Opera in Ireland - general discussion thread on all things opera in Ireland

The Green Pixie · 15-03-2018 12:18pm

Mumha wrote: »

If you wanted to introduce opera to an 11 year old, what operas would you suggest that would hook him ?

I'm not sure if bringing him to a cinema to watch an opera would have the desired effect ?

I don't think you can go wrong with Carmen - tuneful and colourful.

westtip · 15-03-2018 12:28pm

The Green Pixie wrote: »

I don't think you can go wrong with Carmen - tuneful and colourful.

!

Long opera for an 11 year old and IMO a basket case of an opera! A few years ago I took my young son to an OTC production of Magic Flute it was delightful he really enjoyed it.

But take any heed of my advice, my parents took me to see Elektra when I was ten and look how I turned out

Sanguine Fan · 15-03-2018 12:45pm

westtip wrote: »

OMG did anyone go to Tosca last night at the Bord Gais. The one woman show with Celine Byrne in title role, to her credit she nailed the Vissi Darte and gave a very good performance but this is the last time I go to one of these russian import productions.

Sounds dreadful. What amazes me is how docile Irish audiences are when it comes to indifferent or even poor performances. Quite often I am the only one who stays sitting at the end of concerts in the NCH while the rest of the audience gives a rousing standing ovation. It's not that I thought the performances were bad, but very rarely have I experienced something special enough to bring me to my feet. Mostly, it seems Irish audiences are excited by mediocrity.

I try to avoid live opera since a performance of Tosca years ago in Dublin which was set in Nazi Germany, with jackbooted soldiers marching around the stage toting machine guns. The singing was fine, but visually it reminded me of Springtime for Hitler.

Why do producers think it's OK to take such liberties with the staging while the music is sacrosanct?

Finally, if that tenor at the Bord Gais theatre had been singing in La Scala he would have been booed off the stage.

The Green Pixie · 15-03-2018 12:49pm

Sanguine Fan wrote: »

Sounds dreadful. What amazes me is how docile Irish audiences are when it comes to indifferent or even poor performances. Quite often I am the only one who stays sitting at the end of concerts in the NCH while the rest of the audience gives a rousing standing ovation. It's not that I thought the performances were bad, but very rarely have I experienced something special enough to bring me to my feet. Mostly, it seems Irish audiences are excited by mediocrity.

In Ireland, a pianist who can walk from the wings to the piano without tripping up like Norman Wisdom gets a standing ovation. I can't remember the last time I went to a concert which didn't get one.

Mumha · 15-03-2018 1:01pm

westtip wrote: »

!

Long opera for an 11 year old and IMO a basket case of an opera! A few years ago I took my young son to an OTC production of Magic Flute it was delightful he really enjoyed it.

But take any heed of my advice, my parents took me to see Elektra when I was ten and look how I turned out

Indeed ! Thanks for the Magic Flute recommendation. I see Cavalleria Rusticana is in the Cork Opera House at the end of March, would that be bringing him to also ?

The Mikado is in the COH next September. He's already learned a lot of The Pirates of Penzance's Major General, so he already likes G&S.

westtip · 15-03-2018 1:10pm

The Green Pixie wrote: »

I have tickets for the Marriage of Figaro.
I can understand that initially they're redressing an imbalance, but I hope that eventually they won't limit themselves to Irish singers.

Lets hope they steer clear of Russian tenors who may be staying on to claim operatic asylum! .

I took a look at tickets yesterday they need to do some marketing it is hopelessly undersold, if they can't sell Figaro what hope do they have

Mind you €86 a pop plus the ticketmaster rip off on top makes them expensive, for best seats; even at €51 for the cheap tickets in Valhalla plus ticket master its pricey. I wish them well but it looks like its not going to fill up no need to rush for tickets yet....If I was going the performance in Wexford has more appeal lovely house for Figaro and ticket prices for some reason you can sit in the stalls at Wexford for €49 and no ticket master rip off. I would be heading down the N11 on Friday 13th to see it if I go!

The Rape of Lucretia · 15-03-2018 8:18pm

The Green Pixie wrote: »

In Ireland, a pianist who can walk from the wings to the piano without tripping up like Norman Wisdom gets a standing ovation. I can't remember the last time I went to a concert which didn't get one.

I think Irish people feel that if they stand and clap endlessly they can convince themselves that they were indeed at a great performance. The harsh truth is that Irish audiences are unsophisticated, easily pleased, and they dont know a lot about what they were listening to.

