Classical Concert Reviews Cinci

@uc_ccm’s undergraduate Opera D’Arte program presented its winter 2026 semester production, a rare opportunity to hear L’Egisto by Francesco Cavalli (a direct contemporary of Claudio Monteverdi). Presented as part of the 2026 @cincy_early_music_festival, the performance was sensual and evocative, and fit the acoustics of CCM’s Cohen Family Studio Theater surprisingly well.
While not the most inventive opera plot wise, drawing on such points as love and its accompanying pleasures, pains, disappointments and triumphs, it does provide ample opportunities for rising singers to demonstrate their skill in this subset of classical music. Baritone Michael Temesi as Lidio was luxuriant, plush and well-rounded, as was soprano Sarah Springett as his love Cloti. Tenor Clark Xiong in the title role, while not having the strongest voice among the principal cast, he did possess a dynamic stage presence and personality that suit him quite well. Soprano Elaina Hill as Clemente was warmly delightful, with a strong, yet supple tone. Baritone Ethan Neal as Ipparco was the finest aspect of the performance, as his outstanding voice and engaging stage presence made his character one of the most engaging among the cast.
Tenor Alex Roessler as the polyamorous Dema and mezzo-soprano Natalie Marshall as Amor, while possessing lighter voices, brought a fun set set of humor to the show as they make light of the other characters’ struggles throughout the story and engage in matchmaking (with varying degrees of success) to push the story forward. Sopranos Savannah Weldon Ayan Jacob and Greta Fergus as the goddesses Beauty, Sensuality and Venus brought vivid color to their performances, even if some of it was interrupted by technical issues with the stage lighting which abruptly ended Act 1. Fine supporting performances were also turned in by baritone Noyí Soto-Anglade, soprano Sydney Horsn, and baritones Andrew Mullins and Ethan Maher (joined by Roessler), who all made wonderful use of their all too brief moments in the spotlight.
Looking forward to Opera D’Arte’s next offering in 2027. What a wonderful opportunity for undergraduate singers at such an amazing school like CCM to show off their craft.