Opera Calendar


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Published: Sep 10, 2008

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Oreste A. Giargiari and Son Bel Canto Competition

An annual favorite, featuring the always remarkable young singers of the Academy of Vocal Arts. A parade of soloists belt out arias from the early 19th century, and everyone gets a vote.

Oct. 2, Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St., 215-735-1685, avaopera.org.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Fidelio

Beethoven tinkered with his only opera for nine torturous years. Although it lags in popularity in the opera world behind the big Italian numbers, Fidelio is a great work of art in a league with the composer's Ninth Symphony, Missa Solemnis and late chamber music as a paean to the potential of humanity. This new Opera Company of Philadelphia production promises to be a bold one, featuring a modernistic design from renowned artist Jun Kaneko and an excellent cast.

Oct. 10-24, Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St., 215-893-1018, operaphilly.com.

Gaetano Donizetti's Anna Bolena

This Donizetti tragedy was rescued from obscurity in the second half of the 20th century as a vehicle for star sopranos, notably Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland. Big shoes to fill, but count on the AVA kids for vocal fireworks.

Nov. 8-22, Helen Corning Warden Theater, 1920 Spruce St., 215-735-1685, avaopera.org.

Giacomo Rossini's The Italian Girl in Algiers

This early work of Rossini (he was 21 when it was finished) typifies his subsequent catalog: A paper-thin farce is set afire by sheer musical and theatrical genius. OCP's fine cast includes the delightful Kevin Glavin, one of the finest buffa singers around. This charming, high-speed concoction is a terrific introduction for opera newbies.

Nov. 14-23, Academy of Music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Don Giovanni

What more is there to say about this great masterpiece? Perhaps this: Don Giovanni, much more so than most Italian opera, is a work of theater as much as a work of music. Given the superb theatricality of last season's Marriage of Figaro from the Curtis Opera Theatre forces, the same emphasis should be given to this production. Another interesting aspect of Don Giovanni, which is generally considered an intensely dark work, is that, by Mozart's own description, it's a comedy (opera buffa). Mozart understood, in his supernal vision, that comedy and tragedy are two sides of the same coin.

Nov. 20-23, Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. 215-893-7902, curtis.edu.

Giacomo Puccini's La Boheme

Temple Opera can usually be counted on for bold productions of unusual musical theater. And while La Boheme isn't quite unusual — it's the most popular of operas across the globe — Temple productions are often the most colorful and theatrically compelling in town. We'll expect no less for this creaky, beloved tale of starving artists in old Paris.

Nov. 21 and 23, Tomlinson Theater, 1301 W. Norris St., 800-298-4200, temple.edu/boyer.