Five Things About Cincinnati Opera

Composer Greg Spears

I had a chance to experience new and gorgeous music last month in Cincinnati with two productions of Cincinnati Opera.

1. The soloists, orchestra, and sets of Die Fledermaus were stunning. Kudos to original tempos and phrasing from conductor David Abell. My only reservation was the weak translation to English - I would have preferred the original German.
2. Greg Spears' Fellow Travelers received an excellent world premiere from the company. It should have a long life, and certainly captures drama, passion, and quality.
3. Most striking was the set for Fellow Travelers, minimal (like the music) but highly original - it was moved and manipulated by the singers! Bravo to Stage Director Kevin Newbury and Scenic Designer Victoria (Vita) Tzykun.

Aronoff Center for the Arts • Jarson-Kaplan Theater

4. Aaron Blake and Joseph Lattanzi were delightful leads, very believable, likable, and musical! Big props to the versatile Vernon Hartman playing numerous roles and quick costume changes.
5. Fellow Travelers is a love story at its core. There is betrayal, paranoia, and discrimination. The opera stays loyal to the book, and certainly adds dimensions to the story and history.

More productions this summer include Puccini's Tosca. Don't miss any chance to see these incredible musicians.


More on new opera and Greg Spears will appear on What's New from WBAA Classical.