A Blast from the Past

By Kristina Powers, 13 September 2011

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

Reviewed at Mayne Stage, Chicago on 10 September 2011

Handel, Aci, Galatea e Polifemo, HWV 72

Haymarket Opera

Ellen Hargis, Director

Craig Trompeter, Leader

Josefien Stoppelenburg, Aci

Angela Young Smucker, Galatea

Ben LeClair, Polifemo

French Baroque Magic at the Haymarket Opera

Kristina Powers, 24th February

Orpheus and Euridice – A timeless Greek myth forever ingrained into the classical music repertoire. Since the very beginnings of operatic history, this heartbreaking and beautiful tale has endured numerous adaptions.

*****

Dancing Back in Time with the Newberry Consort

Kristina Powers, 13th April

“In order to play dance pieces correctly, you must learn to dance it.” Thus spoke my recorder teacher this past Friday. A tall order, considering that Baroque dance has become a specialized and rarely-performed art inaccessible to most people.

French Baroque Magic at the Haymarket Opera

Kristina Powers, 24th February

*****

The triumph of virtue: Rossini’s Cenerentola in Brisbane

Sandra Bowdler, 29th April

Margarita Gritskova leads a fine ensemble performance of Rossini’s most under-appreciated opera by Opera Queensland.

****1

Grigolo shines in a mixed new Roméo et Juliette at the Opera di Roma

Pia Maltri, 28th April

With its 1940s setting, Luca Del Fusco’s direction alienates in a new production of Gounod's Shakespeare-inspired opera.

***11

Romeo Castellucci directs a new Pelléas et Mélisande at La Scala

Laura Servidei, 26th April

The Italian director makes his long-awaited Italian operatic debut at the Teatro alla Scala in a production which perfectly mirrors Debussy’s most enigmatic creation.

****1

More reviews...

Kristina Powers

Kristina is a Liberal Arts major at Lewis University in Illinois and an experienced musician with a passion for historically informed performance practice. A violinist since the age of six, she plays several instruments, sings soprano, is continuing her musical education and performs at local venues.