12/3, Wednesday, 3pm. Puget Sound Concert Opera's new production La Callas.
Today, artistic director Regina Thomas chatted with composer Clint Borzoni and librettist Elizabeth Coppinger.
It gave me a glimpse how an opera is made: from an idea to a collaboration.
They didn't know each other. This is Borzoni's 6th opera, despite of his age.
He emphasizes his traditional style and character's emotion.
Coppinger is a wealthy opera patron, with no music training.
After taking a libreto class at Seattle Opera, she started writing this one, her first ever.
Through introduction, they started this collaboration trial with just one aria.
It turns out that she didn't like it.
After a length explanation of her ideas, Borzoni rewrote that aria to the satisfaction of both. Thus the collaboration continues.
After this talk, I was keen on listening to this result.
She also talked about how she structure the story line, and why she wanted to pen the affair of Maria Callas and Aristotle Onassis in opera.
Thomas also pointed out that concert format of opera is what she can produce on a small budget, which needs a smaller venue, and can try new works. She also announced the next 2 performances in the plan for 2026.
Unexpectedly, (especially that this event was at 3pm), there was a nice reception when I arrived, including beer and wine. A pleasant surprise. Not too many people came for this event though. I've been to this venue a few times before (before the monthly art walks). It used to be mostly empty. Now, all the walls are adorned with paintings for sale. Quite nice.
12/5, 7pm the performance the "birthday gala" to celebrate Callas (born in December). Now I expected food, and there was almost none. But I enjoyed the concert.
The first half is the first act of La Callas, accompanied by a piano.
Somehow I didn't care for this opera, neither libreto, nor music. It was okay. None of the arias is melodic enough to be memorable.
I'm quite disappointed.
I very much enjoyed the 2nd half of today's show. The actors sang the arias that Callas sung before, with Thomas pointing out when and where
That's quite interesting, actually illustrated how talented Callas was.
These are well known tunes, some are complex (one quartet and one sextet) that showing off the capabilities of our singers. They are quite good.
Accompanied by piano, flute, violin and cello.
No supertitle for this half.- Vissi d'Arte -- Tosca
- Mira, O Norma -- Norma
- Libiamo -- La Traviata
- Chi mi frena in tal momento -- Lucia de Lammermoor
- Bella figlia del'amore -- Rigoletto
- Dei tuoi figli -- Medea
- My Child -- La Callas (act 2)
- O mio babbino caro -- Gianni Schicchi
- L'amour est un oiseau -- Carmen
During the intermission, there were some mediocre crackers. At the end, Proseco and cup cakes, red rose petals scattered on the table. Celebratory.
Almost full today. Both the composer and the libretist were in attendance.
