Arts & Entertainment

Great Setting Enhances Glorious Sounds at Nearby Sands Point

OPERA REVIEW: "La Traviata" soars in intimate setting; next up is "Il Tabarro."

Review by Joe Dowd

A glorious evening with a Romantic masterpiece, played in the intimate confines of a castle's Great Hall, made for a memorable evening of opera at Sands Point last month.

And much more is in store for Long Island audiences as theFriends of Sands Point Preserve present another gem in its Jewel Box Series of operas Saturday Aug. 17: Puccini's "Il Tabarro." 

The July 27 performance, under Artistic Director Daniel Klein, is indicative of the summer music program, now in its third year and growing. Verdi's "La Traviata" was performed by a troupe of world-class talent and left a sell-out crowd standing. 

Most notable was the stunning voice of Julia Lima who, as Violetta, commanded the stage with her soaring soprano voice as well as her convincing portrayal of the doomed courtesan. Ms. Lima's vocal acrobatics showcased a stunning range capable of lyrical subtlety as well as power.

The supporting cast complemented her stand-out performance. The famed second-act duet (shown in the video) between Violetta and her lover's disapproving father (portrayed by Stefanos Koroneos) was particularly poignant.

Beyond the on-stage talent, the setting itself is part of what makes the series a hit. This is opera up-close and personal, almost as if the patrons were seated in the salons of Paris where the piece is set.

Elegant and vaguely decadent, complete with servings of wine and desserts. And afterwards, unlike the great opera houses of Europe or The Met, you can mingle with the artists over coffee. 

For the price: unbeatable. 

Tickets are available for the second opera of the summer, Puccini’s "Il Tabarro' on Saturday Aug. 17.

One of Puccini's lesser-known masterworks, Il Tabarro is the story of Giorgetta (Hannah Spierman) her older husband, Michele (Daniel Klein) and her younger lover, Luigi (Kirk Dougherty) who works for Michele aboard his barge on the Seine in Paris. When Michele discovers the infidelity, he takes matters into his own hands. 

This verismo (or, "lifelike") gem, premiered at the Met in 1918. In the style of that era, the operas trend shorter. The Aug. 17 performance runs about an hour and can serve as a perfect introduction to the art form for those less familiar. English "supertitles" are projected above the stage so nothing is lost in translation.

The doors to the Great Hall open at 7:30 p.m. Performances begin at 8:15 p.m. Drinks, the dessert buffet and coffee will be served after the performances.

Tickets are $75 per person and include a complimentary glass of wine, the performance, dessert, and coffee. 

For further information, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about Cultural Arts Sponsorship opportunities, call (516) 571-7901, email info@friendsspp.org, or stop by the Gate House, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online: www.thesandspointpreserve.com

(Local Editor Joe Dowd writes about Long Island culture for Patch)


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