On the evening of Friday, October 28th, The Columbus Citizens Foundation located at 8 East 69th Street was the venue for Opera Night Live! hosted by Stephen De Maio with a special presentation by Lou Barrella. These fabulous evenings were begun by the late Dr. Frank Celenzia. The torch has been passed to Stephen De Maio, Gerda Lissner President, who has brilliantly hosted these special evenings of opera dinners for the last several years.
Steve De Maio, Matthew Ciufitelli, Maria Natale Mary Pinto & Fanyong Du Photo by Judy Pantano
At the concert were three young promising singers: Maria Natale soprano, Fanyong Du tenor and Matthew Ciufitelli baritone, all accompanied by talented pianist and vocal coach Mary Pinto.
Mr. Ciufitelli was recently featured in The NY Post because he was hired by Mick Jagger to be a temporary “back up” singer. Ciufitelli sang “Bella Siccome un Angelo” from Don Pasquale by Donizetti with a mellow and expressive baritone that easily negotiated the Bel Canto style of florid and heartfelt singing.
Soprano Maria Natale, fresh with California sunshine, in a stunning red dress, sang “Ah, fors e lui” and Sempre libera from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. Ms. Natale is the possessor of a radiant soprano voice and sailed through the pyrotechnics of this showpiece aria nailing the high note with dazzling ease!
Fanyong Du tenor, was a promising ice skater in China. He was told to switch careers and sing after a judge chanced to hear him. This evening Mr. Du sang “Je crois entendre” from Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers. A voice lyric but penetrating with a silvery quality, beautiful legato and fine breath control. His tapered notes were magical.
The operatic portion over, Mr. De Maio requested “lighter” fare. Matthew Ciufitelli and Maria Natale sang a touching “If I loved you” from Rogers and Hammerstein’s Carousel and the charming and witty “Watch song” from Johann Strauss Die Fledermaus with Ciufitelli beguiling the Hungarian princess with his wrist watch.
Ken Benson & Philip Hagemann. Photo by Judy Pantano
Fonyong Du joined the merriment in a sprightly “Shall We Dance” from Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I with Maria Natale and they danced and sang enchantingly. (No ice skating) Mr. Du did one more encore, a thrilling “A te o Cara” from Bellini’s I Puritani with a stunning high D. His voice brilliantly caressing this Bellini Bel Canto masterpiece, infusing it with gorgeous diminuendos and ravishing beauty.
Steve De Maio introduced famed Brooklyn born soprano Elaine Malbin and opera manager Ken Benson also from Brooklyn sitting next to Barbara Ann Testa, soprano and judge from the Gerda Lissner Foundation. Cavaliere Edward Jackson poet and scholar, photographer Anita Sanseverino and pianist Alba Mazza both well known to the Brooklyn cultural community were part of a captivated audience.
Barbara Ann Testa, Elaine Malbin & Nino Pantano. Photo by Judy Pantano
General Manager John Boden prepared a sumptuous repast of Ravioli pomodoro and basil, Osso Buco with risotto (or Filet of sole) with excellent wines to compliment the evening.
A special video presentation was given by educator/lecturer Lou Barrella born and raised in Brooklyn. Mr. Barrella gave brief presentations honoring former Met tenor Giulio Gari, famous worldwide Met soprano Elinor Ross and soprano Teresa Apolei. All three (Includng Gloria Gari) are judges for the various opera auditions. Despite a cold, Lou Barrella gave a very well documented tribute.
The renowned tenor Giulio Gari (1909-1994) sang at New York City Opera from 1945-1953 and at the Metropolitan Opera from 1953 -1961. His pure powerful tenor and personality made him a favorite of critics and audience alike. His many vocal students adored him. Mr. Barrella showed rare video of Gari singing with soprano Lucia Evangelista in La Traviata. His video of “Celeste Aida” showed a tenor voice radiant and in its prime. Giulio Gari’s widow Gloria and a group from the Giulio Gari Foundation were present for this tribute. Gari was also a beloved vocal coach and the Giulio Gari Foundation headed by his widow Gloria continues his goals to assist young and promising opera singers in their careers. Steve De Maio is Artistic Adviser to the Giulio Gari Foundation.
Gloria Gari, Elinor Ross, Teresa Apolei & Lou Barrella. Photo by Ross Lewis
Next was the legendary Elinor Ross, from Tampa, Florida who had both a brilliant career in Europe and in the United States. Her dramatic soprano made her a great Norma, Aida, Leonora, Turandot and Tosca. Clips were shown of Elinor Ross with Mario Del Monaco in Norma. We heard her magical Pace, pace, from La Forza Del Destino and others. When Elinor Ross replaced an indisposed Birgit Nilsson as the Empress in Turandot at the Met, (1970-1979) the ovations were ecstatic! Then in an interview, Ms. Ross told how one morning she woke up with her face half paralyzed from bell’s palsy. Suddenly her career ended. Years later (1996) at a Giulio Gari Gala, she performed again singing a brilliant “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess – a heroic, one time emergence. Ms. Ross, looking radiant, acknowledged the applause with her proud son illustrator designer Ross Lewis looking on.
The third honoree was the celebrated lyrico-spinto soprano from New Jersey, Teresa Apolei. Ms. Apolei is an American soprano who returned to our shores after a 15 year career in Italy and Central America in all the major opera houses. Ms. Apolei sang Santuzza (250 performances) in Cavalleria Rusticana and appeared in it with the great Brooklyn born tenor Richard Tucker in Philadelphia and also in Aida to Tucker’s Radames. Ms. Apolei recalled a Tosca so intense that she actually cut through Scarpia’s outfit in the stabbing scene. In Europe, she sang with opera tenor legends Ferruccio Tagliavini, Beniamino Gigli, Mario del Monaco and baritone Gino Bechi. She credited her parents and public school teachers for her illustrious career.
Mr. Barrella then presented each honoree, Gloria Gari, Elinor Ross and and Teresa Apolei with a special bouquet to resounding applause.
After that, we had desserts consisting of Italian cheesecake, cookies and fruit. It was a joy to chat with the singers and get the pulse of their studies, accomplishments and aspirations. It was nice to see Murray Rosenthal treasurer of Opera Index, composer Philip Hagemann Vice President and Tamie Laurance and Joyce Greenberg from the Giulio Gari Foundation.
We thank Steve De Maio, Lou Barrella and Anthony Carrera from The Board of Directors of the Columbus Citizens Foundation and General Manager John Boden and the singers for sharing their prodigious talent. It was an unforgettable evening of food and song. It provided us with the visceral thrill of hearing and seeing these talented performers on the cusp of a very bright future!
L-R Sachi Liebergesell, Joseph & Maria Gimma Denise Goben & tenor Ricardo Tamura. Photo by Judy Pantano
On the afternoon of Sunday, October 23rd, The Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation celebrated its 42nd anniversary with a concert at Rose Hall in the Time Warner Building and presented its awardees.This annual event is looked forward to with great anticipation by opera lovers and has grown into a “must be there” event. The legendary soprano Licia Albanese (1909-2014) gave it life and led the “Star Spangled Banner” until her 104th year.
Sachi Liebergesell, President and Brian O’Connor Esq., Vice President of the foundation, made the opening remarks. Ms. Liebergesell was honored for her eight years at the helm and given one of Mme. Albanese’s Madame Butterfly costumes as a special surprise gift.The stage had the kimono on display as well as portraits of the late patrons Helen LaSala and famed restaurateurs Francesco and Mary (Anzalone) Giambelli who was born in Brooklyn. A poster showing film star Marta Eggerth was also on display. Stephen De Maio, Administrative and Artistic Director was truly “monarch of all he surveyed.”
Nino Pantano, Stephen De Maio & Eva De La O. Photo by Judy Pantano
Past winners who have achieved success at the Metropolitan Opera (Met) and world stages were presented with distinguished achievement awards. First was to acclaimed tenor Bryan Hymel, who spoke of Licia Albanese’s impact on his career, soprano Ailyn Perez who sang a haunting “Lumille Ancella” from Adriana Lecouvreur, soprano Nadine Sierra who captivated us with an ethereal and enchanting “O Mio Babbino Caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Mariana Zvetkova who thrilled us with “Keim liche Aufforderung” by Richard Strauss.The lifetime achievement award was presented to soprano Lauren Flanigan whose roles with the New York City Opera (NYCO) and the Met were riveting. Ms. Flanigan enthralled us with a bloodcurdling “La luce langue” from Verdi’s Macbeth!
Soprano Lauren Flanigan, Brian Kellow. Photo by Judy Pantano
Met tenor Ricardo Tamura who flew in from Germany for this occasion with his charming wife Dagmar, told the audience how Licia Albanese heard him sing when he was ready for a career as a scientist. She encouraged him to go all out for a singing career instead. Despite a cold, he had to attend this special event to honor Licia Albanese. Tamura then sang a brilliant “E lucevan le stelle” from Puccini’s Tosca with sublime fortissimos and breathtaking diminuendos and received an ovation.
Our special host for the gala was the erudite Brian Kellow, who wrote a beautiful obituary for soprano Patrice Munsel in the November issue of Opera News. Ms. Munsel preceded Brian as the lively host for the Albanese-Puccini galas.
