Arts Conversations

The Virginia’s Opera’s final production of the season, Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” lived up to it rollicking reputation, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge

For its final production of the season, Virginia Opera turns to the rollicking Gilbert and Sullivan operetta “The Mikado.” On just about anyone’s little list of lighthearted musical favorites, this work stands near the top. Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, Dr. Glenn Winters, gives us many reasons why this is so.

Joann Falletta and the Virginia Symphony presented a rich, romantic program for their April Classics concerts. A powerful performance of the Prokofiev Fifth Symphony was complemented by the Grieg Piano Concerto with an exciting new young talent – Natasha Paremski – as soloist. M.D. Ridge reports.

The historic Wells Theater welcomed an American classic back to its stage – ArThu,r Miller’s “Death of a Salesman.” The production captured the dreams and disillusions that have made this play relevant for half a century, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.

Music is as much a part of Valentine’s Day as are flowers and candy. The Virginia Chorale proved that premise once again with a well-Sun,g program of romantic choruses, both familiar and unfamiliar. Our critic, M.D. Ridge, was at the concert and offers these comments.

The Virginia Symphony, led by Assistant Conductor Benjamin Rouse, brightened the short, dark days of February with an concert of classical and romantic fare featuring one of their own, Principal Second Violinist SiMon, Lapointe. M.D. Ridge has this review.

The St. Olaf Choir, from Northfield Minnesota, is the pioneer a cappella choir in the United States. For nearly a century, the choir has set a standard of choral excellence and remained at the forefront of choral artistry. Their performance at the Ferguson Center in Newport News was everything a lover of choral music could have asked for, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.

The three virtuoso Russian musicians known as Trio Voronesz have been enchanting audiences for several years with engaging concerts of music ranging from tradition Russian folksongs to tangos and rags. Their appearance at the American Theater left the audience, including our critic, M.D. Ridge, on the feet and smiling broadly.

Virginia opera moved boldly into contemporary opera with its production of “Orphee” by Philip Glass. The imaginative staging and fine singing told the ancient story using a 20th century libretto set to appropriately dramatic and passionate music by one of this country’s most important composers.

Virginia Stage Company’s production of “Black Pearl Sings” is replete with old spirituals and folk songs, beautifully performed within the context of a story of relationships and freedom.

For it second production of its inaugural season, Lyric Opera Virginia presented Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “The King and I.” Dwight Davis spoke with the directors and lead singers of the show.

Ballet is usually not usually though of intentionally hilarious, but the “Trocks,” as their fans call them, are. And the more one knows about serious dance, the funnier this all-male troupe is. Their return engagement at the American Theater in Hampton did not disappoint, according to our critic-at-large.

The Virginia Symphony and Joann Falletta welcomed violin virtuoso Gil Shaham for a concert of American music in January. Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and Barber’s Violin Concerto, a specialty of Mr. Shaham’s, were performed. Our reviewer, M. D. Ridge, comments on the concert.

Virginia Opera’s third offering of the season is a fascinating re-telling of the legend of Orpheus, with the libretto from the screenplay of Jean Cocteau’s film and music by contemporary composer Philip Glass. Dr. Glenn Winters, Virginia Opera’s Community Outreach Musical Director, previews Glass’s opera “Orphee,” deMon,strating how the music is perfectly matched to the story.

For its second outing, the new Lyric Opera Virginia presented a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, “The King and I.” The production boasted outstanding performers, staging and direction, according to our critic.

Another View’s host Barbara Hamm Lee intervieWed, the Muscarelle Museum’s John T Spike and director Aaron De Groft regarding the Seeing Colors: Secrets of the Impressionists exhibit.

For its performances of Handel’s “Messiah” this season, the Virginia Symphony invited Robert Franz to conduct. He is currently Music Director of the Boise PhilharMon,ic and Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony. He spoke with Dwight Davis about his approach to Handel’s masterpiece.

Rene’s Feret’s costume drama about Mozart’s talented older sister, Nanerl, comes to the Naro Explanded Cinema in Norfolk. Our critic, M.D. Ridge, offers her impressions of this French film which examines life and musical talent in pre-revolutionary France.

As it has for years, Virginia Stage Company, brings to life on the stage of the Wells Theater “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. This season’s Production has much to recommend it, according to our critic, M.D. Ridge.

Virginia Opera’s second production of the season is a beloved favorite in a new setting. Humperdinck’s “Hansel and Gretel” is updated and transplanted, but still retains its charm and features a fine young cast. Our reviewer, M.D. Ridge, explains.