Don Carlos - Opera by Giuseppe Verdi at San Francisco Opera House

San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti

San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti

Don Carlos was written in French, and premiered in 1866 at the Paris Opera.
An Italian translation quickly surfaced for performances in London the next year and then in all major Italian theaters. Don Carlos is Giuseppe Verdis' most mature opera and 13 years later it returns in a revival of director Emilio Sagi’s to San Francisco Opera production both in the four-act La Scala version and in a five-act Don Carlos French version.

At the time of Spain’s brutal Inquisition, the king of Spain marries the woman his son loves and sets into motion a tension-filled chain of events. San Francisco Opera Music Director Nicola Luisotti conducts Giuseppe Verdi’s profoundly moving drama of romantic triangles, political idealism and life-or-death devotion. The exceptional international cast featured American tenor Michael Fabiano,  who takes on the title role of the Spanish crown prince and makes a strong debut.
The cast featured gifted Puerto Rican-American soprano Ana María Martínez in her role debut as Elisabetta. Not to forget her sensational Act 5 aria, “Tu che le vanita conoscesti del mondo” that earned her the biggest ovation of the evening! Tangible chemistry between Fabiano and Martinez.

The brilliant cast also celebrated German bass René Pape as King Philip II, acclaimed Polish baritone Mariusz Kwiecień as Don Carlo’s friend Rodrigo and Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva in her Company debut as Princess Eboli. Italian bass-baritone Ferruccio Furlanetto sang the role of Philip II in the final performance.

San Francisco Opera delivered a masterpiece performance and set beautiful memories of spectacularly good evening of music-making.

Text Miles Socho
 Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco Opera

 

When Fashion and Technology collide

It seems the internet is screaming over Claire Danes elegant choice for the Met Gala. If leaving an impression was what she was aiming for, then that is what she left.  Dressed in a Zac Posen gown, and looking like Cinderella for the night, many fashion goers were confused at how this adhered to the theme of ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology’.  However our questions were quickly answered, when the lights became dim, and the dress began to shine.  Innovative at best, Claire Danes surely turned heads with this gown that looked like the night sky.  With such juxtaposition between the technology of the lights inside her dress, and the nature aspect of the sky, the combination is fitting and elegant to the point where other style choices just seem ridiculous. Cheers to you Claire Danes, for the beautiful execution and innovation that will leave a lasting impression in the fashion world.

Text: GARRETT YOUNG

 

CUTE COUPLE ALERT - Chloë Grace Moretz and Brooklyn Beckham

 Chloë Grace Moretz and Brooklyn Beckham make their red carpet debut as a couple at Los Angeles premiere of Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. Chloe in a plunging Alexander McQueen dress looked radiant next to Brooklyn in a blazer, tie and jeans.

Brooklyn posted an adorable photo of the couple on his instagram commenting with❤️.

❤️

A photo posted by bb (@brooklynbeckham) on

They never say too much about them as a couple, but they certainly do show it. We love following their instagram!

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A photo posted by Chloe Grace Moretz (@chloegmoretz) on