Marjan & Jane Kiepura. Photo by Judy Pantano
With the pianistic wizardry of Arlene Shrut and Jonathan Kelly accompanying the singers, the program began.
Kidon Choi used his mellifluous baritone in “O, Mariya, Mariya” from Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa. His vibrant, resonant baritone captured the Russian melancholy to the core, from beautiful top to burnished bottom.
Maria Natale’s soaring and lovely soprano and Alexander McKissick’s sturdy tenor transformed us to that garret in Paris in “O soave fanciulla” from Puccini’s La Boheme with soprano sparkle and tenorial triumph. Their final high notes took us “into the rare” on a stairway to paradise. Ah! young love!
Mozart’s Don Giovanni was next with the duet “La ci darem la mano” sung by Mia Pafumi and Pawel Konik. Ms. Pafumi’s caressing soprano and Mr. Konik’s beguiling basso made for a saucy and savory blend.
“Eri tu” from Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera was sung with smooth legato and strong pathos by baritone Norman Garrett. His finale was ardent and touching and in the Verdi baritone manner.
“Je crois entendre encore” from Bizet’s The Pearl Fishers was splendidly sung by Fanyong Du whose dulcet penetrating tenor evoked the style of Nicolai Gedda. Enrico Caruso’s haunting version of this aria was used on the sound track for Woody Allen’s film Match Point.
More exotic fare followed with the popular duet “Sous le dome epais” from Delibe’s Lakme. Soprano Amber Daniel and mezzo Samantha Hankey blended as one, their voices rising and falling and fading from the ear as if produced by a golden harp.
Top Left: Cesare Santaramo, Michael Lahr & Joseph Gimma Bottom Left: Joseph Gasperec, Gregorij von Leitis, Dr. Robert Campbell & Lewis B. Cullen. Photo by Judy Pantano
Jared Bybee sing an old favorite, “Vision Fugitive” from Herodiade by Massenet. Mr. Bybee has a rich expansive baritone, perfect for this aria, which I recall sung by Igor Gorin from the Voice of Firestone many years ago. Mr. Bybee sang beautifully making me relive some lovely memories!
Tracy Cantin used her clear, powerful and sumptuous soprano in “Che il bel sogno di Doretta” from Puccini’s Le Rondine. This role suits her voice like a velvet glove! Cantin and Puccini are a perfect fit!
Australian tenor Alasdair Kent captivated us with “Fantaisie aux divins mensonges” from Lakme. His technique is as natural as that of a songbird, rhapsodic and superb with a sudden pianissimo ascent to a high C at the finale. It made me think of the great tenor John McCormack.
Andre Courville sang “Air du tambour major” from Le Cid by Thomas.This popular aria whose recordings by Pol Plancon and Ezio Pinza merit re-listening was brilliantly sung. Mr. Courville captured the bravado, swagger and braggadocio of the foot stomping piece, coupled with scales, ascents and descents. Courville made the adrenaline flow!
First prizewinner Karen Barraza sang “Tu che di gel sei cinta” from Puccini’s Turandot. The death of Liu was the last music Puccini wrote before he himself passed away. Ms. Barraza’s soaring soprano was even and powerful, yet tapered and delicate. She achieved the essence of the poignant pleas of the slave girl who dies for her master.
The top awardee, Vanessa Vasquez concluded the concert with “Un bel di” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Ms. Vasquez used her lyric soprano with balance and inner focusing as if we were reading her thoughts. Ms. Vasquez generous and ample soprano enveloped the audience.
All these young and gifted singers sang from the heart and made every word matter, following the sage advice from the great Licia Albanese. We are all the recipients of her legacy!
2016 Winners of the International Vocal Competition. Photo by Don Pollard
Several hundred of the audience walked over to the New York Athletic Club a block away to attend the glittering star studded dinner and celebration. We sat at the table of Stephen De Maio, who also serves as President of the generous Gerda Lissner Foundation. While “table hopping” we were happy to greet Cornelia “Conny” Beigel, Secretary of the Gerda Lissner Foundation, Joseph and Maria Gimma, son and daughter-in-law of Licia Albanese and Father John Kamas from St. Jean Baptiste Church who gave the benediction.
A “quartet” of legendary opera legends such as Diana Soviero, Elinor Ross, Martina Arroyo and Rosalind Elias, along with Maestro Eve Queler and patron Karl Michaelis, Michael Fornabaio, treasurer of the Puccini-Albanese Foundation and patron presenter Joyce Greenberg with the dapper Ralph Petrarca enjoyed the festivities. Other organizations included were Opera Index’s President Jane Shaulis (Met mezzo) Vice President Janet Stovin, (Brooklynite), Treasurer Murray Rosenthal, Executive Director Joseph Gasperec, Gloria Gari from the Giulio Gari Foundation, Glenn Morton, Artistic Director from Classic Lyric Arts, Eva De La O, Executive Director from Musica De Camara all lent their vibrant presence, as did ever effervescent writers Scott Barnes and Meche Kroop, while poet/Italian teacher Cavaliere Edward Jackson lent us his joie de vivre!
It was a pleasure to greet Alfred and Christine Palladino who are benefactors and patrons. Christine shares the joys with my wife Judy of having gone to Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. Among the guests were Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, Gregorij von Leitis and Michael Lahr from Elysium “Between Two Continents” both literary and humanitarian endeavors, patrons Cesare Santeramo and Dr. Robert Campbell, jeweler Mark Bunda, from the Sachi Liebergesell family, presenter Betty Cooper Wallerstein, Marjan Kiepura and vivacious wife Jane, son of esteemed Met tenor and film star Jan Kiepura and the unforgettable soubrette soprano Marta Eggerth who to many were Danilo and Hanna for their countless appearances world wide in The Merry Widow. Marta Eggerth (1912-2013) sang at the Albanese Gala until she was well into her 90’s and lived to the age of 101. Marjan Kiepura is also a virtuoso pianist and Chopin expert thus continuing the family tradition.
We all feasted on rack of lamb, fine wines and desserts and shared in the joys that Sachi Liebergesell and the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation gave us, especially the musical feast which is food to the soul and a soothing balm these mundane days.The fresh young talented voices of the future give us hope. American poet Emily Dickinson wrote “Hope is the thing with feathers” or
Hope is the songbird in our heart that keeps on singing!
A toast to President Sachi Liebergesell and congratulations to the 2016 international vocal competition winners.
The New York Athletic Club on 59th Street and Central Park South was the venue for an unforgettable evening of remembrance and celebration on the evening of Sunday, September 25th. The evening was dedicated to Glen Gary, beloved son of Giulio and Gloria Gari who passed away a few months ago. May his spirit soar as music reigns.
Gloria Gari, Photo by Judy Pantano
Greetings were given by Chairman of the Board Gloria Gari, always a source of inspiration and courage and Artistic Adviser Stephen De Maio who always pans for vocal gold and finds it!
Our host of the evening was Brian Kellow who has written best selling books and was famed for his many articles in Opera News. Mr. Kellow instantly draws the attention of those present by his intimate warmth, vast knowledge and great love for opera and people. Kellow introduced the two honored guests beginning with the Metropolitan Opera and Grammy Award winner soprano Ana Maria Martinez who accepted her award with humility and grace. I recall her in concert with Andrea Bocelli and I was dazzled by her clarion angelic voice and its passionate and beautiful qualities. Ms. Martinez, who is from Puerto Rico, is truly an ambassador of opera to the world. Her recent Madama Butterfly at the Metropolitan Opera won rave reviews.
Soprano Catherine Malfitano brought back wonderful memories of both the New York City Opera (NYCO) and the Metropolitan Opera (Met Opera) where her acting and singing made for performances of blazing intensity. Ms. Malfitano who was born in New York, told the awardees and the audience to “share the passion” and the importance of “words matter.” She is presently both opera director and teacher and her mission continues.
Sopranos Catherine Malfitano & Ana Maria Martinez, Photo by Judy Pantano2016 Award Winners, Photo by Judy Pantano
Unfortunately Rolando Villazon, acclaimed Metropolitan Opera tenor was unable to attend.
Jin Sol baritone sang “Di provenza il mar, il suol” from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. Mr. Sol’s lyric baritone had both ardent and sweet qualities and he used his “brakes” to soften and slow down so that the moments of soft lyrical sound and bursts of intensity were well contrasted. A good and proper job for this beautiful aria. Sol accepted his 2nd prize award from Tarquin M. Callen.
The duet from Puccini’s La Boheme,”O soave fanciulla,” was next with soprano Antonina Chehovska and tenor Fanyong Du. Ms. Chehovska’s sweet and ardent soprano was a perfect blend with Mr. Du’s tender tenor and their walking towards the exit while capping the high C had its sealing the discovery of young love in a rhapsodic and indelible moment. Tamie Laurance and Joyce Greenberg from the Gerda Lissner Foundation presented the awards.
