Merola's Marriage of Figaro

The Merola Opera Program has long had an outstanding reputation for finding and developing young talent, but this year's crop seems to possess an even greater abundance than usual. At least that was my impression after seeing them perform Mozart's Le nozze di Figaro last weekend. Not only were the majority of singers in this production quite good, but everything about it- including conductor Xian Zhang's decision to sacrifice a certain amount of the score's dynamics so each voice could be clearly heard, director Robin Guarino's sharp and nuanced direction, and Ulises Alcala's costumes worked to make this an exceptional afternoon. It was so good it made me realize I like this opera much more than I knew.

While it's not a battle of the sexes ala Cosi, the women outshone the men this time around, led by Maria Valdes as Susanna, whose crystal-clear voice and appealing presence were a constant magnet for one's attention from start to finish. Jacqueline Piccolino's Countess didn't begin the afternoon as strong, but as the opera progressed she steadily momentum and by the time the happy ending rolled up three hours later she had me thoroughly convinced that not only did she possess a lovely, dusky soprano with a mid range which simply glows, but she may have been the most intriguing performer among the talented ensemble. This is her second time in the program, and she's even better now than she was last year- which is saying something because she really impressed me last summer. Even in the trouser role of Cherubino, Rihab Chaieb's alluring looks shine through. She has the face of a model, an equally expressive voice, and inhabits the stage with a physical agility reminiscent of Diana Damrau. In the smaller role of Barbarina, Alisa Jordheim, who recently shone in the program's The Rape of Lucretia, had another strong outing. I'd like to see all of these women become Adlers. 

Among the men baritone Joseph Lattanzi was exceptional as Count Almaviva- his booming voice and magnetic stage presence were in place from start to finish, and he gave the role an interesting arc. I'd be especially curious to see what he could do with other roles.The rest of the strong cast- John Arnold as Figaro, Thomas Richards as Dr. Bartolo, Casey Finnegan as Don Basilio, Rhys Lloyd Talbot as Antonio, Matthew Newlin as Don Curzio and Daryl Freeman as Marcellina all held their own and each had their moments (the opera is particularly generous in this way). All of them, and the rest of this year's participants, will be on the stage of the War Memorial Opera House on August 17 for the Merola Grand Finale, which judging by what I've seen so far this year, should be quite an evening. Tickets for it can be purchased through the San Francisco Opera box office.