Going for Baroque

Handel: Opera Arias; David Daniels

David Daniels

I have previously confessed my weakness for Baroque opera. So I was greatly anticipating last night's concert with David Daniels, the world's leading countertenor.

He, was as expected, amazing. He's got such flexibility and agility with his voice. He sang arias from three Handel operas, Giulio Cesare (which we will see this season at Seattle Opera, but with Brian Asawa), Orlando, and Rodelinda.

A surprise of the evening was British conductor Nicholas McGegan, who specializes in Baroque and Classical repertoire (and has a very cool web site including puzzles!). He introduced both the first and second half of the program with commentary that was nothing short of hilarious (but also interesting and informative). And he announced the world series had been won before starting his second half commentary. The evening finished with Purcell's Suite from King Arthur - he seemed to pull particularly inspired performances out of the musicians.

We spotted a couple of opera celebs. Stephanie Blythe, who we'll see tonight in the lead role of L'italiana in Algeri at Seattle Opera. And Stephen Wadsworth, director of Seattle Opera's current Ring production and the Met's smash-hit production of Rodelinda. We actually see Stephen around a lot because he lives in our neighborhood.

But overall, the concert was lightly attended. Baroque is not everyone's cup of tea, but I still would have expected a stronger turn out for David Daniels.