Today is the Lyric Opera of Chicago‘s world premiere of “Bel Canto,” a new opera commissioned by famed opera soprano and SUNY Potsdam alumni Renée Fleming. You may remember Fleming as the woman who sang the national anthem at Super Bowl XLVIII, but if you are familiar with the opera scene than you know she is one of the greats. And her involvement with this project has given people high hopes.
The opera is based on a novel of the same name by Ann Patchett which was published in 2001. The story is loosely based on the Japanese embassy hostage crisis (also called the Lima Crisis) of 1996–1997, and it explores the relationships that form between the hostages, who are mostly high-profile political figures, as well the terrorists. Opera was a central theme of the novel making it perfect for this on-stage adaptation. In fact, author Ann Patchett has said she imagined the voice of her character to be the voice of Renée Fleming.
But don’t worry, this isn’t a vanity project for Fleming. In fact, she won’t even be playing the role. She explained her decision to the associated press. “I think it would have taken away from the piece actually,” she said. “Once they (the audience) imagine that it’s a vanity project it takes away from the work.” The piece was announced after Fleming became a creative consultant for Lyric. She says the reason she was drawn to the work is because it offered a great role for women in opera.”I want to see pieces that focus more on women, where women aren’t just the ingenue victim, which is the center of the plot of 90 percent of opera,” she said.
This opera is unique in many ways; it has a score in nine different languages, with projected English translations, to reflect the international dignitaries and guests who have been taken hostage. Because it opens today, this play has not yet received many reviews but the Chicago Tribune called the work “ripped from the heart, not the headlines.” With the production being so new only time will tell if it will become one of opera’s greats.
Renee is ahe brightest star among opera stars. She has given voice to under-served roles. Her vast experience and devotion to opera ensures a performance not to be missed! Thanks for the heads up on an anticipated great performance.
SUNY should celebrate its contribution to the arts. Garth Fagan is another giant who should be honored and celebrated by SUNY faculty and alums.The emphasis on stem, Startup NY fails to include or celebrate the joy of living from talented SUNY students contribution to art: music, dance and liturature. Ms Fleming’s foray into opera production should primiered at Glimmerglass, Cooperstown NY..
Time to investigate the heinious death of NYCity Opera. The house built with tax payers money is now called KOCH! Hard to believe an Italian American Gov Cuomo hates opera enough to destroy the people’s house, ( as named by Gov Laquardia 70 years ago). Great stars like Sills and Placido, began their career’s there. Now, no comparable place to train up and coming young American opera singers exists in NYC. Cooperstown is more fortunate than NYC! And with no thanks to Cuomo, who also starves SUNY Medical Schools. With alumns like Renee there is a bright star on the horizon.