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<<<  <<  -- 4 --  Maria Nockin    AN UNUSUAL PRODUCTION

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For this performance, the opera might as well have been called Iago. Both vocally and histrionically, Mark Delavan was the strongest member of the cast. He was a full-blooded villain who sang with robust dark tones and appeared to glory in his wickedness. Ning Liang as his wife, Emilia, was sweet voiced and seemed easily controlled.

A scene from Act 3 of Los Angeles Opera's 'Otello'. Photo © 2008 Robert Millard
A scene from Act 3 of Los Angeles Opera's 'Otello'. Photo © 2008 Robert Millard

Derek Taylor, the excellent Rodolfo of Phoenix Metropolitan Opera's La bohème, was a smart Cassio whose handsome lyric voice carried over Verdi's complex orchestration. Eric Halfvarson was a commanding Lodovico, Ryan McKinney an energetic Montano and Gregory Warren a laudable Roderigo.

Ian Storey as Otello and Cristina Gallardo-Domâs as Desdemona in Los Angeles Opera's 'Otello'. Photo © 2008 Robert Millard
Ian Storey as Otello and Cristina Gallardo-Domâs as Desdemona in Los Angeles Opera's 'Otello'. Photo © 2008 Robert Millard

This was a rather unusual production with its somewhat abstract scenery but, musically, it was a passionate performance of a Verdi masterpiece.

Copyright © 2 March 2008 Maria Nockin, Arizona USA

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LOS ANGELES OPERA

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