Barbara Ciannella, piano soloist for the Gershwin, and Lois Hicks-Wozniak, alto saxophone soloist for the Demersseman, will both join us for the first time tomorrow evening. I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with both of these wonderful artists. We will also work on the Kalinnikov. As usual, please check the Rehearsal this Week page for the rehearsal schedule and timeframe.

I also want to comment on two remarkable performance experiences I had over this weekend.

The Rhinemaidens

On Saturday, I had the great fortunate to attend the opening performance of this year’s Ring cycle at the Metropolitan Opera, to see Das Rheingold. Up to this point in my life, I’d been a “Wagner Virgin,” and so this was a real thrill for me. I’d heard about the production and the incredible “planks” that create every scene in all four operas of the cycle, but until I saw it with my own eyes, I couldn’t really understand the concept. This advanced and very complex technical device generates every set and scene, and the slightest hitch could derail the performance completely. In fact, there was one glitch in the performance, and we saw a human hand reach up to pull the last 6 planks stage left back into place. The actors sing and move on top, beneath, across, and around the planks throughout the production. It’s simply amazing. And the voices and orchestra — well, the musicianship, power, and depth of the musicians and the timelessness of Wagner’s score in the hands of the Met left me breathless. If you haven’t discovered it, I suggest http://ringcycle.metoperafamily.org/ for photos, videos, and more, including recordings and a quiz to help you figure out your own leitmotiv.

Then today I went to see a 3D screening of Disney’s Oz, the Great and Powerful. (Yep, it was a fantasy-type weekend.) As a life-long lover of The Wizard of Oz, I thought this portrayal of the Wizard in this prequel was amazing. The special effects, especially in 3D, were mind-boggling. But I was most impressed with the story, and how it pulled all the details into focus for the setup of the book and movie that has entertained millions. I especially liked the quick reference to Annie, Oscar Digg’s lost fiance, who tells him about the counter-proposal of marriage from John Gale. Is it possible that she eventually becomes Dorothy’s mother?

Supernatural characters in opera and film — it was quite a weekend! If you’ve seen either of these productions, I’d love to hear your thoughts. See you tomorrow evening.