San
Diego Opera's new production of Bizet's The Pearl Fishers(presented in February 2004) is going places, and it's easy
to see why. The dazzingly fanciful stage sets and costumes by famed
flamboyant British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes,
in the second success of her blooming new career, give vibrant new
life to Bizet's "other opera" - maligned for its feeble
plot (of the conflict that arises when two friends fall in love with
the same girl) but beloved for its music (which is among the sweetest
and most melodious in the repertoire). Rousing performances by a cast
that included some of today's most promising young singers (the fast-rising
soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian as Leila, tenor Michael
Schade as Nadir, and baritone Russell Braun
as Zurga in the lead roles), the artfully energetic choreography of
John Malashock, and the superb conducting by Karen
Keltner all contributed to the work's success.
The production will be staged by co-producer, Michigan Opera in June
2004 and travels to New York City Opera, San Francisco Opera, and
Kentucky Opera in future seasons.
