Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@uc_ccm concluded its Opera Series for the 2024-25 academic year with a gorgeous performance of Nico Muhly’s chamber opera Dark Sisters, a showcase for six of the finest sopranos of our generation.
Inspired by the events surrounding the most infamous raids on compounds controlled by the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints, Stephen Karem’s haunting libretto tells the story of the journey of self-discovery undergone by a young woman named Eliza as she attempts to escape an FLDS compound.
Performed tonight in a chamber version made by Nate Thatcher with two pianos and percussion conducted by Trevor Kroeger, its harrowing, emotional story was brought to life by an outstanding cast.
Mezzo-soprano Stella Fitzgerald as Presendia brought a resilient and strong timbre to her sound as she vied for the attention of the Prophet who leads the compound. Soprano Kristine Overman as Zina gave a wonderfully seductive and lyrical performance. Mezzo-soprano Lily Scalisi as Ruth was the most vulnerable of the six, with a luscious, creamy timbre to match the doubt and conflicts she experiences.
Baritone Seoyong Lee in the supporting role of the Prophet was commandingly creepy, with a zeal and conviction in his faith that might turn off even the most agnostic of believers, all matched with a powerful yet supple voice. Baritone Harrison Hancock as the television interviewer, given the name King, was also excellent, even if his role was decidedly smallest of the entire cast.
The highest praise, however, must go to three of the brightest lights of the evening. Soprano Natalie Romanick might be the definitive interpreter of the role of Eliza, with a sensationally vibrant and heartbreaking vocal timbre and stage presence that might reduce even first-time opera goers to tesrs. Soprano Olivia Knutsen as Almira possessed an equally spectacular voice, even if the personality of her character was built more on what has been put in her head by the Prophet than anything else. Mezzo-soprano Lea Nayak as Eliza’s daughter Lucinda brought vocal splendor and a youthful innocence to her role, loving her mother yet unshaken in what she wants for her future.
Bravi tutti!!