Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@cincinnatiopera opened its 2024 summer season with gorgeous production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which takes a very lighthearted direction in telling the story of Don Juan. First performed at the Estates Theater in Prague in 1787, the opera tells of a vainglorious nobleman who seduces any woman he meets and his interactions with five other characters. Baritone Elliot Madore (@elliotmadore) oozed charm, wit and grace in his performance the title role, with a plush and lusciously expressive timbre to match.
Soprano Jessica Fasslt (@jfaselt) as Donna Anna possessed a strong, inwardly vulnerable stage presence and a hefty, dramatic voice which made this role fit for her like a glove. Soprano Jessica Rivera as the vengeful Donna Elvira was equally commanding, even if her voice initially did not seem quite as strong. It gradually became more florid and supple as the evening went on.
Baritone Christian Pursell (@cppursell) as Leporello called to mind the great Canadian baritone Gerald Finley in the nuance and dramatic intelligence he brought to the role and warm, golden-hued voice. Soprano Erin Keesy (@erinkeesy), making her Cincinnati Opera mainstage debut as Zerlina was the definition of elegance and grace, with a wonderfully relaxed air to her voice both in solo and ensemble moments and throughout extended recitatives. Tenor Aaron Blake (@tenorblake) as Don Ottavio possessed a voice of ringing clarity and exquisitely rich beauty and an almost youthful innocence. Great performances also came in smaller roles from baritone Joseph Parrish (@josephparrishh) as Masetto, bass Patrick Guetti (@patrick.guetti) as the Commendatore and members of the Cincinnati Opera Chorus and Cincinnati Ballet (@cincinnatiballet).
@cincysymphony once again provided outstanding accompaniment under the leadership (from the harpsichord) of guest conductor Dame Jane Glover, making a welcome return appearance to the Queen City. Their playing was elegant and graceful without losing the sense of joy and power that comes with any performance of Mozart’s music.
Eagerly looking forward to Verdi’s La Traviata at the end of June.