John Adams’ opera Doctor Atomic puts a human dimension on the origins of the atomic bomb, and refocuses attention on nuclear weapons, which still constitute a clear and present danger to humanity. The opera is very powerful. The libretto is largely taken from contemporary historical documents, along with some poetry. Doctor Atomic is J. Robert Oppenheimer. The music is effective although the score is difficult; I managed to get a full score on loan to study. The staging is riveting. I saw the original opera in San Francisco and again recently at the Metropolitan Opera in NY.

There are two 2008 Met performances left (Sat Nov. 8 at 1pm and Thurs Nov. 13 at 8pm). This is an opportunity that should not be missed.

There is now an excellent DVD available, pictured at left.

-------------

The Aida performance was held on Aug 13th. The picture shows the scene when the messenger delivers news of the invasion of Egypt, led by Aida’s father, setting up the opera plot. I’m behind the messenger (priest furthest stage right), and did the backstage chorus conducting.

See you next year in Central Park for more opera by the New York Grand Opera.

For more information see: http://newyorkgrandopera.org/

-------------

The La Traviata performance was held on July 16th. The curtain call photo is above. Maestro La Selva is in the center (tux). I was the messenger (green costume) who brought the bad news to the tenor that the soprano was leaving him.

The NYGO will perform one more opera this summer, free admission, fully staged with soloists, orchestra, and chorus. Maestro Vincent La Selva conducts.

Giuseppe Verdi's Aida on Wed. Aug 13th, 7:30 PM

Location: Central Park NY, Naumburg Bandshell near 72nd St. & 5th Ave. You will need to get there early to get a good view. Bring folding chairs.

For further information see: http://newyorkgrandopera.org/

-------------

The NYGO Tosca performance, originally scheduled in 2006 and cancelled due to a heat wave, was held in the summer of 2007. Lucianna La Monaco, Gustavo López Manzitti and Raemond Martin were Tosca, Cavaradossi and Scarpia (respectively); NYGO founder Vincent La Selva conducted. Pictures: http://newyorkgrandopera.org/Summer-2007.html

The Suor Angelica / Pagliacci performance was held as scheduled in the summer of 2006. Pictures: http://newyorkgrandopera.org/Summer%202006.html

See also: http://www.newyorkgrandopera.org/

http://www.playbillarts.com/news/article/print/5016.html

--------

For many years I have been involved with efficient practice techniques for playing musical instruments (I have played professionally). Since playing music is occasionally discussed on the Forum, I thought it might be of interest to post a paper I once wrote. It is called “The V.R. – Think Method”. “V” stands for “Visualization” and “R” stands for “Rhythmic”. The paper describes techniques known and used for efficient practicing by some of the finest professional classical musicians. Perhaps you or someone you know will find the VR-Think Method useful.

It also turns out that such efficient music practice techniques are related to efficient learning paradigms in other fields.

-------