance, it is usually not necessary to know much about a production's narrative beforehand. That's the job of the librettist. If you have a good librettist, the story unfolds in real-time, it beautifully complements the rhythm of the composer's score and it is easily understood. However, if the source material happens to be Shakespeare or Greek tragedy, perhaps, you may want to do a little bit of research ahead of time. No need to dig out your old Edith Hamilton edition of "Mythology" however, in order to appreciate the season-opener "Medea" at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Just peruse the synopsis in your program before the curtain rises. The first paragraph will grant you vital information that will fill in memory gaps to Medea's backstory while also helping to answer questions that have major significance on what is her motivation for ultimately devising such a sinister plan. 3 SPOTLIGHTS
The Joffrey Ballet's "Carmen" - By Carol Moore
**** Highly Recommended The Joffrey Ballet’s "Carmen" was magnificent. Georges Bizet’s glorious music combined with Liam Scarlett’s emotive choreography danced with incredible artistry by the Joffrey company is a spectacle not to be missed! I must say I had forgotten just how evocative this music can be. Seriously, "Carmen" blew me away - the music, the choreography, the costumes, just wow! I can’t say enough about the Joffrey dancers who always execute the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and grace. Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights
"Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland" - Review by Carol Moore
**** Once again, I’m in awe of the Joffrey Ballet. Their whimsical, fantastical production of "Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland," choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is dazzling! I’m completely in love with this production! The music, the choreography, the costumes, the puppetry, the scenery – just wow! Then there’s the dancers – and in addition to executing the most complicated choreography with flawless technique and timing, they can act! Don’t miss it! 4 BIG Spotlights