United Kingdom The Drifters Girl: Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, 8.11.2023. (JPr)
The Drifters Girl: flawed storytelling but wonderful musical performances of some timeless music
Jim Pritchard
R.I.P. BRITISH BASS-BARITONE KEEL WATSON (1964-2023)
Esteemed British bass-baritone Keel Watson has died at 59
In a statement, Steven Swales Artist Management said, ‘It is with enormous sadness that we announce the sudden death of Keel Watson. It was a huge privilege to work with him and call him a friend. Keel’s magnificent voice was admired by so many, as was his sharp wit and generosity as a performer. Only recently he completed acclaimed performances in genres as diverse as Wagner and Gilbert and Sullivan. We send our thoughts to his family and those who knew and loved him.’
CALLAS – PARIS, 1958 in cinemas soon should not be missed by opera lovers of whatever vintage
France CALLAS – PARIS, 1958: Maria Callas (soprano), featured soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Théâtre National de l’Opéra de Paris / Georges Sébastian (conductor). Filmed for ORTF by Roger Benamou on 19.12.1958 and released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 11 & 12.11.2023. (JPr)
Serebrennikov’s new Paris Opera Lohengrin is utterly compelling theatre despite confusing moments
France Wagner, Lohengrin: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of Opéra national de Paris / Alexander Soddy (conductor). Broadcast live (directed by Myriam Hoyer) from the Opéra Bastille, Paris, 24.10.2023 and available on medici.tv from 1.11.2023. (JPr)
Go see The Woman in Black on tour, though you may never sleep with the lights off again
United Kingdom The Woman in Black (adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill): Palace Theatre, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, 17.10.2023. (JPr)
Jakub Hrůša‘s ‘wonderful gift’ to Berlin: an outstanding account of Dvořák’s Stabat Mater
United Kingdom Dvořák: Corinne Winters (soprano), Marvic Monreal (mezzo-soprano), David Butt Philip (tenor), Matthew Rose (bass). Rundfunkchor Berlin (chorus director: Gijs Leenaars), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Jakub Hrůša (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 13.10.2023. (MB)
Verdi’s 210th birthday is celebrated in Parma with the aim of saving ‘Villa Verdi’
Italy Gala Verdiano: Eleonora Buratto (soprano), Clémentine Margaine (mezzo-soprano), Gregory Kunde (tenor), Michele Pertusi (bass), Coro del Teatro Regio di Parma (Chorus master: Martino Faggiani), Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini / Omer Meir Wellber (conductor). Broadcast live on OperaVision from Teatro Regio di Parma, 10.10.2023 and available until 10.4.2024. (JPr)
The sun shines on Nadine Sierra, Liparit Avetisyan and Ambrogio Maestri in the L’elisir d’amore revival
United Kingdom Donizetti, L’elisir d’amore: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House / Sesto Quatrini (conductor). Recorded live (directed by Rhodri Huw) at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 5.10.2023 and viewed at the Everyman Cinema, Chelmsford, Essex, 9.10.2023. (JPr)
