<<<  <<  -- 4 --  Maria Nockin    OPERA AT THE MOVIES

Artistic phrasing and resonant tones characterized Paul Groves' portrayal of Gao. Suzanne Mentzer was an affecting mother of the princess while Qin's spiritual director, the Shaman, was magnificently sung and interpreted by mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung.

The Met's foray into movie theaters has increased its audience exponentially in one major step. Other operas to be transmitted are Eugene Onegin on 24 February, The Barber of Seville on 24 March and Il Trittico on 28 April 2007. At the theater where I saw the 11:30am performance, The AMC Desert Ridge, both Arizona Opera and classical radio station KBAQ were in evidence offering free coffee and cookies to patrons. Although this audience tended to be older than average, the availability of live opera at a modest price is bound to bring in large numbers of new fans.