The Rape of Lucretia · 15-03-2018 8:22pm

Hansel and Gretel is worth taking an 11 year old to. Much of German/Nordic Europe takes their children to it in December where it is part of the seasonal landscape. I always enjoy it myself.

westtip · 15-03-2018 9:16pm

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

I think Irish people feel that if they stand and clap endlessly they can convince themselves that they were indeed at a great performance. The harsh truth is that Irish audiences are unsophisticated, easily pleased, and they dont know a lot about what they were listening to.

The audience at Tosca last night were clueless in the main, yes some stood at the end to give an ovation, I couldn't quite believe it, pity Cavardossi wasn't shot in the church early on; worst tenor I have heard in 40 years. I am in therapy as a result, simply dreadful! Celine Byrne is not doing herself any favours performing with these Russian companies.

westtip · 19-03-2018 11:06am

Seen no reviews of that dreadful Tosca in any of the main papers but this one is pretty scathing on line, the emboldened line re Cavaradossi is to put it mildly pretty much as it was, should not be allowed on a professional operatic stage would be my view!

https://nomoreworkhorse.com/2018/03/16/tosca-bord-gais-energy-theatre-review/

The standard of singing wasn’t, however, quite in par with the visual element of the production. Tenor Fyodor Ataskevich seemed quite attuned to the role of Tosca’s lover, Cavaradossi; but his singing was uneven and the high pitches required in the main arias weren’t handled very strongly.

Baritone Alexander Kuznetsov, as the evil chief of police Scarpia, distinguished himself for the most correct Italian pronunciation among the cast. On the other hand he lacked the impetus of this very distinctive character, with his voice remaining rather atonic for most of the performance, exception made for some rare moments during the famous duet with Tosca in the second act.

McLoughlin · 19-03-2018 11:37am

Hansel and Gretel was fantastic in the Wexford Opera Festival a couple of years ago the amount of children and teenagers that watched it and enjoyed it was great. Its what the various Opera groups need to do more get younger people into the genre and try to beat the perception that its for "old people".

Every year I hear that at Wexford (because I'm so young looking compared to the general audience people are surprise to see me there).

westtip · 10-04-2018 5:10pm

The Nozze di Figaro is getting a good push in the media any plans from anyone to go along? It seems a few more tickets have gone just checking on the hateful TicketMaster.

The Green Pixie · 10-04-2018 6:03pm

westtip wrote: »

The Nozze di Figaro is getting a good push in the media any plans from anyone to go along? It seems a few more tickets have gone just checking on the hateful TicketMaster.

I'm going to the Gaiety on Friday the 20th.
Also, I might be going to Il Bravo in Wexford. I like Mercadante.

westtip · 13-04-2018 10:25am

The Green Pixie wrote: »

I'm going to the Gaiety on Friday the 20th.
Also, I might be going to Il Bravo in Wexford. I like Mercadante.

Might go on the Friday myself, Saw Netrebko last week in Macbeth, she is still quite stunning in these Verdi roles.

westtip · 17-04-2018 10:42am

I have two spare tickets in the choir stalls (cheapest in the house) up behind tthe orchestra at €50 each for the Simon Rattle/LSO Mahler 9th tomorrow night at the National Concert Hall if anyone is interested 087 4198193 Brendan

westtip · 19-04-2018 12:03pm

westtip wrote: »

I have two spare tickets in the choir stalls (cheapest in the house) up behind tthe orchestra at €50 each for the Simon Rattle/LSO Mahler 9th tomorrow night at the National Concert Hall if anyone is interested 087 4198193 Brendan

Tickets snatched from me at box office by folks not prepared to pay €110 for the last remaining seats. The concert itself was fine, although watching Rattle conduct in his early 60s was not quite the same as 20 years ago. I saw him do the same Mahler 9 with Vienna Phil back in 1997ish! at the Proms in the RAH. The concert had immense energy, but this concert seemed a bit pedestrian, in truth Rattle looked tired and kept reaching for his hankie to wipe his brow, he may have been under the weather.

The strings were beautiful. The brass excellent, in fact the playing was world class.
The statutory standing ovation was given. 8/10

westtip · 19-04-2018 3:32pm

Good reviews of Nozze di Figaro

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/theatre/the-marriage-of-figaro-review-setting-high-standards-for-irish-opera-1.3463387

Looking forward to Friday!

westtip · 27-04-2018 6:30pm

got to say well done to our new national opera company Nozze di Figaro was really very very good, hats off to the production team and musical direction. First class opera in Dublin from a domestic company, really first class and well done.!