The quartet from Puccini’s La Boheme followed. “Addio dolce svegliare” with Antonina Chehovska, soprano, Marco Cammarota tenor, Meryl Dominguez, soprano and Andrew Manea baritone. A poignant Mimi, a robust lamenting Rodolfo an exasperated vocally rich Marcello and a vibrant outstanding and sparkling Musetta. A quartet that doubled ones pleasure. Awards were given by Lucia DeRosa, Dr. Philip and Mrs. Frezzo, Robert Fellows Esq. and Dr. Barry Schenk.
Met Mezzo Sopranos Rosalind Elias & Jane Shaulis with Stephen De Maio in left corner, Photo by Judy Pantano
“O Mimi tu piu non torni” from Puccini’s La Boheme followed with Jamez McCorkle tenor and Norman Garrett baritone. Mr. McCorkle’s ringing tenor voice was captivating as the heartbroken poet and blended with Mr. Garrett’s caressing and mellow baritone. Both cannot focus on their activties because they long for their sweethearts. The blend was as warm as a cappuccino with cinnamon after a jog in the autumn chill. The ever dapper Karl Michaelis presented the award from the Lissner Charitable Fund.
On the lighter side, Christopher Magiera stepped in and replaced someone who cancelled and sang “I’m going to Maxim’s” from Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow and his provocative baritone filled the void with mayhem and merriment. Magiera’s instrument has power, color and vitality and he helped remove the melancholy of the poor Bohemians in that garret in Paris with this lively tuneful melody of the fabled Parisian nightspot Maxims.
A bit of Mozart followed with “La ci darem la mano” from Don Giovanni with Hanna Ludwig, mezzo soprano and Pawel Konik, bass baritone. Konik’s beguiling basso caught the soul of Zerlina, whose saucy and sparkling mezzo became entangled in his basso lasso. The reluctant bride yielded big time to her new suitor as they ran offstage together with her leading the way. Betty Cooper Wallerstein, Louise Simmons and Robert Funck presented the awards.
Daniel Bates sang “Una furtiva lagrima” from Donizetti’s Elisir d’amore. His is a purely “American” sound and recalled such tenors as James Melton, Charles Kullmann, Dennis Day and Jerry Hadley. Bates sang in a straightforward manner – sweet but not saccharine including a strong cadenza and finale. The award was given by Amazon.com, Inc. in memory of Glen Gary.
Sava Vemic-tall and imposing, sang a noble and glorious” A te l’estremo addio – Il lacerato Spirito” from Verdi’s Simone Boccanegra. His basso cantante was thrilling to hear for those who long for the days when Pinza and Siepi reigned. Mr. Vemic will be making his Met Opera debut as the High Priest in Nabucco this season. His “Prego Maria, per me” haunts the memory! The award was given by Stephen De Maio, President of the Gerda Lissner Foundation in which Vemic was a first prize winner. We heard Mr. Vemic sing at Rose Hall recently with Maestro Eve Queler’s Opera Orchestra in Donizetti’s Parisina d’Este. Maestro Queler was also present at the Gari Gala.
Lastly, first prizewinner Vanessa Vasquez, sang “Un bel di” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. Her soprano is clarion and powerful. Ms. Vasquez sang softly, much of the time and was a model of restraint. It was a reflective performance rather than an “all out” one. It was full of hope on the cusp of rage; more self-deceit than selflessness. Surely like the great Licia Albanese whose advice was “singing on the word” will help the promising Ms. Vasquez evolve into the perfect Butterfly. Ms. Vasquez’s award was given by Dr. Lya Friedrich Pfeifer, President of the Max Kade Foundation.
The gifted pianists were Jonathan Kelley who appeared courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera and Arlene Shrut, both of whose accompaniments to the singers was sheer perfection.
We then all went into the dining room where great food, wines and desserts awaited one and all. As we entered we saw legendary Met dramatic soprano Elinor Ross, unforgettable Met mezzo Rosalind Elias and renowned coloratura soprano Harolyn Blackwell. Writer and stage designer Scott Barnes who was wearing his famous “bumble bee” pin was busy as a bee while buzzing around the festivities!
At our table we enjoyed the delightful company of Catherine Malfitano and her debonair husband Steve, the effervescent Sachi Liebergesell, President of the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation and family and the urbane Michael Fornabaio from the Gerda Lissner Foundation. Many admirers stopped by our table to meet and greet Ms. Malfitano whose fans and admirers were thrilled to express their admiration. I cherish her internationally viewed Tosca with Placido Domingo on location in Rome as well as performances at New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.
Maestro Jan Wnek, Coloratura Soprano Harolyn Blackwell, with Tenor Keith Johnson, Photo by Judy Pantano
There were many luminaries and friends in the audience. Sopranos and vocal judges Barbara Ann Testa and Teresa Apolei, Brooklyn born and bred soprano Elaine Malbin, who recorded with Mario Lanza and sang at New York City Opera and was a television pioneer with NBC Opera. Brooklynites Maestro Jan Wnek, Bill Ronayne, President of the Mario Lanza Society located in Brooklyn, Ken Benson, opera manager, Lou Barrella, noted educator and opera lecturer also from Brooklyn and Italian teacher/translator Cav. Edward Jackson, tenor Keith Johnson, Eva De La O from Musica Camera, Meche Kroop, chef/writer all marveling at the talent displayed by the young performers.
Cornelia Beigel, Secretary of the Gerda Lissner Foundation lent her vivacious presence. Opera Index President Jane Shaulis and husband Executive Director Joseph Gasperec, composer and Vice Presidents Philip Hagemann and Janet Stovin and Treasurer Murray Rosenthal were all excited about the new awardees. Nedra Zachary and Peter Hubner from the Loren L. Zachary Society for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles flew in for this splendid occasion.
Some background recordings by Giulio Gari were played including his brilliant “Celeste Aida” and clips from a future documentary on his life was also shown. Gari sang at both the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera in the 1950’s and 1960’s and was loved for his voice and generosity. The crowd of several hundred were inspired by the voices of the past and the bright talented young voices of the future. This foundation through his widow Gloria Gari fulfills Giulio’s dream of helping young singers in their careers as well as keeping opera alive and vital for the future.
On the evening of Friday, July 8th at the Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College in New York City, the Martina Arroyo Foundation presented Johann Strauss Jr.’s (1825-1899) opera Die Fledermaus with a libretto by Karl Haffner and Richard Genee. The name of the Playhouse honors the actors and talented husband and wife team of Brooklynites Sylvia Fine and Danny Kaye and is located at 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues.
Die Fledermaus premiered in Vienna in 1874 and has been delighting audiences ever since. Like Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow, the work is a comfortable fit in the opera house because it’s arias and ensembles are captivating and vocally adroit as well. The young promising singers who are chosen, undergo six weeks of intense study plus a stipend and get a chance to perform with full orchestra and chorus in a staged and costumed production before a live audience. This year is the 12th season of this acclaimed series and includes two performances each of Puccini’s tragic La Boheme and the delightful Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, Jr. A bit of trivia-Famed tenor Enrico Caruso appeared in the party scene of Die Fledermaus at the Met on February 16, 1905. Famed “diva” Florence Foster Jenkins loved to sing Adele’s “Laughing Song” in recital and recorded it for posterity.
The opera is also called The Revenge of the Bat recalling an incident after a masquerade party when Dr. Falke placed Eisenstein on a park bench to sleep it off, in a full bat costume, holding him up to public ridicule. Dr Blind, Eisenstein’s bumbling lawyer got Eisenstein an eight day jail term instead of the original five days for an altercation with a policeman. Falke invites his friend Eisenstein disguised as Marquis Renard to a lavish party thrown by the bored Russian Prince Orlofsky, where Eisenstein’s wife Rosalinde, disguised as a Hungarian Countess will attend. Adele, their maid, as Fraulein Olga, will also be there as an aspiring actress. Frank the prison warden is Chevalier Chagrin and will take Eisenstein to the party since Alfred, Rosalinde’s suitor, was mistaken for Gabriel von Eisenstein and taken to prison. All’s well that ends well as this time it is the Champagne who is the culprit.
Eisenstein & Adele & Chorus. Photo by Jen Joyce Davis
Alfred, the pompous testosterone pressed tenor was played by gifted tenor Spencer Hamlin whose impressive singing of “Drink my darling” plus a snippet of “La donna e mobile” from Rigoletto and a thunderous “Vincero” from Turandot dazzled the ear. His comedic flair was right on the mark and he did not “overplay” his part as the”Italian” tenor.
The Adele of Shana Grossman was enchanting. Her singing of “The laughing song” (“Look at how I look”) and “Oh for the life of an actress” in the final act showed a radiant coloratura soprano of piquant quality, fine trills and a effortless “upper extension” to her voice.
The Rosalinde of Haley Sicking was a delight. Her generous and ample soprano and ironic touch was well used in the first act trio “Oh goodness me, what calamity, catastrophe” and her duet with Alfred “Here we are just you and I.” Ms. Sicking was truly compelling in “I hunger for my Hungary” in the aria “Echoes of Hungary” in the second act. Her vocal pyrotechnics rivaled Grucci’s 4th of July fireworks with cadenzas, strong coloratura and a held final note that stirred whatever gypsy is in my DNA. A truly bravura performance.
