Merola Opera Program's Elixir (Saturday)

* Notes *
The third performance of the Merola Opera Program's L'elisir d'Amore on Saturday went splendidly. Though there were brief moments in which one could pick out the individual voices, the chorus sounded more cohesive than before. The orchestra played at a fine clip, though there remained issues of synchronization. There were some intonation problems with the horns and woodwinds, and some fuzziness and squeaking, respectively. The bassoon did sound lovely, however.

The singing was consistent. Hye Jung Lee's voice did not always carry over the chorus and orchestra, but she does have an exquisite sound. Thomas Florio was a hilarious Dulcamara, and Benjamin Covey blustered his way through the part of Belcore. Daniel Montenegro was less tentative in his second and a half appearance as Nemorino. His voice is sweet and reedy, and he never sounded strained or constricted. Nadine Sierra's Adina was bubbly and effusive, and she could always be heard over the orchestra. The overall effect was very charming.

* Tattling *
There was some whispering and use of mobile devices during the performance, but nothing not easily ignored. During intermission there may have been some rather unbecoming preening and picture taking in the lobby from a group of young people.