San Francisco Summer Opera

Our Summer Season came to an end this past Sunday...and what an ending... Catholic Church *Protests* about the *blasphemous* production of Mark Adamo's *The Gospel of Mary Magdalene*!

But, I digress....

Here are some photos (on-stage by Cory Weaver) of our three productions.

*Cosi fan tutte* - Mozart's Opera about fidelity - or the lack of!  A lovely set (WWI - on the Rivera)...

 Jos, I know you are fond of this Opera..... these are all for you!

*The Tales of Hofmann*....by Jacques Offenbach.  You who are FB Friends with me already know how much I adore this opera!  I didn't care for the set....BUT....the glorious singing and orchestral music!  I tried to see both rehearsals and performances as much as possible...(8)!!!

Poor *Poet* Hoffmann....looking for love and he keeps falling for the wrong women..

#1 Love - Olympia - a lifesized Doll!

#2...the ailing Antonia...a real woman...but her fragile heart gives out in the end..

We were so fortunate to have the great French Soprano, Natalie Dessay, sing *Antonia*!

One of the scenes for ACT II (Antonia's Act)..here you see James Creswell (on the left) as Antonia's Father, Christian Van Horn the *Evil Dr. Miracle*,  in the centre (he ultimately destroys Antonia) and Matthew Pollenzani as Hoffman on the extreme right.

Giuletta - a Venetian Courtesan..also dies..because Hoffmann is tricked into running her through with a sword. (Christian Van Horn swings a large diamond necklace in triumph as the Chorus malevolently laughs at Hoffmann despairs over what he has done..  this act contains the famous (most of you - even non-Opera lovers will recognise this melody) Barcarole.

I HAD to *model* one of the Top Hats our Men's Chorus wore in the production! 

Here are a few photos from *Mary Magdalene*...this was a World Premiere.. (and to me, a disappointing one because of the banal libretto and weak score).  The cast was solid - but all their efforts were wasted. Still, I applaud Mr. Adamo for writing this and our General Director, David Gockley for  mounting the production.  Opera needs to move forward - like all the Arts!

Of course, the subject matter was extremely controversial to some..

And on the final day of the Season, the Catholic Church had a small group (10) of protesters outside the Opera House.

But, to me...this is ART....not fact....  so, everyone backstage managed to have fun and enjoy the end of our Summer Season!  

Now,  I'm Opera-free for six weeks - and then we plunge into our longer Autumn Season!  I hope you enjoyed this little snippet of my world!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