The Los Angeles Philharmonic under the leadership of conductor Gustavo Dudamel mounted a production of John Adams and Peter Sellers opera with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, six soloists and three dancers. This opera was introduce by the LA Phil last June. Due to a high number of skip outs at intermission, the authors rewrote, re staged and the entire group will be on the road to Europe next week to present it there. I would say there was about a 20% loss after the first act of 65 minutes. The rest of us remained until the end even though we felt a bit crucified ourselves. It was amazing in many ways. The narrators were countertenors - males singing in soprano voices. They sang through most of the two hours. Mary and Martha were also amazing as well as their brother Lazarus. The production took place on platforms in front of the orchestra which played with dimmed light. The Chorale were on a stage above and behind the orchestra...in street clothes with choreographed movements with their singing.
The Passion Play is moving, sad, and dreary. The acting and singing was great. The orchestra was wonderful with amazing percussion, piano, harp and others. John and Peter were there and took a bow. Let's see what the critics say. Below are picture I took from my perch of the orchestra and singers receiving their welling earned applause.
No comments:
Post a Comment