The Green Pixie · 27-04-2018 8:43pm

I agree. It was very good.
Wondering whether to go to Hoffmann and/or Aida.

westtip · 12-06-2018 7:36pm

The cast of this Rigoletto looks promising, and love the Belfast Opera House, might be worth a trip in Sept/October

https://www.niopera.com/events/rigoletto/

westtip · 18-09-2018 12:28pm

New National Concert Hall website is an absolute disaster!

McLoughlin · 14-10-2018 12:23pm

Wexford Festival Opera starting soon what do people think of the line up ?

The Green Pixie · 22-10-2018 8:47am

I saw Mercandante's Il Bravo in Wexford last night.
Vintage Wexford. A meaty opera, great singers (with the exception of one tenor), sumptuous production.

More than made up for the Medea fiasco last year.

McLoughlin · 22-10-2018 10:45am

The Green Pixie wrote: »

I saw Mercandante's Il Bravo in Wexford last night.
Vintage Wexford. A meaty opera, great singers (with the exception of one tenor), sumptuous production.

More than made up for the Medea fiasco last year.

Medea was a mess Fiona Shaw quickly did a runner once word got out.

Il Bravo I really enjoyed except for the modern day tourist scenes people going around taking selfies.

Looking forward to Dinner at Eight, I love those "live action" Hollywood esque Opera's such as Vanessa. Also La fanciulla del West.

westtip · 16-11-2018 3:51pm

I dropped a line to INO today about Aida, as I live up in Sligo I was asking them had they ever considered that one of the Saturday shows should be a matinee, they are doing two Saturday shows 24th November and December 1st with two shows on the Tuesday and Thursday inbetween these two saturdays. I fully understand why a show like Aida simply cannot be a touring show, but if you consider the NY Met fills the house for matinees with people who travel far and wide into NY for the shows, I know this because I have been to them and spoken to audience members in NY, Why can't INO set up this tradition of one show in each run being a Saturday matinee. With many of the audience (unfortunately true) being in their senior years, the travel pass gets them there for free and it means long distance travel home in the evening is not a 3.00 am arrival home. I reckon there would be a market for it, opera goers from around the country I think would travel to Dublin for a matinee on a saturday. Why not give it a go? If you think its a good idea drop INO a line. I really think it would work, they would pull in an audience from Belfast, Galway and Cork for this, not to mention Sligo, but I really think there is a theatre going audience to sell this too, the Abbey Theatre Saturday matinees are often the first to sell out.

westtip · 24-11-2018 2:18pm

Great to see our new National Opera Company that rose out of the ashes of Opera Theatre Company announce a full programme of events for 2019. Well done, opera in Ireland is moving forward.

http://www.irishnationalopera.ie/whats-on/current-upcoming-productions

The Green Pixie · 24-11-2018 5:39pm

westtip wrote: »

Well done, opera in Ireland is moving forward.

It is.

I thought their Figaro was fantastic. I wasn't so keen on the Tales of Hoffmann - the 'reduced ensemble' thing is usually unsuccessful, the piece had no impact at all, and I thought the guy who sang Hoffmann was pretty awful. It wasn't a great choice as it's a very difficult opera to pull off.
I'm going to Aida next week.

westtip · 26-11-2018 12:30pm

The Green Pixie wrote: »

It is.

I thought their Figaro was fantastic. I wasn't so keen on the Tales of Hoffmann - the 'reduced ensemble' thing is usually unsuccessful, the piece had no impact at all, and I thought the guy who sang Hoffmann was pretty awful. It wasn't a great choice as it's a very difficult opera to pull off.
I'm going to Aida next week.

GP I thought they nailed it with Hoffman as a touring production! Really got to the essence of the opera, Yes Figaro was very good. I am planning to go to Aida not got a ticket yet maybe tomorrow or thursday what night you going GP?

The Rape of Lucretia · 02-12-2018 10:39pm

The Nozze was decent and gave reason for hope. But it was well and truly dashed last night. You just cannot give an opera without soloists of some reasonable standard. The high priestess was fine. The messenger woeful to laughable, and the principals consistently poor. Aida herself, the least bad.
On the plus side though, and usually a weakpoint of opera in Ireland, the churus were good. Well played whoever was behind that element.

I was going to just write - INO will have to do better. They really have to get better soloists. But in fact, the almost full GCT loved it. So maybe they dont.

