Well, the classical music season is drawing to its end. Yes, there will be things to hear over the summer, but many of the major organizations will be shutting down at the end of May, or going into their reduced summer schedules. If you wanted to take in a production at Washington National Opera, for example, you had better do it soon. If you like the spectacle of musicals, opera should be right up your alley. If you are a student or young professional, ages 18 to 35, join the Generation O program to be eligible for reduced-price tickets. You can afford to go to the opera.
OPERA:
>> Last night, I was at the opening night of WNO’s new production of Mozart’s final opera, La Clemenza di Tito. I had never cared much for this opera, only by comparison with Mozart’s more famous works, which are performed more often. This week, after watching a newly released DVD of Clemenza and seeing it last night, I have really warmed to it. This cast sings quite well, and the production is beautiful, if a little strange. More about that in my forthcoming review. Performances this week are on Thursday (May 11, 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (May 14, 2 p.m.).
>> If you are going to attend only one of WNO’s final two productions, I would recommend Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri over the Mozart, especially for someone new to opera. It’s a comic opera, with a silly but entertaining story about a sharp-tongued Italian woman who gets shipwrecked on the coast of Algeria. Hijinks ensue. In particular, the cast is extraordinary, starring rising Argentine Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Flórez, mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, soprano Lyubov Petrova, and a fine supporting cast. The production opens this Saturday (May 13, 7 p.m.) and continues through June 3. Of course, I will be giving you a full review.
>> If you want to hear some opera for free, go during your lunch this Friday (May 12, 12 noon) for an unstaged performance of operatic excerpts. This concert will feature members of the University of Maryland Opera Studio, by reputation sure to be talented young singers, at the Arts Club of Washington (2017 I St. NW).