Rosalinde with fan & Chorus. Photo by Jen Joyce Davis
Gabriel von Eisenstein was in the dashing persona of Jonathan Tetelman whose vibrant tenor kept peeking through as the sun behind a baritone cloud. His stroll in this tenorial terrain was perfectly negotiated and he shined in duet and ensemble.”O goodness me, oh gracious me what calamity” and his disguising himself as Dr. Blind was adroitly done. He has a robust sound, dark hued and baritonal but a free top which dominated in duet. He suited the part like an elegant glove that fit perfectly!
Dr. Blind was in the hands of tenor Joseph Sacchi. Despite the comedic wavering and posturing of the character one could hear a fine tenor and a singing actor of real quality. As Hamlet said, “do not saw the air with your hand too much.” Sacchi was not the stuttering overwrought frustrated character that is the usually Dr. Blind. In this instance, less was more.
Dr. Falke was brought to mischievous life by Thaddaeus Bourne whose rich baritone was exciting in the duet with Eisenstein. Bourne’s sentimental and beautiful singing with the artfully blending chorus of the brotherhood song telling one and all to love and address each other using the familiar “du” rather than the formal sie form. The melody accelerates and the mood becomes poignant and powerful.
Frank the jail warden, was in the charming hands of Paul Grosvenor who not only is the possessor of a warm ingratiating basso but has a sense of the debonair that proved exhilarating. His singing of “Jail can be a pleasant place to spend a little time” was deliciously droll.
Ida was in the perky persona of Chelsea Bonagura whose sensual mezzo and buoyant ballerina lit up the stage.
Prince Orlofsky was sung by Hongni Wu whose mezzo sparkled like the Champagne she advocated. Her powerful singing of “Chacun a son gout” with its leaps and jumps showed how fearless and flawless her dark mezzo was. Her sparkling singing of “Here’s to Champagne – the king of all wines” ended the operetta on a brilliant note.
Prince Orlofsky & Chorus. Photo by Jen Joyce Davis
Frosch the jailer was played by Steven Mo Hanan who as guest artist proved himself to be a very unusual character. He was a funny drunk-never vulgar and his Harpo Marx, Jack Gilford quality made him an eternal innocent even as a skirt chasing imbiber. His monologue and dialogue (in English) to the audience was intimate and amusing.
The conductor was Maestro Steven M. Crawford. The overture was a wonderful appetizer for the musical feast to follow. Crawford’s brisk tempi and understanding of the Viennese style assured us of an evening of immense pleasure. The 30 excellent musicians were the best. The sets were evocative of more opulent and fun loving times. The chorus under Assistant Conductor Noby Ishida was excellent, especially in the Brotherhood singing in the second act. Charles R. Caine’s costumes were colorful and evoked the Viennese era brilliantly.
The final mood this production left one with was twilight. Like the end of an era so what can sometimes be played out as broad comedy can also be interpreted as a more subtle end of innocence. One left the theater nostalgic for the fun and escapades but remembering always the song of brotherhood at party’s end.
The performance in three acts was flawlessly sung and spoken in German. Plaudits to German Coach Vera Junkers. Gina Lapinski’s stage direction was clever and precise, while April Joy Vester, Set Designer gave us glitter and sparkle. The English super title operator by Lisa Jablow and titles by Brett Findley were most helpful.
Our host for the evening was Stephen De Maio, President of the generous Gerda Lissner Foundation along with Karl Michaelis trustee and patron and opera lovers Mario Cesar Romero and soprano-agent Eva de la O. We also greeted the effervescent Rebecca Paller from the Paley Center for Media.
We were happy to meet and greet such movers and shakers as Met baritone Mark Rucker who coaches and assists the awardees and his wife Sadie who is in charge of publicity and is coach and accompanist to her husband. A page in the program is “In honor of Dolarita and Olney K. Rucker and all parents who help young artists realize their dreams.”
It is always a joy to greet the great lady herself, the founder of the feast and Earth mother to so many, Kennedy Center awardee and legendary Met opera soprano Martina Arroyo. We are aware that Martina’s parents Demetrio and Lucille were so supportive of their talented daughter. Her Dad Demetrio worked as an engineer at the Brooklyn Navy Yard to support their family and pay for her musical education. Mme. Arroyo always has gentle humor, a ready smile and “high hopes” for talented opera singers in the future. Indeed famed tenor Richard Leech told the audience requesting support quoting playwright Moliere “Of all the voices extant-opera is the most expensive!”
We left the Sylvia & Danny Kaye Playhouse with memories of the tuneful score and visions of the magnificent waltzes of Johann Strauss, Jr. and dancing by choreographer Abdul Latif and we thank the Martina Arroyo Foundation Prelude to Performance and its splendid young singers and staff for giving us a respite from all the worlds problems with the healing power of the music, melody and mayhem of Die Fledermaus! Bravo to all!
Opera Soprano Legend Martina Arroyo Photo by Jen Joyce Davis
On Friday, June 3, the Church of the Transfiguration also known as “The Little Church around the Corner” in New York City presented Masterpieces of the Baroque, an Arnold Schwartz Memorial Concert. Marie Schwartz, wife of the great Brooklyn born patron Arnold Schwartz, (1905-1979) provided for the magnificent organ for theChurch. Claudia Dumschat who is the organist and choirmaster was the conductor of this splendid program.
Conductor & Choirmaster Claudia Dumschat with musicians & singers. Photo by Marcello Pantano
The Transfiguration Choir of men and boys, girls choir and Camerata and the 12 piece orchestra plus organ transformed us all to the “Masterpieces of the Baroque.”
The Reverend Doctor R.M. Noone Interim Pastor welcomed all to the church and expressed his delight at seeing so many present for an evening of the beautiful and spiritually uplifting sounds of the baroque.
The concert began with Motet Lobet den Herrn (BWV 230) with the Camerata by J.S. Bach (1685-1750). This opening selection was sung with heavenly abandon as in the spirit of the opening of the pearly gates.
Tunc meus fletus from “In furore, RV 26” was sung in the style of joyous weeping by soprano Sarah Hawkey who sang with clarity, power and precision. Her trills and cadenzas were impressive. Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) who was known as the red headed priest wrote the ever popular Four Seasons but also wrote many operas. Famed mezzo Cecilia Bartoli is encouraging a revival of his works. Sarah Hawkey’s singing surely seconds the motion.
Laudamus te (from Gloria) also by Vivaldi was beautifully sung by the boys and girls choirs, their youthful voices tapering and rising in this hymn of praise.
The girls choir followed with Francois Couperin (1668-1733) Christo resurgenti) “With Christ risen the stars clap their hands.” The strength and harmony of their voices were like cherubim and seraphim in some renaissance painting.
Dr. Dumschat mentioned that Bach was German, Vivaldi Italian, Couperin French and Damian Stachowicz (1658-1729) was Polish. The Transfiguration Boys and Girls Choirs sang Veni Consolator with the Gabriel like trumpet of Bruno Lourensetto. To hear the baroque instruments and youthful voices and trumpets heralding was to be in another sphere, another time and possible out of body experience that this kind of musical journey can do.
Choirmaster & Conductor Claudia Dumschat with singers & musicians. Photo by Judy Pantano.
The first part concluded with “Concerto” by Georg Philipp Telemann (German-1681-1767) Adagio, Allegro, Largo, Allegro was done with delicacy, charm eloquence and deeply satisfying elegance.
During the intermission one could tour the church with special sections devoted to many luminaries of the theatre like Rex Harrison and P.G. Wodehouse who attended services there. Since its inception in 1848, this Episcopal Church has been “on the side of the angels” and became a national landmark because of its position as a shrine of the American church and theatre. In 1870 it buried American actor George Holland when other churches would not. Joseph Jefferson, the late actors friend exclaimed “thank God for The Little Church around the Corner.”
Part Two was the Cantata BWV 29 “Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir” by Johann Sebastian Bach.
The Sinfonia portion featured the formidable talent of Jonathan Ryan on the organ, “Wir danken dir” sung by the chorus and a triumphant “Hallelujah” featuring Christopher Preston Thompson’s clarion tenor and Judson Griffin’s soaring violin.
The Recit was sung by bass Bert Boone. Boone who is a lyric baritone sang his trills and embellishments well but needed the basso depth to get a more perfect effect.
Parts 6 and 7 had the rhapsodic voices of Sarah Hawkey, Kristin Olson on the oboe, Joe Redd alto, whose counter tenor passages were as beautiful as a songbird with superb coloratura, embellishments and panache.
Jonathan Ryan on the organ added to the baroque treasures of the evening.
The finale of Sei Lob und Preis with the chorus blending as one ended the evening on a note of triumph.
Caludia Dumschat led both the chorus and orchestra with steady and secure beat, wonderful musicianship and that extra ingredient, love for the composers, musicians, singers and the audience.
My grandson Luciano Pantano, is a boy treble. My granddaughter Leeza Pantano is a girl treble and her friend Nicole Osmolovskaya is also a girl treble. We met chorister tenor Paul Rozario-Falcone from Carroll Gardens in Brooklyn.
