Ruth Leon recommends… A Journey into Lohengrin – San Francisco Opera

A Journey into Lohengrin – San Francisco Opera

This splendid film, recommended by my friend Harvey in San Francisco (thank you, Harvey) takes viewers behind the scenes as a musical Everest is readied for the stage. SF Opera’s remarkable new Music Director Eun Sun Kim leads the company as the many layers of Wagner’s epic work Lohengrin come together, offering a rare glimpse into the complex process of staging a monumental opera.

Kim is conducting this work for the first time, supported by an experienced cast which features some singers familiar with this opera (tenor Simon O’Neill and bass Kristinn Sigmundsson), and others (soprano Julie Adams, mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi, and baritone Brian Mulligan), who are taking it on for the first time.

In this film they talk about the challenges of their daunting roles and orchestra members discuss their “Vulcan mind meld,” as large-scale rehearsals reveal the military-level precision and impressive artistry from hundreds of artists, company, and crew.
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Directed by Elena Park, this illuminating film chronicles the collective pursuit of something transcendent.

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