It's druid fever up in ~casa O.C.~, as we snagged another edition of the "Passione Lirica - La Musica di Repubblica/L'espresso" series, now spinning the DVD of the Teatro Comunale di Bologna's Norma production from April 2008.
OC was lucky enough to be in the audience for the opening night 7 months ago in Bologna, not wanting to miss Daniela Dessì's first crack at Norma. Accompanied by husband Fabio Armiliato's Pollione & Kate Aldrich's Adalgisa, the entire cast did justice to the Bellini dream.
We were curious to see just how the post-production would excise the nasty sabotage of a rogue cell phone during the opening phrases of "Casta Diva", and we're happy to report that no trace of the shill mechanical ring can be heard. Bravo to the (lol) back-end team, and of course, la Dessì for her elegant grace under fire.
Next up, Fab & Dani are preparing for a NYC ^Gala Pucciniano^ with the Dicapo Opera Theatre, and soloists & members of The Opera Orchestra of New York.
Monday, December 22, 2008 will find the dy-no-mite Italian duo at Rose Theater for a Puccini 150th Anniversary Gala, celebrating the 150th birthday of the dead maestro.
Hosted by Renata Scotto, with appearances by Francisco Casanova, Aprile Millo, Francesca Patané (and others T.B.A.), the evening will boast excerpts from every single Puccini opera. Fo'realio? We humbly request that fake, self-adhesive Puccini-esque mustaches are passed out at the front door and worn by *everyone* in attendance, homage to that famous ladykiller!