We thank all of the splendid musicians and we were deeply moved by Dr. Claudia Dumschat’s performance. It should be noted that the choir of men and boys is the oldest such choir in the United States and the only one not affiliated with a school. It consists of 16 boys ages 8 to 14 auditioned and selected from the New York area with varied ethnic and economic backgrounds.
The reception in the common room offered a chance to meet and greet. We chatted with our Carroll Gardens neighbor Alphonse Falcone and several of the musicians and singers. Our son Marcello, his wife Tatyana and her parents Nikolay and Lubov Klitsenko, (bayan and choral) musicians from Siberia were so proud to see their grandchildren and friend Nicole Osmolovskaya sing as was her mother Olga and son Ilia.
The Empire State Building from the Church Courtyard. Photo by Marcello Pantano.
The Church of the Transfiguration is one of the wonders of New York City. The view of the Empire State Building from the courtyard is breathtaking. Our journey into the Baroque is over but it left us with many unforgettable moments! The large appreciative audience responded with cheers for all. Brava to Conductor and Choirmaster Claudia Dumschat, musicians and choristers who earned the resounding applause that crowned this special performance.
Nikolay Klitsenko, Nino Pantano, Lubov Klitsenko, Judy Pantano, Marcello Pantano, Conductor Claudia Dumschat, Tatyana Pantano & Olga Osmolovskaya
For Brooklyn-born Jewish men of a certain age, there are three totemic heroes: Sandy Koufax, Woody Allen and Elliott Gould. One of these giants (ah, poor choice of noun to describe a Brooklynite; let’s make that “titans”) afforded me the rare pleasure, and privilege, of hanging out with him on a recent trip to Los Angeles.
To say I “interviewed” Elliott Gould does not begin to do justice to the experience. A hunch I’d had for 45-plus years, ever since seeing him in “Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice,” turned out to be true: Gould is not only a prodigiously gifted actor, but he’s also a warm, wise, soulful mensch. Think Buddha meets Isaac Bashevis Singer or Kwai Chang Caine meets Rebbe Mendel.
On the morning of our interview, when, after parking my car, I have trouble locating his building, Gould steps out on his West Los Angeles apartment balcony to point the way. I have an out-of-body experience: there he is — Trapper John McIntyre (“MASH”), Philip Marlowe (“The Long Goodbye”), Charlie Waters (“California Split” and his third collaboration with Robert Altman) Harry Greenberg (“Bugsy”), Reuben Tishkoff (“Oceans Eleven,” “Oceans Twelve” and “Oceans Thirteen.”)
Not to mention God (or at least, his voice) in the 2007 version of “The Ten Commandments.” Not to mention all the television work, going back to 1964, when he played the Court Jester (and sang “Very Soft Shoes”) opposite Carol Burnett in “Once Upon a Mattress.” Not to mention 26 episodes of “ER,” where he played Dr. Howard Sheinfeld. Not to mention 20 episodes of “Friends,” where he played Courteney Cox’s (Monica’s) and David Schwimmer’s (Ross’) father, Jack Geller. Not to mention 17 episodes of “Ray Donovan,” as Ezra Goodman.
Perhaps most especially, his membership in the elite Five Timers Club, having hosted “Saturday Night Live” six times. Altogether, over an almost 60-year career, Elliott has appeared in, by my rough calculation, 200 movies and television shows. From rabbis to casino owners, from lawyers to gangsters (not that big a stretch, actually), Elliott has played them all. He is the indisputable heir to throne of James Brown, as the hardest-working man in show business.
Born Elliott Goldstein on Aug. 29, 1938 in Bensonhurst, it can be argued that he was the first undeniably Jewish leading male actor in Hollywood. Unlike, say, Kirk Douglas or John Garfield, who, while themselves Jewish, usually played generic roles (with the notable exception of Garfield’s “Dave Goldman” in “Gentlemen’s Agreement”) Elliott always was, and is, unabashedly Jewish.
Before we begin the interview, Elliott gives me a tour of his art- and memento-filled apartment: photos of his and Barbra’s [Streisand] son Jason, paintings and drawings done by Jason and by Elliott’s granddaughter Daisy, three Hirschfield caricatures (Elliott and Marcia Rodd in Jules Feiffer’s “Little Murders”; Elliott with James Caan, Diane Keaton and Michael Caine in Mark Rydell’s “Harry and Walter Go to New York”; and Elliott with Sterling Hayden and Nina van Pallandt in Robert Altman’s “The Long Goodbye.”) There is also an image that makes my hair stand on end: a numbered lithograph of World War I refugees by the French artist Theodore Steinlen. What makes my follicles stand at attention is the fact that I grew up with the exact same image (a different numbered edition) hanging on my Brooklyn bedroom wall.
After making sure I was comfortable (“You can sit anywhere you want”) and didn’t want something to nosh on (“I have some fresh apples”), we got down to the principal reason for my visit: Elliott’s strong attachment to Brooklyn. As I was to learn over the next two-and-a-half hours, he possesses a photographic memory.
Elliott Gould, 3 years old, with a space-gun, outside back wall of local movie theater. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
The Eagle: Where did your family live in Brooklyn?
EG: 6801 Bay Parkway, Brooklyn 4. N.Y. (West Ninth Street, between Bay Parkway and Avenue O.) Our telephone number was Beachview 2-5524. I went to grammar school at P.S. 247, which was three blocks away from our apartment. One of my earliest memories was the day I found my balance and could take my first steps. I was a bit worried, as kids are, because my friends Stevie Greenstein and Ed Posner had learned to walk before I did. My mother reassured me, “Ah, don’t worry about it, you’ll catch up to them.” My mother was a very practical woman. She was a milliner; she made hats for all the other women in the neighborhood. She also was very fashionable — and beautiful.
Elliott goes to his mammoth desk, which is cluttered with scripts, books and tchotchkes. He extracts a 5-foot-by-5-foot memorial card with a photograph of a striking, stylish woman — circa mid-1940s — wearing a white blouse, billowing slacks and a white gardenia in her hair. Inside the card are the words “Lucy Gould, July 27, 1915 – September 24, 1998. In loving memory and devotion.” At the bottom of the card is this inscription: “Nothing is so strong as gentleness; nothing is so gentle as real strength.” On the opposite page is a photo of Elliott and his mother, also circa mid-1940s.
EG: That photograph was taken outside our apartment. Isn’t she beautiful?
Elliott Gould being held by his father, early 1940s, 73rd Street. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Yes, and so modern — she must have been a trendsetter.
EG: That she was.
Elliott Gould with his father, who is in uniform, in 1944 (aprox.), across the street from 6801 Bay Parkway. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Moving on to your other memories; would you say that the growing up in Brooklyn, at a time when the Dodgers’ standing in the National League was more important than finding the best kale at the Park Slope food co-op, shaped and prepared you for the tough, competitive business you’re in?
EG: Listen, it prepared me for life, and this business is simply another part of life. So in answering your question, I’m not really talking about show business.
Elliott Gould as bellboy at the Palace Theater, NYC, watching Bill Callahan (dancer in silhouette). Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Life in general…
EG: Yes, life in general. I’ll give you an example of what I mean. When I was in the middle of second grade, the school felt that I should skip a grade. The school had just started experimenting with something called “Special Progress” for seemingly gifted children. But at the moment they chose to move me forward a grade, I was just getting comfortable, I liked my classmates, I was getting my “rhythm.” I was thinking “I can do this.” But I was too young to think I could object. However, in the third grade you were expected to read out-loud, which I couldn’t do.
Elliott Gould with bassinet in background, in front of 6801 Bay Parkway, early-1940s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Why?
EG: I had no confidence! One of the factors that has been significant in my life, for good and bad, is that I have always had a problem with authority. By that I mean, that authoritative people would tell you how things were and those people weren’t necessarily right. I always had a dislike for having to conform. And it turns out I wasn’t wrong. But one has to be realistic, to deal with the real world.
Elliott Gould seated with his mother and father in Luxor Manor, Ellenville, NY (Catskills), in the mid-1940s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: After P.S. 247, where did you go to school?
EG: After I finished sixth grade, I went to Seth Low Junior High School. And, while I was in the seventh grade, I played the Palace. My parents had brought me to Manhattan, to a song and dance school, to learn “routines,” which, of course, was not how I had envisioned my life! My first role was in the stage show celebrating the first anniversary of the return of vaudeville to the Palace. Next door to the dance classes I took was a dance class in which a boy named Bob Fosse was also learning to dance. [Note: Fosse was the celebrated choreographer and the director of such films as “All that Jazz” and “Lenny.”]
A photograph of Elliott Gould’s mother Lucy Gould, circa mid-1940s, from a memorial card following her death in 1998. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: In addition to your acting and dancing studies, were you also taking academic classes?
EG: Yes. After seventh grade at Seth Low, I was accepted in the Professional Children’s School [PCS.] It was a school for child performers who, when they were on the road with a show, would take correspondence classes to get their high school diplomas. In fact, when I graduated PCS, I was accepted into Columbia University. But I don’t think I really wanted to go, plus my family couldn’t afford the tuition. So I graduated PCS at 16 and immediately got a couple of jobs: I danced in the chorus of the “Ernie Kovacs Show,” then I was supposed to dance and sing in the chorus of the summer stock production of “Annie Get Your Gun” with Vaughn Monroe. But at what was to be our very first performance at Brandywine, a huge storm blew away the tent, so, sadly, I never got to perform “Annie Get Your Gun.”
