Opera Chic

Direttore d'orchestra José Cura Flexing his Baton @ Teatro Comunale di Bologna

(photo of Cura © Cuibar Productions S.L.)

On the 92nd anniversary of the Italian debut of Giocomo Puccini's La Rondine, Teatro Comunale di Bologna has gotten feisty, and we <3 it. As guest conductor on the podium flexing his musical skills, it will be Argentinian tenor (and part-time conductor) José Cura.

La Rondine acts as the low-cost substitution, taking over for Britten's more elaborate "A Midsummer Night's Dream", which was axed from the season last October to money cuts (also cut was Mozart's Nozze and Boito's Nerone).

Opening night is February 17, 2009. Cura will also conduct Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna on January 30, 2009 in a symphony concert.

BREAKING: "Sick" Gheorghiu Pulls Out Of Met's "Rondine"

Unsurprisingly, Angela Gheorghiu -- who hasn't fulfilled in ages a complete run of an opera she was under contract to appear in -- has called in sick. Maureen O'Flynn will sing the role of Magda at tonight's performance (that will be broadcast live) of Puccini's "La Rondine" at New York City's Metropolitan Opera.

So, did you spend a lot of money to get tkts to see Angiola? It kinda sux for you, but then, as the "Wall Street Journal" wrote,

As directed by Stephen Barlow, Ms. Gheorghiu upset the delicate balance of the worldly woman smitten by the ardent young man. Her Magda was a little too mature and knowing, a predatory cougar rather than a woman ready to abandon herself to love. The arching melody of her aria "Chi i bel sogno di Doretta" should convey pure yearning; Ms. Gheorghiu made it a show -- Magda amusing her friends with a caricature of a young girl's love. She also sounded patchy in her middle range, and accompanied her singing with curious arm wavings.

If we can't believe in Magda, the opera's structure falls apart, and Puccini's exquisite tunes don't fit the action. Other elements were off as well.

All's well, etc.