Opera Studies 2008-2009

Mar. 29, 2009 – "La Juive" (The Jewess) by Fromental Halevy. One of the most popular and admired works of the 19th Century, this opera was first performed at the Paris Opera in 1835. Set in 1414, this is the story of the Jewish goldsmith, Eleazar, and his adopted daughter, Rachael, and their tragic end. Tenor Neil Shikoff, as Eleazar, and Krassimira Stovanova are magnificent in this live 1999 Vienna State performance. Both Caruso and Richard Tucker were preparing to sing the role of Eleazar before their deaths. Eleazar’s final aria,"Rachel! Quand du seigneur," ranks as one of the most famous in the entire operatic repertoire.

Presenter: Wayne Kleinstiver

Apr. 26, 2009 – "Nina" (The Girl Driven Mad by Love). Giovanni Paisiello (1740-1816) was one of the most significant figures in Italian opera in the late 18th century. His influence on Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti and on the development of the bel canto style was profound. He enjoyed the patronage and employment of some of the most powerful political figures of the age including Napoleon Bonaparte who considered him the greatest operatic composer at the time. "Nina" is his most enduring work. First performed in 1789, this live 2002 Zurich Opera performance features Cecila Bartoli in the title role and the new German tenor sensation, Jonas Kaufman as her lover Lindoro, and bass Laszlo Polgar as Nina’s father.

Presenter: Wayne Kleinstiver.

May 17, 2009– "Rising Stars" For opera enthusiasts of any era, the discovery of a rising young star is an unforgettable experience. In this edition of our popular "Critics’ Roundtable" series, ourpanelists will compare recorded performances of rising stars of today and yesterday and will debate whether or not these singers could reach their full potential. Hosted by Dr. James A. Drake,
with panelists Román Ortega-Cowan, Tommy Steyer, Ernst Furnsinn and Wayne Kleinstiver.

Presenter: Dr. James A. Drake

PRESENTED Nov. 2, 2008 – "Roberto Devereux" by Gaetano Donizetti. First performed in Naples, 1837, this 1975 live performance from Wolf Trap features the late Beverly Sills in what she called her most difficult role - not only is this an exceptionally taxing bel canto role, she also endured a two-hour make-up session and carried more than 50 pounds of costumes throughout the performance. In the role of Devereux is tenor John Alexander with Richard Fredericks as Nottingham. Julius Rudel is at the podium.

Presenter: Wayne Kleinstiver

PRESENTED Dec. 14, 2008 – "Viva Verdi" Critics’ Roundtable Presentation. From his first popular success, Nabucco, in the mid-1840s through Otello and Falstaff a half-century later, Giuseppe Verdi was one of the most celebrated and prolific composers in the history of Italian opera. For this special all-Verdi program in our "Critics' Roundtable" series, join our panelists as they compare recorded performances by the great singers of the present and past. Hosted by Dr. James A. Drake with panelists Román Ortega-Cowan, Tommy Steyer, Ernst Furnsinn and Wayne Kleinstiver.

Presenter: Dr. James A. Drake

PRESENTED Feb. 22, 2009 – "Betrothal in a Monastery" by Sergei Prokofiev. This grand opera buffo-style comedy, first performed in 1946 at the Kirov Theater, takes place in Seville, Spain. Don Jerome intends for his daughter Louisa to marry the wealthy fish merchant Mendoza. However, she loves Antonio, instead who is poor, though noble in spirit. Furthermore, Don Ferdinand, son of Don Jerome and prone to fits of jealousy, wants to marry Clara d'Almanza, who is a virtual prisoner of her stepmother. At the end, Louisa and Antonio are united as are Don Ferdinand and Clara. This 1998 Marinsky Theater performance features Nikolai Gassiev, Alexksander Gergolov, a young Anna Netrebko and Valery Gergiev at the podium.

Presenter: Wayne Kleinstiver.

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