With the shuttering of doors to many opera companies due to the lack of interest and subsequent financial reasons, we are grateful for the Los Angeles Opera. It was just announced, yesterday, that the San Diego Opera company would be closing down after this years' season. Timing, I find quite a bit, seems to be a playful event of coincidences. For last night, the husband and I had tickets for the LA Opera's production of 'Lucia Di Lammermoor.' Wow... this was a great performance. Written by Gaetano Donizetti and premiering for the first time in 1835, it is the story of passionate love and the madness love creates for its cast members. The lead characters of Lucia and Edgardo were brilliantly performed by Albina Shagimuratova, from Russia and Saimir Pirgu, from Albania. The scene where Lucia goes mad before your eyes was done beautifully and you felt it. Deservedly, Ms. Shagimuratova received quite the ovation after singing this piece. Sadly, the story resonated with me strongly, reminding me that even still today, for many families across the globe, women are seen only as a commodity and their hopes, desires and wishes are ignored and quelled by the male members of the family.
The sets were done to an austere and hauntingly minimalism, so the performances were what stood out in this production of 'Lucia.' For me, the sets were reminiscent of a cross between Salvador Dali's work and for some reason the Broadway dance production of Twyla Tharp's 'The Catherine Wheel,' from 1981 (my goodness it is now over 30 years since I saw that production! David Byrne wrote the musical score to 'The Catherine Wheel' and this also reminds me to re-purchase that score because that music was masterful!).
So
Gaylord tenants, neighbors and the LA community at large, get out and take yourself to an evening of opera and support this culture. Tickets can be had for as little as $18. That is just a couple of bucks more than going to the movies and this is for a
LIVE performance. And don't forget, the Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall is right across the street from the Los Angeles Opera Company, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, downtown. Experience both and enjoy what LA has to offer you!
www.laopera.org ,
www.laphil.com
