Opera Returns to Baltimore with Barihunk Nozze; Daniel Mobbs joins SFCM Staff

Daniel Mobbs performing Figaro in Baltimore (Photo by Julius Ahn)

When the economic collapse happened in 2008-2009, few things suffered more than the arts. Opera companies, small theaters and orchestras across the country shuttered their doors. One of the unfortunate victims was the creative Baltimore Opera, where many young singers launched their carees. We are pleased to announce that opera has returned with the Lyric Opera of Baltimore, which will be presenting Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro with barihunks Daniel Mobbs as Figaro and Marian Pop as the Count.

Opera in Baltimore has a long, rich history that dates back to the mid-18th century. Opera was initially influenced by the English and later by French refugees fleeing the Revolution. The first opera performed in Baltimore was John Gay's The Beggar's Opera in 1752. From 1883-1959, Baltimore was a regular stop for the Metropolitan Opera Tour and many of the biggest names in opera performed there.

Daniel Mobbs & Marian Pop bringing opera back to Baltimore (Photos by Julius Ahn)

Joining the two barihunks in Nozze will be Caitlin Lynch as the Countess, Janinah Burnett as Susanna and Kirsten Gunlogson as Cherubino. Performing in the pit will be the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conducted by Joseph Rescigno. The production will be directed by Bernard Uzan in a production from  L’Opéra de Montréal. Click HERE for tickets and additional information.

In related news, opera students on the West Coast were thrilled to learn that Daniel Mobbs will be joining the voice faculty staff at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the fall of 2012. Interested students should click HERE for additional information.

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Michael Todd Simpson in Carmen & Messiah; Pop's Sexy Carmina Burana; Varnier in Rimini

Anita Rachvelishvili as Carmen & Michael Todd Simpson as Escamillo in rehearsal; (Bill Mohn, photo)

Michael Todd Simpson brought his swaggering Escamillo to Seattle Opera for their performances of Bizet's "Carmen." In a performance that included the riveting Carmen of Anita Rachvelishvili and a host of other hot men, the American barihunk managed to catch the attention of reviewer Jackson Holtz at the Everett Herald.

"Seattle Opera veteran Michael Todd Simpson was sexy and charming as the matador." 

You can read the entire review at the Everett HeraldNet website.

Bernard Jacobson of the Seattle Times wrote:

"Don José...projected just the nebbish air of indecision that makes José putty in Carmen's hands — no competition for the sexy Escamillo and Zuniga of Michael Todd Simpson and Donovan Singletary."

Donovan Singletary in his Barihunks tee shirt

Performances run through October 29th and tickets can be purchased online. Simpson next heads down the coast to California, where he will perform Handel's "Messiah" with the amazing San Francisco Symphony. Performances are on December 16, 17 & 18. Visit the San Francisco Symphony website for tickets and additional performance information.

By the way, if you haven't seen the Seattle Opera's "If Carmen and her friends were on Facebook...," then you missed one of the funniest and creative things that we've ever seen from an Opera Company (that was meant to be funny!). You can see the entire post on their wonderful blog. 

Kudos to the Seattle Opera, which continues to be one of the most creative opera companies in the world.

Cirque du Soleil performers and Marian Pop combine forces in Detroit

The Michigan Opera Theater hired some Cirque du Soleil acrobats to add an erotic touch to Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana." The piece was part of a double-bill with Menotti's "The Medium." Barihunk Marian Pop, a regular fixture with the opera company, was singled out for his performance by the local press.

"Baritone soloist Marian Pop's expressive singing was the musical highlight of "Carmina."

You can read the entire review at the Detroit Free Press website.

Jérôme Varnier

Jérôme Varnier is wrapping up a run as Palémon in Massenet's "Thaïs" tonight at the Opéra de Tours. He now heads to the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz to perform Guido in Ambroise Thomas' "Francesca da Rimini," which opens on November 18. Tickets and additional performance information are available online.