Question one:
Who would ever have though that Carlisle Floyd’s opera Susannah would play in Spain?
Question two:
How did three AVA alums wind up in this production?
Not quite sure how all three made it into the same American opera in Spain, but with sopranos Latonia Moore, Jessica Julin, and bass-baritone James Morris – who cares? With a cast like that it has to be amazing.
I posted a note to Jessica via Facebook and she responded with a photo and a note to all the AVA loves around the world. She writes, “Hola from Spain! Latonia Moore, James Morris and myself, are performing this American work in Bilbao, Spain, opening tomorrow (Saturday 10/17). It has been a tremendous experience - Latonia seems tailor made for this role (Susannah), and is extremely captivating in voice and presence. The composer, Carlisle Floyd, has been in attendance this week and has had a very hands-on approach with the performance. Mr. Morris returns to the role of Blitch, having portrayed the character many years ago with Mr. Floyd himself. The cast is multi-national and less made up of native English speakers, including singers from Italy, Spain, Denmark, Romania, Australia and Wales. Conducted by a major force in American music, John Mauceri, this is the original production from Lyric Opera of Chicago which then went to Houston Grand Opera as well as the Met. Also in attendance opening night will be our very dear friend, Philadelphian Sheila Kessler.”
I’m not sure I could have written that any better…
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