Season 2009-2010

G. Bizet Carmen.

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“As Carmen, mezzo-soprano MyeongSook Park turned in a fine, saucy performance with a sultry voice and demeanor that breathed new life into her already lively character. As Don José, the hapless corporal who’s Carmen’s latest target of opportunity, Hansu Kim’s mature, fully developed tenor voice provided just the right counterpoint to his feisty love interest... Baritone Robert Burner’s swaggering toreador, Escamillo, radiated alpha-male authority and sexual maturity with his strong, self-assured, and well-supported voice. And as Micaëla, the opera’s “good girl” and Jose’s discarded fiancée, soprano Angela Marchese nearly stole the show with sweet, mature, beautifully nuanced performance...”      By Terry Ponick, Washington Times (read a complete review).

“Carmen is in the house. And thanks to the Bel Cantanti Opera, the gypsy woman is still crimson and kind of cool. Sure, she loves 'em and leaves 'em, and has a penchant for slicing and dicing any broad who gets in her way. But when she starts singing, all is forgotten — or at least forgiven..."      Karen Schafer, Gazette

F. Handel Giulio Cesare

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"... As Cesare, countertenor Nicholas Tamagna handled his complex runs and vocal ornaments fluently through all eight of his arias. Soprano Bridgid Eversole was his equal as Cleopatra, with eight arias of her own -- beautifully playing the coquette, the manipulator and the tragic heroine. The Mozartean duet in which she realizes that she actually loves Cesare was wonderfully intertwined..."      By Mark J. Estren, Washington Post. (read complete review)

"...Bel Cantanti is highlighting a young American countertenor as Cesare, Nicholas Tamagna, who looks to be one of the most remarkable performers in his vocal range to emerge over the last few decades... There's nothing in this difficult role (Cleopatra), including lovely sustained soft tones, easy fioritura and a liquid trill, that Bridgid Eversole couldn't manage...Francesca Aguado's (Sesto) mezzo sound is very solid...there is something in the tone color and the excellent support, which suggests that a larger career may be in the offing..."     By Richard Garmise, Opera Britannia. (read complete review)

Giulio Cesare: Nicholas Tamagna, Cleopatra: Bridgid Eversole, Tolomeo: Biraj Barkakaty, Cornelia: Anamer Castrello, Sesto: Tammy Coil, Francesca Aguado, Achilla: Eric Black, Nireno: Sean Pflueger, Curio: Charles Hyland.

Stage Director: Deborah Niezgoda, Costume Designer: Kathleen McGhee, Artistic Director, Producer: Katerina Souvorova