49 replies to this topic

[sandik]

Helene, on 10 September 2012 - 01:31 PM, said:

I wonder if it would have been more possible, if the artists and unions would have agreed, to have raised money for a Ring HD vs. the cancelled "Die Meistersinger" production as a farewell gift in honor of Jenkins, who leaves at the end of the Wagner Competition in summer 2014.

Either one would be a splendid gift -- I'm so sad that he's leaving at a financial low point for the company, since I can imagine some great tributes in a more affluent time.

[Birdsall]

Helene, on 10 September 2012 - 01:31 PM, said:

No, they're broadcasting the Met (on HD) Ring on the local Seattle station, which is also part of basic cable in Vancouver.

People ask Jenkins constantly about filming the Seattle Ring, and the answer is always, "No money for it."  If the Company were able to get a magic technology grant, like PNB did to fund their video projects (not commercial) -- a decade ago Francia Russell was begging for $10K to replace the camera they used to video each performance for their library -- combined with a big check, then it might be possible.

Jenkins has been careful about not starting projects that shift money away from basic productions and operating expenses.  The default is always "Microsoft" or "Paul Allen," but Microsoft is already a season sponsor and the Allen Family Foundation is a big donor in general.

I wonder if it would have been more possible, if the artists and unions would have agreed, to have raised money for a Ring HD vs. the cancelled "Die Meistersinger" production as a farewell gift in honor of Jenkins, who leaves at the end of the Wagner Competition in summer 2014.

Too bad! You got me excited! It is a crime not to immortalize the Seattle Ring! It is so beautiful!

As for Stemme I heard opera fanatics much older than I am who said she was better than Nilsson or anyone else they heard. I think I would break my opera disinterest if she were to release a "Wagner Arias/Scenes" cd or iTunes......I notice she's singing a concert of Wagner at the Mariinsky. Maybe it will be released on iTunes or video. It was one of the rare times I left an opera feeling like I had seen something for the ages.

[dirac]

Natalia, on 10 September 2012 - 09:42 AM, said:

Heads-up: This production will be shown on TV all of this week, as part of the Great Performances at the Met series. It kicks-off with the S. Froemke documentary tonight, followed by each of the 4 operas, in order, commencing with Das Rheingold on Tuesday. Check local PBS TV listings for times.

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/

Thanks for the heads up, Natalia, and reviving the thread. Caught the documentary tonight.

[Natalia]

I caught it, too. That 'monster set' was...uh...interesting.  It *does" fill-up the stage so that 'cheapness' does not really come to mind, as do the flimsy sets on recent Ratmansky ballets.  I still prefer the simple beauty of old-fashioned academic realism but this is worth a look. At least it's 'free' for folks watching for the first time on TV.

A felt sorry for the New Yorkers who sat in the downpour in the middle of Times Square during the opening of Rheingold. That looked yucky.

[dirac]

"Interesting" is the word. I felt sorry for the singers, especially poor Deborah Voigt flat on her butt, not a very dignified posture for Brunnhilde. Imagine Flagstad and Melchior trying to negotiate it....