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Tamara Mumford Photo: Dario Acosta |
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Amanda Woodbury Photo: amandawoodbury.com |
We've seen Santiago Ballerini before, as well, as Fernand in the production of Le Favorite (La Favorita) presented by Bel Canto at Caramoor in 2015. We still admire his singing. Everybody say it with me--freedom of tone, evenness of scale, ease and agility. All of the technical things we like to hear, while also enjoying artistry and beauty of interpretation. (It's not that hard to please me--just get all of those things right, and you're golden.)
As I say all the singing was good. And I was pleased with the orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Crutchfield. Again, I'm not that hard to please--give me phrasing, clarity, artistry, and playing at the highest technical level. How hard is that?
But. I think Mr. Crutchfield's organization is still becoming accustomed to the beautiful Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. The entrances and exits, mostly of the chorus but occasionally of the principals, seemed a little awkward. I found the presentation long. Although most of the singers acted their roles admirably, there wasn't much of a feeling that this wasn't simply a concert. I'd almost rather have had risers and chairs to make it truly a concert performance. If they called this semi-staged, that was a bit of a stretch.
A few thoughts:
- I counted no fewer than three man-buns in the chorus. What are these young people thinking?!
- Gentlemen--please make sure you have the coat sleeves of your tux fitted. If you're getting hired as a principal, you can afford a seamstress.
- Ladies--I like a beautiful dress as much as the next opera blogger (shut up!), but I do believe the lady in the primary role should have the flashiest dress.
- While usually not a big fan of deadpan park-and-bark singing, I would advise at least one principal in this production to flail about less and stand still more as she is singing. It presents a much stronger image and is also likely a good thing vocally.
Obviously, if I can't find more to complain about than the mezzo sidekick's dress upstaging the prima donna's completely tasteful and appropriate black dress, then it was a very fine performance.
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