The Green Pixie · 03-12-2018 9:34am

Which night did you go? I was there on Thursday when there were two replacement singers, both Italian. Aida was Monica Zanettin and Radames was Stefano La Colla. Both were sensational, particularly the tenor. I agree that the messenger was laughably bad, but at least it's a very short role. Imelda Drumm (Amneris) has a good top register but her lower notes are inaudible and her acting was very hammy. Manfred Hemm was excellent as Ramfis. The orchestra and chorus were excellent.

The production was OK, even if it was a weird pastiche of traditional and modern. The director was ridiculously hyperactive - really needs to learn that there are parts in operas when you just have to let the audience sit back and listen. 'Ritorna vincitor' does not need randomers pushing trolleys backwards and forwards in the background.

The Rape of Lucretia · 03-12-2018 11:41pm

I was at Saturdays which I presume was the A-team (there were no changes announced).
Yes, extras wheeling around screens to no effect irked me too. It seems to be a 'thing' in Irish productions for some reason.

westtip · 11-12-2018 1:16pm

I missed Aida just couldn't do it logistically, never mind sounds like a mixed bunch. Re standing ovations, it has become an annoying habit of our audiences, it ceases to have meaning when it is becomes the norm.

The Green Pixie · 11-12-2018 3:02pm

westtip wrote: »

I missed Aida just couldn't do it logistically, never mind sounds like a mixed bunch. Re standing ovations, it has become an annoying habit of our audiences, it ceases to have meaning when it is becomes the norm.

Totally. It's got to the stage where a pianist gets a standing ovation for showing the ability to walk from the wings to the piano without tripping up like Norman Wisdom. Beyond ridiculous.

westtip · 16-12-2018 2:31am

That was a wonderful Traviata broadcast from the MET tonight into Cinemas, Diana Damrau is some superstar and as for Quinn Kelsey wow he is just getting better and better. Juan Diego I just love him!

westtip · 26-02-2019 3:29pm

If anyone is interested I have two spare tickets for Netrebko and Kaufmann in Forza at the ROH on Sunday March 24th. It is a matinee, my guess is doable back and forth in a day from Dublin, I can't go for logistical reasons, they arent th greatest seats about halfway up the Ampitheatre in Row H and not even together, it was a bunfight to get them, all the Kaufmann performances are sold out, and the few he is doing with Netrebko sold out in minutes.
Any takers let me know by PM. (they are £41 sterling each).

westtip · 31-03-2019 1:32am

Two great operatic experiences in Ireland this week, that truly wonderful new production of my least favourite Puccini opera, Madama Buttefly. Just love the production the accolades and good reviews are well deserved.

Number 2 was to once again see Live in HD that unbelievable Walkure from the Met. I reckon I have seen Walkure about 20 times in opera houses, but it truth this really must go down as the greatest production I personally have seen since the amazing Gotz Friedrich production of the Ring at the ROH in 1982, which happened to be my first ever full Ring Cylce - Even in though it was in the Cinema tonight it was difficult not to be completely blown away by that Wotan Farewell to Brunnhilde tonight, and seriously the staging of this Ring Cycle at the Met, is just mind blowing! As I say the best for me since all those years ago and many full Ring Cycles and one off Walkures since. Just mind blowing theatre!

The Green Pixie · 31-03-2019 12:25pm

I decided not to go to Butterfly when I saw that Julian Hubbard was singing Pinkerton. I saw him in Hoffmann and was very unimpressed.
But reading all the good reviews maybe I made a mistake.

westtip · 31-03-2019 8:43pm

The Green Pixie wrote: »

I decided not to go to Butterfly when I saw that Julian Hubbard was singing Pinkerton. I saw him in Hoffmann and was very unimpressed.
But reading all the good reviews maybe I made a mistake.

#

In truth he was the weakest link his voice is not big enough for the BGET.

The Rape of Lucretia · 31-03-2019 8:58pm

Good to know it was decent. Felt a bit guilty for not supporting, but just couldnt muster the energy for Butterfly. Least interesting of all Puccini's for me too.
Why it gets the popular support eludes me. Was at a Manon Lescaut a couple of weeks ago, and it really is fine music. Very rich, in the manner of Fanciulla del West or Suor Angelica. Boheme is his best all rounder and rightly pulls the wider crowds too. Tosca almost as good. Gianni Schicchi is a good farce - a short story that works, and spun out well. Turandot has fine music. Il Tabarro I find a little dull an monchrome.
Butterfly just seems to have reached a threshold of popular recognition. I will see it again some day, and give it a chance. But am in no hurry.

westtip · 03-04-2019 8:38am

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Butterfly just seems to have reached a threshold of popular recognition. I will see it again some day, and give it a chance. But am in no hurry.