Eagle: So you also took singing lessons?
EG: Oh, yes. When I studied with Charlie Lowe, we had what were called “personality classes,” where you had to sing a solo. In fact, I remember one of my first solos — “Hello Hollywood.”
[At which point, while still seated, Gould starts to perform the song and dance routine “Hello Hollywood.”]
“Hollywood/Here I am/I am looking for a movie man/Like Shirley Temple/I can sing and everything/Oh where is Mr. Warner/I’d like to get him in a corner!/I’ll show him how I sing and dance/Hello Hollywood/Whoop-ee Hollywood!”
Elliott Gould in the mid-1940s, in front of 6801 Bay Parkway. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: [Applauding] That was great! Anyway, what happened after the tent blew down and you couldn’t tour with “Annie Get Your Gun?”
EG: I came back to New York and got a job in the chorus of “Rumple,” starring Eddie Foy Jr. and Gretchen Wyler. We played the Alvin Theater, which is now the Neal Simon Theater. (I loved the smell of the Alvin Theater; it reeked of show business history.) This was also the first time I went out of town with a show. We went to Philadelphia and Boston. It was a great experience.
Eagle: So by then you were sure you wanted to be an actor?
EG: No! I’m still not sure! It was not my idea to get into show business; it was my parents’ idea. But I was so shy, and even repressed, that the feeling was that memorizing my lines and performing might be good for me. For example, another routine that was written for me to memorize and perform was, “Mary had a little lamb/Some peas and mashed potatoes/An ear of corn, some buttered beets/And then had sliced tomatoes/She said she wasn’t hungry/So I thought I’d get a break/But just to keep me company/She ordered up a steak/She said she couldn’t eat a thing/Because she’s on a diet/But then she saw ice cream and pie/And thought she’d like to try it/She drank two cups of coffee/And had dessert of course!/Oh Mary had a little lamb/And I had apple sauce!”
Elliott Gould pictured with his mother, Lucy, in the mid-1940s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle [applause again]: Your memory is amazing.
EG: Looking back on it now, it was beyond embarrassing, but I thought, “I have to try this. I can learn something.” The idea was if that I could mimic, if I could memorize, then somehow my own talent would come out. And this was the only artistic activity I was any good at — acting, singing, dancing, performing. I could draw a little; I couldn’t paint, not even finger-painting! But I remember I once saw a paperweight with the saying, “The greatest artist in the world is an uninhibited child at play.” And I subscribe to that. It’s funny, because when I repeated this to Herb Gardner [the late playwright Herb Gardner, another notable Brooklynite, wrote such hit plays as “A Thousand Clowns,” “I’m Not Rappaport” and “The Goodbye People”], he said, “an uninhibited child and Picasso.” And I said, “I didn’t know you were a materialist. I love Picasso, too, but you keep Picasso, and I’ll keep the child.” For me, without the spirit of the child, it’s all meaningless. Then, many years later, I discovered that the quote on the paperweight was actually from Picasso!
Eagle: You were so young when you did, for example, “The Ernie Kovacs Show,” which was a very hip show, way ahead of its time. Were you “getting” material such as Percy Dovetonsils and the Nairobi Trio?
EG: No, it went right over my head. I also appeared several times on “The Milton Berle Show.” I also did Jimmy Durante’s show. I made a couple of commercials. One was for Bonomo’s Turkish Taffy.
Elliott Gould on horse in mid-1940s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: I remember Bonomo’s! You can buy it on Google now.
EG: My tagline was “It’s better that delicious; it’s scrumptious.”
Eagle: After your Broadway debut in “Rumble,” was Jules Feiffer’s “Little Murders” next?
EG: Well, after “Rumple,” I started studying Modern Jazz dance with Matt Maddox. And Matt Maddox was about to choreograph a musical called “Say, Darling.” Abe Burrows directed that and Jules Styne and Comden & Green did the music and lyrics. It starred Vivian Blaine, who, of course, was the original Adelaide in “Guys & Dolls.” And I auditioned and auditioned for that show; I wanted so badly to be in it.
Now remember I was still living with my parents in Brooklyn! Well, I got into the show and they gave me the role of Earle Jorgenson, and I had to sing “Old Man River.”
The other thing I remember vividly was that because I wasn’t on until about 45 minutes into the show, I would go across the street from the old Madison Square Garden to watch the “Big O,” Oscar Robertson, play for the University of Cincinnati Bearcats against other college teams. Then I would scoot back to the theater just in time for my cue.
Elliott Gould with his mother and father in the mid-1940s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: You’ve been a sports fan forever, right? In fact, I remember the 1976 Oscar ceremony (when it was still broadcast on Monday nights), when you presented with Isabelle Adjani, and she said, “The winner is…” And you said, “Indiana 86, Michigan 68.”
EG: Yes, I was, and still am, a major sports fan. I remember my parents taking me to Ebbetts Field to see the Dodgers when I was 5 or 6. I also remember my father used to get angry with me, because I always had to go to the bathroom. And, of course, something important would happen — Duke Snider homering or Jackie stealing a base — while we were in the bathroom. My father used to get so mad at me! I’ll tell you another great sports story: Before the first Ali-Frazier fight, Jim Brown introduced me to Ali, and Ali said to me: “You do what you do as well as I do what I do.” That’s the second greatest compliment ever paid me.
Eagle: What was the first?
EG: Groucho Marx! We became friends, and I was at his house changing a light bulb over his bed. And he said, “that’s the best acting I’ve ever seen you do.”
Elliott Gould with teddy bear, in front of 6801 Bay Parkway, early 1940s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Back to Broadway. After “Say, Darling” …?
EG: After “Say, Darling” closed, I decided to hire Colin Romoff (who had been the assistant choreographer on “Say, Darling”) to help me improve and update my singing. I remember Colin had me sing “Do it the Hard Way” from “Pal Joey.”
[Once again, Gould starts singing. Who knew he was such a crooner? I ask him about this relatively unknown aspect of his career.]
EG: While I was in “Irma la Douce,” I was taking jazz lessons with Gene Lewis. He was friendly with Oona White, who I’d met while doing “Irma.” [Note: Oona White was a celebrated choreographer, whose Broadway credits included “The Music Man, “Carmen Jones” and “Take Me Along”]. After “I Can Get it for You Wholesale,” I went to London to do the West End premiere of “On the Town.”
Eagle: Were you still living at home in Brooklyn during this period?
EG: Yes, I was living at home until I met my first wife.
Elliott Gould being held by his father. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: How did you meet?
EG: We met while we were both in “I Can Get it for You Wholesale.”
Eagle: So we’re talking about Barbra [Streisand].
EG: Yes, Barbra. Not only my first wife, my first real relationship; I’d never really been with anyone before.
Elliott Gould performing at Luxor Manor, mid-40s. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Barbra was Ms. Marmelstein, your assistant, in the play, correct?
EG: Yes. She played the secretary to my character, Harry Bogen. She was terrific. It was Barbra’s Broadway debut. Goddard Lieberson, who produced the cast album for Columbia Records, signed her to a contract and her first solo album was released two months after the show closed.
Eagle: Did the fact that you were both from Brooklyn, and Jewish, add to the appeal?
EG [smiling impishly]: You should ask Barbra that question.
[So, via email, I did.]
Her response: “Our attraction was not based on our being Brooklyn or Jewish … but it didn’t hurt.”
She was also gracious enough to take time out from recording her new album to answer one other question: Why hadn’t she and Gould worked together again after “Wholesale?”
“We never got any scripts that satisfied us.”
[Gould confirms this.]
“I Can Get It For You Wholesale” Playbill cover for 1962 Broadway production. Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: Barbra used to perform a lot at the Blue Angel in the Village, right?
EG: Yes, I’d often go to see her there.
Elliott Gould on the set of the film “The Lady Vanishes” in Germany, 1978 (remake of classic Hitchcock film). Photo courtesy of Elliott Gould
Eagle: The Blue Angel’s gone now…
EG: So is everything … so is Ebbets Field.
Eagle: But you’re still here…
EG: Yes I am!
* * *
Elliott Gould has just completed his starring role in the independent film “Humor Me” and will next be seen as a regular on the new CBS series “Doubt.”
On Saturday May 14, Brooklyn’s Regina Opera now in its 46th year presented Giacomo Puccini’s (1858-1924) Manon Lescaut, which was the composer’s first great success. Jules Massanet had already written his Manon in 1884 but Puccini felt two operas about the same fascinating subject could easily thrive. Manon Lescaut premiered at the Teatro Reggio in Turin, Italy in 1893. Its first performance at the Metropolitan Opera was in 1907 with rhapsodic tenor Enrico Caruso and the ravishing soprano Lina Cavalieri. Since then all the great tenors and great sopranos have sung the much coveted roles of Des Grieux and Manon Lescaut.
