<<<  <<  -- 4 --  Maria Nockin    A CHARMING RENDITION

Karen Vuong and Angel Blue, two young sopranos from the Domingo Thornton Young Artists Program, showed considerable vocal promise. Dale Travis was an energetic Périchaud, Levi Hernandez a commendable Crébillon and Renee Sousa a notable Lolette. Solo dancers Stephanie Landwehr and John Todd added a good bit of excitement to the evening. These performances marked the début of conductor Keri-Lynn Wilson who drew from the orchestra a charming rendition in which the tension never sagged.

Although most of this opera is fun and gaiety, its finale is tragic. Magda's last lines are: 'My life is taken from me. All I dream of is over. Every hope has vanished. I shall fly toward the sea like the swallow, alone in my sorrow.' The orchestra rendered Puccini's elegant romantic music with precision and well balanced harmonies. This may not be the composer's finest work, but its performance certainly did add to the enjoyment of a beautiful summer evening in Southern California.