Review of film: “AIDA” – Part of the “OPERA IN CINEMA” series at Front Row Cinema.

2009, 09-25:

Review of film:  “AIDA”

     – Part of the “OPERA IN CINEMA” series at Front Row Cinema.

            Rating:  9 of 10 stars.

 

The FRONT ROW CINEMA of Columbia College (on the 8th floor at 1104 S. Wabash) has joined the Emerging Pictures nationwide network to screen the “OPERA IN CINEMA” series.

…  The first offering was the December, 2006 (2 hour 37 minute) version of “AIDA” performed (for the 1st time in 20 years) at the LA SCALA in Milan, Italy [which is now available on BLU-RAY DVD]…

…  It starred ROBERTO ALAGNA (as Egyptian general Radames who falls in love with prisoner Aida), ANTONELLO CERON (as the Messenger), GEORGIO GIUSEPPINI (as Ramfis), & CARLO GUELFI (as Amonasro)…

…  Also starring are SAE KYUNG KAMARA (as the Priestess), ILDIKO KOMLOSI (as Amneris), Marco Spotti (as the King), & black actress-singer VIOLETTA URMANA using her soaring voice to achieve a marvelous success in the title role…

…  Partly because it was directed by the legendary FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI, the staging & overall production (set in ancient EGYPT) was sumptuous & the whole event a clear “Happening” in Milan.  I found the costumes striking, the music sounded glorious backing the excellent singers & dancers, and the Hi-Def filming was super CRISP & CLEAR…

…  Some of the operas were filmed for television (in Italy & elsewhere), & this is the first time they’re being shown on BIG screens. “LA BOHEME” was screened on 9-23-09…

…  Here are upcoming operas at FILM ROW:

“DAS RHEINGOLD” on 10-12 & (7 PM) & 10-18 (2 PM).

“WALKURE” on 10-23 (7 PM) & 10-25 (2 PM).

“DON GIOVANNI” on 11-4 (7 PM) & 11-07 (2 PM).

“COSI FAN TUTTI” on 11-17 (7 PM) & 11-22 (2 PM).

“CARMEN” on 12-7-09 (broadcast LIVE from La Scala at a time TBD).

“IL TROVATORE” on 12-22 (broadcast LIVE from Barcelona’s Gran Teatre Del Liceu at a time TBD).

“RIGOLETTO” on 1-4-10 (7 PM) & 1-10 (2 PM).

“OTELLO” on 1-19 (7 PM) & 1-24 (2 PM).

“ROMEO ET JULIETTE” on 2-8 (7 PM) & 2-14 (at 2 PM).

“LA TRAVIATA” on February 22 (7 PM) & 2-28 (at 2 PM).

“DON CARLO” on March 9 (7 PM) & 3-14 (at 2 PM).

“IL VIAGGIO A REIMS” on 3-23 (7 PM) & 3-28 (at 2 PM).

…  The operas above will range in cost between $ 20-25 each.  Questions about the screenings can be directed to Eileen Dominick at 312-369-6709 or to HYPERLINK mail to: edominick@colum.edu …

…  Tickets can be purchased by going to:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/15985 .

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