Indeed one fine day maybe, RoL.
I agree with you about Butterfly though my least favourite nevertheless this was an enjoyable evening.

Moving on, did anyone else go to Forza broadcast from the ROH last night, these cinema nights are not like going to the opera, but are a good opportunity to check in on the big houses...mind you I'm going next week!

Outstanding cast. Netrebko is getting better, Kaufmann is more and more like Domingo at his peak in the 1980s, as for Ludovic Tezier (di Vargas) - wow and the same goes for Ferrucio Furlanetto (the Padre), can't wait to see it live, Monastryka is taking over the role of Leonora next week, massive voice will have no problems matching Netrebko!!

The Green Pixie · 07-04-2019 10:16pm

The INO Madama Butterfly is on the RTE player.

https://www.rte.ie/player/movie/madama-butterfly/97523752174

westtip · 27-05-2019 7:49pm

I have two tickets for Royal Opera House next Thursday June 6th for Andrea Chenier, in the front row of the Ampitheatre, they are £39 each if anyone is interested, Roberto Alagna is singing what’s more Dimitri Platinas is also in the cast – he is fantastic. It is a super production I saw it two years ago;
short notice, I want to shift them this week I will let them back to box office on Friday of this week, anyone interested PM me Thanks

The Green Pixie · 27-05-2019 8:23pm

On a different subject entirely, did anyone go to the INO Magic Flute? Impressions?

westtip · 30-05-2019 4:51pm

The Green Pixie wrote: »

On a different subject entirely, did anyone go to the INO Magic Flute? Impressions?

Went to the matinee last Thursday, quite enjoyed it, not brilliant but very acceptable standard for our national opera company, things are progessing well with INO.

westtip · 16-06-2019 7:42pm

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/arts/music/franco-zeffirelli.html?fbclid=IwAR3SpL252SJ2V7o---JWVbhHNIr9bCwcB00849Uyw0qQHTDOLRQKisKRZOI

What a Director, what a contribution to the global opera stage: Zeffirelli Rest in Peace.

davej · 19-06-2019 4:32pm

westtip wrote: »

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/15/arts/music/franco-zeffirelli.html?fbclid=IwAR3SpL252SJ2V7o---JWVbhHNIr9bCwcB00849Uyw0qQHTDOLRQKisKRZOI

What a Director, what a contribution to the global opera stage: Zeffirelli Rest in Peace.

His Desert Island Discs from 1978 is worth a listen

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009mz3n

davej

westtip · 09-10-2019 12:13pm

anyone go to the ROH Don Giovanni in cinemas last night, saw the production last year and it is growing on me, although felt the voices did not come across well int he first act - much better in second act and the production is well thought through on this second sighting of it.

SamSpade · 11-10-2019 2:42pm

I didn't see the screening, but I was over in London last weekend and saw a matinee at the ROH. I hadn't been very impressed with this production when I saw it first, but liked it much better this time. It moves at a good pace, unlike the older production which felt saggy. I'm still not loving the final scene, though. Call me old-fashioned, but I want to see the devils dragging him down to hell-fire!

The following night I went to Agrippina, also at the ROH. Joyce di Donato, who is probably my favourite singer today, was wonderful as always. The real revelation for me, though, was Lucy Crowe. I've heard her a few times before, but she shone as Poppea. She's really going from strength to strength. I last heard her as Tamina in the ENO's Magic Flute not long ago in what was probably the most satisfying production I'd ever heard of my favourite opera.

westtip · 11-10-2019 6:27pm

Yes I agree about this DG. It is a really challenging production, and has grown on me, I am not too fussed about seeing a traditional death of the Don. I thought it was well sung and brilliantly acted. Joyce di donato is simply the best around at Handel anyway, her concert in Dublin last year was spell binding, and I hope the same next May. Yes Agrippina was fabulous. Don't you just love that place (The ROH)!

SamSpade · 14-10-2019 3:44pm

Thanks for the tip, Westtipp. I hadn't realised she's coming here again next year. I missed her last time for some reason, but I've now booked my seat for next May.

Yes, I love the ROH, even more after the recent renovation. The public areas are now brighter and more welcoming. For a while, they had Maria Callas' costume, wig and props from Zefferelli's production of Tosca on display on the ground floor, but they've now been replaced. Fascinating to see, though. Tito Gobbi's costume was nearby.

Opera in Ireland - general discussion thread on all things opera in Ireland

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