<<<  <<  -- 5 --  Maria Nockin    STUNNING PRECISION

Although their parts were small, some of the newer LA Opera artists have begun to prove their considerable value to the company. Two of the finest new voices are those of baritone Jason Stearns, who portrayed The Mill Foreman, and bass James Cresswell, who sang The Mayor. Another impressive young artist is Rena Harms, the Barena, who was an apprentice in Santa Fe this summer. Lori Ann Fuller was a sweet sounding shepherd boy and Margaret Thompson was a sonorous Mayor's Wife. Lauren McNeece, who will sing Zerlina in the upcoming performances of Don Giovanni, was a silver-toned Mayor's Daughter.

Los Angeles Opera has an excellent chorus and, under the direction of Grant Gershon, its members sang this difficult music with beautiful harmonies. Jenufa is not an easy piece, but it has a lot to say and in this performance its story was told most eloquently.