Page 17 - PGA Community News - May '24

May 2024 May 2024 PGA C.A.N.!, Page 17
Rex Recommends

By Rex Hearn Bellini died young at 34. But his close friendship with Rossini fine “Pollione.” Nicolas
Palm Beach Opera’s saw to it he would be remembered. He died in Paris in 1835, Teste, bass baritone, was
Norma which I heard on April miles away from his beloved home, Catania in Sicily. Three a brilliant “Oroveso”
7, had great voices singing of his operas remain in the repertory today: La Sonambula, I in a commanding and
Bellini’s music. Soprano Puritani and Norma. memorable performance.
Angela Meade, perhaps the Conductor Carlo Montenaro kept the 85-member pit He kept the action lively
leading, living interpreter of orchestra nicely nuanced and light. A work of this nature does and sang with ringing
this most demanding 19th not need such massive forces, 36 players would be sufficient. steely tones; we will hear
century Bel Canto role was Director Keturah Stickann moved people around expertly, I more of him, I hope.
in fine form. Moving from counted at least 50 supernumeraries on stage. Their comings Maria Vasilevskaya’s “Clothilde” was very good and
softer passages to dramatic and goings were seamless drills worthy of a guards regiment. Devin Eatmon’s “Flavio” was perfection. Alas the English
crescendos with absolute Chorus Master Gregory Ritchey trained his members supertitles were dated and needed revision. Hair and wig
command, she kept the audience spellbound as “Norma.” so well they delivered some brilliant work. Intelligent in design by Anika Seitu needed no improvement.
A last-minute substitute for the ailing Jessica Pratt, Meade their approach, often key and central to the action around Ali Pohanka’s makeup designs were also good. John
did not disappoint as the High Priestess. Bellini became the them. Bravo chorus. Conklin’s set designs were desultory. Lighting design by
premier exponent of Bel Canto, singing on the breath using the Ashley Dixon’s “Adalgisa” was superb, her soaring Mary Shabatura was adequate. A full house treated the
diaphragm to its maximum. Along with contemporaries Verdi, soprano equal to that of Meade’s “Norma.” Dixon is artists to a standing ovation at the end. The 2025 season
Donizetti and Rossini they were the leading composers of 19th surely one to watch, the next Renee Fleming, one would includes Romeo & Juliet, La Traviata and The Marriage
century Romantic Italian operas. Writing just seven operas, guess. Tenor Paolo Fanale, making his debut, was a of Figaro. Support the arts!

Lighthouse ArtCenter’s Plein Air from page 16

Bill Farnsworth in second place for From Both
Sides Now, awarded $1,500, and Marc Anderson
secured third place with Beach Babes, receiving
$500. Additionally, several artists received
honorable mentions, including Stephen Wysocki
for Beyond the Animal State, Neil Hughes for
Dragon Lady, Richard Sneary for House on the
Midden, Tim Kelly for Om Borneo and Manon Cory Wright and Oneal Bardin Jane O’Neill and Peter O’Neill Jeff Hoops and Glenda Hoops Sue Manzi and Tom Mani
Sander for Golden Hour, each earning $200.
The artists’ choice accolade was bestowed upon
Richard Sneary, highlighting the exceptional
talent showcased during the festival.
The festivalʼs conclusion on Saturday, March
9, featured a thrilling Battle of the Brushes live
painting event and a small works sale, rounding
off a week of artistic excellence and community
engagement.
For more information about Lighthouse
ArtCenter’s exhibitions and events, please visit Dennis Del Mauro and Rachel Kandyce Meierling and Ken Alison Kapneck and Ellen Laura Nicklas and Carlos
lighthousearts.org. Del Mauro Meierling Lemoine Fernandez

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