I had not been to the May Festival in a long time – it’s all those plays I keep going to, and then I’ve often been otherwise committed at that time – with my birthday and Memorial Day in that time frame.
This year, I managed to see two performances. And, of course, totally loved both of them. The first was a rendition of Verdi’s The Force of Destiny, with just a bit of stage blocking to give us the sense of the opera. The music and the singing were glorious. It might well have been better presented this way than fully staged. The plot, once set into motion, falls down a long spiral of misery and pain, beyond coincidence. But those powerful and lyrical voices brought us through.
The second performance was mainly sacred music sung in Latin, which I still love. Faure’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria in D Major and Bach’s Gloria, Cantata 191. It was wonderful to just close my eyes and be in that sacred space with that etherial music.
Each performance got a well deserved standing ovation. Great orchestra, great singing, great audience – the place was nearly packed.
I’ll have to keep room on my calendar next May. Maybe I’ll even make the performance in the Cathedral Basilica, which always sells out early. Can’t wait to see what delights will be on the progam next time.