Manon Lescaut is in four acts and takes place in 18th century France. Renato Des Grieux, while cavorting with his fellow students, is smitten by a girl who is exiting a coach. She is escorted by her brother Lescaut on her way to a convent. Des Grieux, convinces her to elope with him. Geronte di Ravoir, an elderly official, plans to run away with Manon offering her wealth and jewels for his “fatherly affection.”
Des Grieux (Percy Martinez, left) learns that Lescaut (Nathan Matticks, right) has bribed a guard to free Manon from prison. Photo credit – George Schowerer
Tired of poverty with Des Grieux, Manon goes to Geronte and lives with wealth, but misses the passion of Des Grieux. Des Grieux, now wealthy from gambling woos and wins Manon again. Geronte denounces Manon as a prostitute. Instead of fleeing immediately, Manon tries to collect her jewels and, because of the delay in searching for and collecting them, is captured by the soldiers.
Manon is sentenced to exile in America with other prostitutes. Des Grieux begs the ship’s captain to let him come aboard as a cabin boy so he can be with his beloved Manon.
In the final act the lovers, having escaped the authorities, are on a desolate plain in Louisiana, starving and thirsty. Manon regrets her follies, expresses her love for Des Grieux, and dies in Des Grieux’s arms.
Des Grieux (Percy Martinez) holds the dying Manon (Sabrina Palladino). Photo credit – Gregory Ortega
Manon was portrayed by soprano Sabrina Palladino. Ms. Palladino has many fans in the metro area and New Jersey, where she is known for her dynamic and legendary performances. Her singing of “In quelle trine morbide” in the second act was magical. Her soprano, which has delicacy, color and grace, is not really one that dominates by size. It commands intimacy and pathos. Yet her voice carries very well and soared to the heavens when called for. Ms. Palladino’s impeccable diction and vivid acting brought Manon’s plight to one and all. In the last act, her singing of “Sola, perduta, abbandonata” was heartbreaking in its lamentation. That she died “Le mio colpe sereno” with the love of her life was the only solace. Ms. Palladino’s interpretation was unforgettable. It simply stays with you in memory and won’t let go.
Des Grieux was sung by Percy Martinez, whose stalwart, serviceable tenor evolved to a memorable portrayal. His lighthearted singing of “Tra voi belle, brune e bionde” was nicely done. His “Donna non vidi mai” had him a bit short at the top, and went by sans recognition as the great aria it really is. His duets with Manon went from strength to strength and his big aria in the third act “No, no Pazzo son” found him on his knees sobbing, belting out full throated high notes with abandon and splendor. His laments at Manon’s death and their love duet “Manon, senti amor mio…” were extraordinary in their emotional wallop.
Manon (Sabrina Palladino, left) tells her brother Lescaut (Nathan Matticks, right) that she regrets having given up Des Grieux’s love for Geronte’s wealth. Photo Credit – George Schowerer
Nathan Matticks was a clarion and robust voiced Lescaut. Matticks’ resonant baritone was heard in “E a chi lo diteed io da figlio” and other phrases with a suave and dominant tone.
John Schenkel portrayed Geronte as a cruel despot who did not enjoy playing the fool and gave Manon a very vengeful course leading to her tragic death. His adroit baritone was utilized to the fullest in a vivid portrayal. Schenkel also doubled as the captain.
Baritone Charles Gray was the Innkeeper/Sergeant, the versatile Wayne Olsen was the hairdresser and Reuven Aristigueta Senger was the hurried, harried Dancing Master.
David Bailey was Edmondo and the Lamplighter, his lilting tenor sparkled; Noelle Currie’s fine soprano served us well albeit briefly, as the Madrigal Singer.
The excellent ensemble and chorus consisted of Shelly Barkan, Samantha DiCapio, Catherine Greco, Margaret Keymakh, Marta Kukularova, Lily Lu Lerner, Wayne Olsen, Jennifer Klauder and Ksenia Stepanova.
The lively and captivating children were Nomi Barkan and Isabela Decker.
Maestro Gregory Ortega led the superb Regina Orchestra in a thrilling musical journey of the suddenly blooming young Puccini with Wagnerian themes and great heartfelt melodies of pathos and power. The Intermezzo was a revelation with bursts of beauty, sweep and grandeur. Yelena Savranskaya, violin concertmaster, was an inspiration, as was Michael Vannoni on the viola. Kudos to Michael Sirotta on percussion, Kathryn Sloat on the harp and Richard Paratley on the flute.
The costumes by Julia Cornely were brilliantly ornate when needed and threadbare when the times were not so good for poor Manon.
After having danced a minuet with the dancing master (Reuven Aristigueta, in pink wig), Manon (Sabrina Palladino,in white gown) flirts with the elderly Geronte (John Schenkel, far left with back to the audience). Photo Credit – George Schowerer
The backdrops by Richard Paratley who also serves as principal flautist, evoked both the extravagant and the unfortunate aspects of Manon’s journey from opulence to demise.
Tyler Learned’s lighting touch added greatly to the scenes and Linda Lehr’s stage direction went brilliantly and smoothly.
Linda Lehr’s special theatrical skills carried us on that fateful journey of Manon Lescaut and Renato Des Grieux and left us with a priceless tableaux and memories of Puccini’s first masterpiece.
We thank the Regina Opera staff for a brilliant 46th season of opera in Brooklyn. Here’s to Regina Opera’s 47th season. Bravo to all!
Reviewer Nino Pantano, Pianist Rosa Antonelli & Commendatore Aldo Mancusi. Photo by Judy Pantano
As part of the Alberto Ginastera Centennial celebration, the gifted Argentine-American pianist Rosa Antonelli gave a concert on Wednesday, May 18th at the Consulate General and Argentine Republic at 12 West 56th Street in Manhattan. The special guest in attendance was Alberto Ginastera’s daughter Georgina Ginastera.
Rosa Antonelli has been hailed as a leading exponent of Spanish and Latin American music and has appeared at many venues worldwide as well as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Ms. Antonelli’s two CDs titled “Esperanza” and “Remembranza” have been acclaimed. I am proud to have her newest “Abrazando-Latin Embrace” in which she demonstrates her pianistic wizardry with several immortal Latin composers including Astor Piazzolla, Hector Villa-Lobos, Ernesto Lecuona and Isaac Albeniz.
I first became acquainted with Ms. Antonelli at a gala at the New York Athletic Club sponsored by the Enrico Caruso Museum based in Brooklyn. Aldo Mancusi, the founder and curator of the museum chanced to hear Ms. Antonelli play at a concert and asked her if she would play a selection or two at his special gala honoring his new title of Commendatore by the Italian government. She did play and later requested that we attend her special concert at the Argentine Consulate.
Ms. Antonelli, looking stunning in a sparkling red and silver gown, seated at her beautiful Steinway piano began playing “Idilio Crepuscular” (Romance at Twilight) from Ballet Estancia, the first part of a set by the Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera (1916-1983) and then from “Preludios Americanos” “Triste,” “Vidala” and “Homenaje” a Roberto Garcia Morillo. The tone poems of Ottorino Respighi could be heard in the vibrant rhythms of Pastoral with its dreamy introspection and the exuberant “Danza Criolla.” Ms. Antonelli and her instrument play as one and she is an amazing phenomenon.
The passionate rhythms and melodic outbursts of Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) followed. His four tangos entitled “El Mundo De Los Dos,” “Verano Porteno,” “Invierno Porteno” and “Libertango” were played with enormous zest. The tango like themes entwining like two dancers in an orgiastic blend in an explosion of passion. One could envision the dancers, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, totally spent from this orgy of breathtaking musical madness. Ms. Antonelli left us all bedazzled.
The final group, again by Ginastera was from “Danza del Trigo” (Wheat Dance from Ballet Estancia) “Tres Danzas Argentinas,” “Del Viejo Boyero,” “De la Moza Donosa” and “Del Goucho Matrero.” All played with dexterity, finesse and strength fueled by an Argentine inner fire that warmed the soul and stirred the blood.
At the reception we met so many devotees of the art of Rosa Antonelli, who like fellow Argentine Pope Francis is of Italian ancestry. The trials of our being in a traffic jam earlier were drowned out by the beauty of the concert and the delicious meat and vegetable Empanadas, wines and cheeses served afterwards. I have relatives in Buenos Aires that we lost touch with and this concert in a spiritual way, brings me closer to them.
Ms. Antonelli was given a beautiful bouquet of flowers and we thank her for the unforgettable “bouquet” of musical roses she gave to all in attendance.
Gerda Lissner President Stephen De Maio with Met Opera Soprano Deborah Voight. Photo by Don Pollard
The Gerda Lissner & Liederkranz Foundations honored Deborah Voight and introduced the 2016 Winners of the International Vocal Competition on the afternoon of Sunday, May 1st. The vocal competition was held at Carnegie’s intimate Zankel Hall on Seventh Avenue.
Stephen De Maio, President of the Gerda Lissner Foundation was happy to announce this joint effort of both the Gerda Lissner Foundation and the Liederkranz Foundation and to honor Metropolitan Opera (Met) soprano Deborah Voight. Mr. De Maio then presented our host, Brian Kellow who is well known from Opera News and as an author of many bestselling books.
