In the small role of the High Priest of Neptune, Robert MacNeil excelled in a modest, though promising, debut. His singing was lovely, clear, and well-focused.
Current Adler Fellow Alek Shrader convincingly portrayed Arbace, the king�s wise old advisor, with the help of a gray wig, and facial hair. He moved like a man whose back and joints were failing, which contrasted interestingly with his youthful and lively voice. Thanks to Shrader�s interpretation, it was a treat to hear Arbace�s first act aria, which is often cut.
Chorus at Work
Functioning as the classic Greek Chorus, commenting on action happening both on- and off-stage, the San Francisco Opera chorus produced a full, resonant, and cohesive sound. As Cretan maidens and Trojan captives, Mary Finch, Natasha Ramirez Leland, Chester Pidduck, and David Kekuewa provided sensitive contrasts to the intensity of the full ensemble. Bass Kenneth Kellogg (another current Adler Fellow) sang commandingly as the voice of the Oracle, though the use of amplification and sound effects while he was singing was distracting./ SFCV |
