METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE
To commemorate the inaugural performance of Verdi’s Macbeth, the Met Opera hosted its third annual “Mixology Contest." In honor of the production, six renowned NYC mixologists were tasked with creating the most sui generis concoction in tribute to Macbeth. Rife full of murder, magic, and mysterious “witches’ brews," the bar was set for the creation of some liquid excellence!
Prior to the actual contest, guests were treated to the night’s potent complimentary cocktail, simply entitled “The Opera Cocktail." Belying its non-descript moniker, this concoction touted substantial muscle via the “Navy Strength” 114 proof Gin nestled within. Suffice to say, buzzes were plentiful!
The Met Opera’s Benefit Gala Concert offered a night of indelible swank and pomp. The council, whose main initiative is to “discover promising young opera singers and assist in the development of their careers,” orchestrated this particular gala to showcase the talents of its promising young artists. Among those performing were Viktor Antipenko, Will Liverman, Ricardo Rivera, and 2011 National Winner, Ryan Speedo Green—an event that Master of Ceremonies, Ira Siff, coyly labeled “a rare, soprano-free evening”.
Before delving into the performances, dividends must be paid to lovely host Melina Spadone Palmer, who gracefully oversaw the evening’s activities and provided the delectable spread of pre-performance hors d’oeuvres. Honorable mention must be made of the savory Asiago breadsticks, and blue cheese and pistachio crusted grapes—which incited a food-induced rapture in one particular attendee. All in all, a sleek, sophisticated preamble to the evening’s true treasure: the performances.
In lieu of the ultra successful opera season at the Metropolitan Opera House, Joonbug was able to snag a chat with up and coming mezzo soprano extraordinaire, Jennifer Johnson Cano.
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, whether it was at high school, or church choir, Cano had always been immersed in singing. Unlike some who’ve claimed its path since “birth,” Cano thought, until college, that singing was a dream to be taught, not pursued. “I actually discovered pretty late that I wanted to sing professionally. I sang in school, and church, but I originally went to college to be a choral conductor. I had to take vocal lessons because I focused on singing. The head of the department took me under her wing and later asked me if I wanted to change to performing. I had never won anything before in high school so I hadn’t thought about it before. I had a different color that didn’t match normal soprano, so they didn’t know what to do with me. But once I started voice lessons and real performance opportunities came around, and I gained a great level of skill and confidence. My instructor entered me in competitions and I won! That’s where I started to do little opera projects. My first role in the scenes program was Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figero by Mozart liked working with a director and it hit me that if I could do it as a living, that’d be perfect.
Join the Metropolitan Opera House Thursday, September 15th, in celebrating the opening of their fall season with the Young Associates Preview Party. Enjoy finely crafted music, tasty hors d’oeuvres, and classic cocktails.
Reality and dreams have aligned to bring you a night of sophisticated fun in the gorgeous Grand Tier of the opera house. Starburst chandeliers, designed exclusively by Swarovski, shine above as you journey through the incredible music, by the esteemed Met Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. Don’t worry if you’re new to opera; this event is for everyone. From the opera aficionado to the novice, you’ll fit right in.
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