SARASOTA, FL – A Riveting Revival: Sarasota Opera’s Masterful Production of Verdi’s “Stiffelio”

I attended the Sarasota Opera’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Stiffelio” this past weekend which was truly a memorable experience. The opera, which delves into themes of faith, forgiveness, and marital fidelity, was brought to life by a stellar cast. However, first a synopsis of Stiffelio….

A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife’s infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife’s transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi.

Tenor Victor Starsky delivered a powerful performance in the title role of Stiffelio, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil with depth and nuance. Soprano Aviva Fortunata portrayed Lina, Stiffelio’s wife, with remarkable sensitivity and vocal prowess, conveying the complexities of her character’s inner conflict. Baritone Ricardo José Rivera embodied Count Stankar, Lina’s father, with commanding presence and rich vocal tones. Bass Young Bok Kim lent gravitas to the role of Jorg, providing a solid foundation to the ensemble.

The production was masterfully conducted by Victor DeRenzi, whose deep understanding of Verdi’s work was evident throughout the performance. Stage director Stephanie Sundine’s insightful direction allowed the narrative to unfold seamlessly, while the set design by Steven C. Kemp and lighting design by Ken Yunker created an immersive atmosphere that enhanced the storytelling. The costumes, designed by Howard Tsvi Kaplan, were both authentic and visually stunning, adding to the overall impact of the production.

Experiencing “Stiffelio” Verdi’s lesser-known masterpiece, made all the more memorable by the exceptional talents of the cast and creative team. Truly my favorite so far!!!

The children and I throughly enjoyed Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” at the Metropolitan Opera House. It was a transcendent journey into a realm where music, art, and storytelling coalesce in perfect harmony. This production, under the visionary direction of Julie Taymor, celebrated its 20th anniversary, reaffirming its status as a cherished holiday tradition.

Taymor’s imaginative staging transformed the opera into a visual spectacle, with whimsical puppetry and vibrant costumes that captivated audiences of all ages. The set designs, reminiscent of an advanced intergalactic civilization, added a surreal dimension to the narrative, making the experience both enchanting and otherworldly.

The cast’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary. Soprano Kathryn Lewek, reprising her role as the Queen of the Night, delivered her arias with precision and emotional depth, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest interpreters of this role. Tenor Piotr Buszewski portrayed Tamino with earnestness and vocal clarity, capturing the prince’s noble quest with sincerity. Soprano Janai Brugger’s Pamina was both touching and resilient, her performance resonating deeply with the audience. Baritone Rolando Villazón’s Papageno added a delightful comedic touch, his timing and expressiveness bringing levity to the narrative.

Conductor Nimrod David Pfeffer led the orchestra with vigor, ensuring that Mozart’s intricate score was both lively and nuanced. The synergy between the musicians and the vocalists resulted in a cohesive and immersive experience that left the audience spellbound.

This production of “The Magic Flute” not only showcased the timeless beauty of Mozart’s composition but also highlighted the Metropolitan Opera’s commitment to making opera accessible and enchanting for all.

Synopsis: In one of the greatest operas ever written, the dashing prince Tamino is on a quest to find love and happiness. With the bird-catcher Papageno at his side and armed with a magic flute, he must battle trials, tribulations and an evil sorcerer to rescue the imprisoned Pamina.

SARASOTA, FL – An Evening of Elegance: Michelle-Marie Heinemann and Janelle Miller Attend Sarasota Opera’s Exclusive Wine Dinner

Socialite and Philanthropist Michelle-Marie Heinemann of New York City and 4th generation Janelle Miller of Sarasota attended the private wine dinner hosted by the Sarasota Opera at Michael’s Wine Cellar. The evening was hosted by Hak Soo Kim, renowned for his performances at the Sarasota Opera and this season he stars in The Barber of Seville in the role of Count Almaviva. In addition he is a certified sommelier and was the head sommelier at James Beard Award winner Thomas Keller’s restaurant Per Se. The extraordinary wine dinner featured wines selected wines Mr. Kim paired with a sumptuous 4-course dinner prepared by Michael’s on East under the direction of Executive Chef Jamil Pineda.

Ms. Heinemann is both a donor and classically trained pianist. “Supporting the community through art and music is a great passion of mine.” said Ms. Heinemann who has recently moved to the area in support of her two children that attend the prestigious IMG Academy.