I have been in Leeds for the dress rehearsal last night of their new productuion of La clemenza di Tito which opens on Thursday evening. I hesitate to comment on a dress rehearsal - but this looks promising. And I was particularly struck by the charismaric Kathryn Rudge's performance of Annio. This represents a considerable leap forward for this young singer who is making considerable waves. She is already much watched here - I think that she should go far. Were I still in Chicago I would certainly have wished to introduce her to American audiences - but I am not!
I am delighted to see that Kathryn did a concert tour in the UK with our dear friend Noah Stewart - his two seasons at COT were inportant steps for him. I think that Kathryn's Annio for Opera North will prove an important step for her. She is a full hearted Liverpool girl - 1000% commitment. She also has an excellent website which gives some insights into her energetic personality.
Opera North have an excellent cast - Paul Nilon will be a formidable Tito. Henry Waddington actually made something of the tiresome Publio, and the Estonian Helen Lepalaan is a convincing Sesto. The fiery headed Vitellia was Annemarie Kremer who had a huge success in Opera North's Norma last season. And the delightful Fflur Wyn is an ideal Servilia.
I will see Tito again on Sunday in Toronto - the opening there of the 2009 COT production by Christopher Alden.
I return to London this afternoon.
Hello from your intrepid subscribers and friends from the Chicago Opera Theater audience, Rick and Louie. We are going to miss having a glass of wine with you during one of the intermissions in Toronto this weekend. Our subscription performances will be in a couple of weeks. Reports are that the Tristan is exceptional. And I remember a COT production of Tito that finally convinced me that this was a very good Mozart opera.
We will make up for being a couple of weeks behind the times in Toronto by heading up to St. Paul for a Minnesota Opera performance in the premiere run of "Doubt." The cast has Christine Brewer, Denyce Graves, and another wonderful singer in Mathew Worth. I am enjoying your adventures immensely. It is a must read blog every day.
Our paths will cross. Rick Boyum
Posted by: Richard Boyum | January 31, 2013 at 02:50 AM
Oh that is so nice Rick. Sorry to miss you there though.You will read my thoughts!! BD
Posted by: BD | January 31, 2013 at 10:19 AM