Mr. Kellow had us all join in applause for the herculean challenges of Stephen De Maio and his efforts on behalf of young gifted singers. Kellow then spoke admiringly of the talent and grit of honored guest soprano Deborah Voight whose own book entitled Call me Debbie: True Confessions of a Down to Earth Diva is getting rave reviews. Ms. Voight, who also hosts the Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, spoke of the importance of defiance and never losing sight of your goal. Deborah Voight is an American original-like Niagara Falls-she is a natural wonder!
Heather Menzies Ulrich, Michael Slade, Scott Barnes, Brian Kellow, Maria Mazzaro. Photo by Judy Pantano
Pawel Konik sang “Aleko’s cavatina” from Rachmaninoff’s Aleko. With his regal sounding bass baritone and beguiling presence, Konik sang with a sense of melancholy, foreboding longing and seamless breath control, power and presence, an unbeatable combination.
“Una voce poco fa” from Rossini’s Barber of Seville was given fresh insights by Samantha Hankey whose dark creamy mezzo caressed the ear. Ms. Hankey’s flawless diction, flashy cadenzas, coloratura embellishments exemplified the Rossinian style.
Fanyong Du revealed a brilliant sparkling tenor in “A te, O cara” from Bellini’s I Puritani nailing the high D. His Bellinian melodic line was filled with fervor and poignancy.
“Air des bijouix” from Faust was sung by soprano Alexa Jarvis who gave us a rewarding and tasty brew of Gounod’s masterpiece with perfect pitch, excellent trills and colorization. Her coloratura was impeccable.
It was nice to hear “Vision Fugitive” from Massenet’s Herodiade, by baritone Kidon Choi whose passionate lyrically precise outpourings captured this haunting aria.
Kang Wang tenor sang an exuberant and vibrant “Dei meie bollenti spiriti” from Verdi’s La Traviata. A sparkling tenor, intense yet ardent, beautiful quality and effortless high notes.
Puccini was well served with “Si, mi chiamano Mimi” as sung by soprano D’Ana Lombard whose phrasing and charm blended with Puccini’s piquant themes from La Boheme. Lombard brought us all to that humble garret in Paris where love first bloomed.
The Wagner portion was well represented by the powerful radiant soprano skills of Amber Daniel. Her “Dich, teure Halle” from Tannhauser flooded Zankel Hall with golden brilliance of tone coupled with solid breath control and offered sparkling sunshine for all that rainy afternoon.
Tenor Kevin Ray showered us with Wagnerian gold in his fervent manly singing of Wintersturme from Wagner’s Die Walkure. Kevin Ray’s interpretation with such vocal brilliance evoked the greats of the past.
Mezzo-soprano Aleksandra Romano sang “Nacqui all’ affanno…Non piu mesta” from Rossini’s La Cenerentola.” She performed this powerhouse aria with grit, coloratura agility and the afterglow of a good warm Amaretto!
The haunting “Depuis le jour” from Charpentier’s Louise was sung by soprano Antonina Chehovska. Ms. Chehovska sang with power and lyricism, lovely floating tone, her pianissimos were gossamer wings on the dragonfly express.
Andrew Stenson sang an energizing “Firenze e come un albero fiorito” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. His vivacious and victorious lyric tenor and artful dodger gestures enthralled everyone.
“Care Compagne” from Bellini’s La Sonnambula was sung by soprano Hyesang Park whose excellent trills, romantic flights and perfect ascents captured the Bellinian line and whetted our appetites for more.
Galeano Salas sang Puccini’s “Che gelida manina” from La Boheme. His full lyric tenor combining ardor, sweetness, power and abandon brought great pleasure. A brilliant high C at the climax evoked the past greats reborn. Salas won top prize at the Gerda Lissner Foundation and Deborah Voight gave him his award.
The sublime piano accompanists were Jonathan Kelly and Arlene Shrut.
2016 International Vocal Competition Winners Photo by Don Pollard
Lastly baritone Sean Michael Plumb whose brilliant singing of “Bella siccome un angelo” from Donizetti’s Don Pasquale receive an ovation. Plumb’s voice with its incredible agility, beautiful high notes, impeccable cadenzas and sparkling color brought golden age pleasure to one and all. The top prize was awarded to Plumb by Mrs. Lya Friedrich-Pfeifer Secretary and Trustee of the Liederkranz Foundation who also presented second prize to tenor Kevin Ray and soprano Amber Daniel.
The reception and dinner at the nearby New York Athletic Club was a true celebration of the inspiring concert we all witnessed. Stephen De Maio, President of the Gerda Lissner Foundation, Michael Fornabaio, Vice President and Trustee, Cornelia Beigel, Secretary and Trustee, and Trustees Karl Michaelis, Barbara Ann Testa and Joyce Greenberg are to be thanked for their monumental efforts on behalf of the young promising singers.
Photo by Judy Pantano
Countless people from the opera world were in attendance. At a glance one saw Sachi Liebergesell, President of the Licia Albanese-Puccini Foundation, sopranos and opera judges Martina Arroyo, Elinor Ross, Elaine Malbin, Teresa Apolei, mezzo Nedda Cassei, Maestro Eve Queler, Gloria Gari, Philipp Haberbauer, General Manager of The Liederkranz Foundation, Opera News Editor in Chief F. Paul Driscoll, writers Scott Barnes and Meche Kroop and Brooklyn’s Bill Ronayne from the Mario Lanza Society to name a few.
At Zankel Hall, a large beautiful portrait of Gerda Lissner was kept on stage surrounded by flowers. I like to think that the flowers represent the singers Mrs. Lissner helped through her generosity and largess of spirit. Through the stewardship of Stephen De Maio and the Gerda Lissner Foundation and the Liederkranz Foundation, they will bloom and grow, like the Edelweiss from The Sound of Music. Bravo to all!
Italo Marchini, Aaron Blake, Angela Meade, Eve Queler, Yunpeng Wang, Sava Vemic and Mia Pafumi. Photo by Meche Kroop
Maestro Eve Queler’s Opera Orchestra of New York presented Gaetano Donizetti’s Parisina d’Este on the evening of Wednesday, May 4th at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall at Columbus Circle on Broadway and 60th Street.
This is a rare presentation of a work that calls for a revival. Maestro Eve Queler and the Opera Orchestra presented this work in a memorable Carnegie Hall Concert with Montserrat Caballe forty years ago. All that is needed are great voices and on this evening we had one in Angela Meade. The libretto is by Felice Romani after Lord Byron’s 1816 poem Parisina. The setting is Ferrara, Italy in the 15th century. The work premiered at the Teatro della Pergola in Florence, Italy in 1833.
Angela Meade, Metropolitan Opera soprano, resplendent in a red gown, sang Parisina, wife of Duke Azzo in love with Ugo. Ms. Meade sang with gorgeous tone and superb coloratura embellishments. Occasionally she would literally “touch a shooting star” by lightly hitting a note seemingly in outer space. Her caressing tone in her Piangi aria touched the heart. (That I am chosen to weep) Ms. Meade gave us some exquisite silken phrases both ethereal and on a thread of spun gold. This is Bel Canto singing of the highest order. However, there is another side to her artistry. In the final scene, after viewing her lover dead, her singing of “Ugo e spento! A me si renda!” had the passion of a Tosca and this “victimized” persona was struck by unfathomable rage as she kills herself after viewing Ugo’s body. It was an unforgettable operatic moment that one recalls for a lifetime.
Aaron Blake was Ugo, Parisina’s lover. His full lyric tenor was serviceable but he labored in passages where he should have soared. He tried to attain the tenorial heft needed both in duet and solo. The audience was supportive of his effort but one hopes he will stick to proper roles and not have to push hard in his upper register.
Duke Azzo was sung by Yunpeng Wang in a powerful resonant baritone that indicated the intensity and cruelty of his character. His “River Po” duet with his minister Ernesto was captivating. His shifts of mood, bad to worse, were heard in his vocal offerings and he was wholly believable and well defined.
Ernesto, Duke Azzo’s minister was sung by basso Sava Vemic. He attempts to be the peacemaker, even announcing that Ugo is the Duke’s long lost son, raised by himself, from the Duke’s first deceiving wife Matilde. Vemic’s basso cantante had nobility and depth.
Imelda, Parisina’s handmaid, vividly portrayed by soprano Mia Pafumi in her debut with the Opera Orchestra, made a very strong impression with her sympathetic portrayal, duet with Parisina, and vocal bursts of glory. One would like to see and hear more of Ms. Pafumi in the future.
We envisioned what a stunning staged opera this could be with knights, handmaidens, gondoliers, squires and soldiers in a fully costumed production.
The chorus from the New York Choral Ensemble under Chorus Master Italo Marchini sang lustily and with inspiration.
Maestro Eve Queler conducted the Opera Orchestra of New York with mastery and love. There were passages with the chorus singing and the trumpets playing with the full rich sound of Donizetti’s melodic music that made one say “thank you Eva Queler for all this glory.” The audience cheered for the ever youthful and indomitable Maestro and founder Eve Queler for this great triumph!
The Gerda Lissner Foundation and Stephen De Maio are to be thanked for nurturing so many of the wonderful singers.
