We love Bellini
[One more post, and then I’m going to bed. Must…keep…reasonable…hours…]
The Opera Company of Philadelphia just announced its ’07-’08 season, and I did a little happy dance when I saw that they’re doing Bellini’s Norma in the spring. I’ll certainly go see Rigoletto in October, and maybe the other two as well (Hansel and Gretel and a new operatic adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac), but it was Norma that made my day.
Incidentally, someday I want to host a dinner party at which the menu includes spaghetti alla Norma and after-dinner Bellinis, and everyone can debate the merits of Callas and Stignani (or Callas and Ludwig) vs. Sutherland and Horne. Or would that be a bit much?
I don’t think it would be a bit much at all!
And I’ve got I Puritani to look forward to next year…
Yes, yes, yes to Norma. I saw my first Norma in Philly. And next week I get to see Boheme in Knoxville. I have seen it too many times to count, but. . . I’m getting to see it with two young people for whom it will be a first. That makes it way more wonderful, don’t you think?
It sounds like your next season’s schedule is a good one. I’ve heard good things about the Cyrano thing, though I have no personal info. Your opera dinner party will be a success!!!! How could you go wrong.
Your dinner idea sounds great. Nothing excessive about it, at least not to the opera crazed.
I think the problem would be assembling enough people that not only like Norma, but that would be able to make your Callas vs. Sutherland discussion. So good luck with that part.
Yeah, that’s why I thought it might be a bit much. Really, I think I just want the opportunity to play some recordings and make the spaghetti alla Norma. (Eggplant + ricotta salata + tomatoes = foolproof excellence.)
And I want to hear all about I Puritani when you go!