How can any of us Fifty-Something Plus Types ever forget that incredible, epochal meeting in February 1972 when Nixon met Chairman Mao Zedong (modern [pinyin] Chinese for the formerly spelled Mao Tse Tung) in Beijing (used to be Peking), literally changing history from that episode foreward?
Prolific American composer, Pulitzer-Prize winning John Adams (born 1947, California-based) certainly [...]
Entries Tagged as 'Tom's Reviews'
Richard M. Nixon and Mao Zedong Dance at Smashing Long Beach Opera “Nixon in China” – March 20, 2010
March 21st, 2010
Tags: Tom's Reviews
Piotr Beczala, Ellie Dehn, Priti Gandhi Stunning in San Diego “La Boheme” – February 5, 2010
February 6th, 2010
Is there anyone out there in the world of opera who doesn’t adore Puccini’s super-popular “La Boheme”? Who doesn’t dab at tears at the end when Mimi dies in Rodolfo’s arms? This is opera verisma (opera in the Real World) at its absolute best! And how do you top Act II’s rollicking Cafe’ Momus Christmas Eve scene for sheer delight.
[Below: A Paris Christmas [...]
Tags: Tom's Reviews
Anthony Dean Griffey Wows San Diego In a Riveting “Peter Grimes” – April 24, 2009
May 12th, 2009
San Diego Opera had only presented Benjamin Britten’s ultimate masterpiece “Peter Grimes” in one previous season, 25 years ago. Its revival, again utilizing Carl Toms’ sets, returned for the 2009 Season, hugely enriched with American lyric tenor Anthony Dean Griffey. More than “starring” as Peter Grimes, Griffey dynamically personalized this gritty role, living it and [...]
Tags: Tom's Reviews