This has been my favorite opera aria since I heard the Met broadcast.

Sung to the a-bomb.

You can come watch me sing in the Boheme Opera of NJ's production of La Traviata; Verdi's most oft performed opera of love gained and lost. Performances are this Fri. evening and Sat. afternoon. Details and ticket stuff.

I'll be the one on the right near the back in a tux. Oh. That might not be specific enough. Okay, I'll be the one on the right near the back in a tux who's singing.

Headline.

This one makes me feel really weird. I wasn't a fan of opera until college, and I didn't really enjoy his work compared to some little guys, but this man was an absolute constant. He was the classical musician that EVERYONE knew. He may well be the last opera singer to have that wide-reaching appeal.

That's probably why it bothers me. Opera will be a little more obscure without him around.

Well, that and Jerry Hadley.

And Bryn Terfel bowing out of the Ring cycle.

I picked a bad time to renew my interest.

I've recuperated from the opera. Despite a head cold that tried to kill me on opening night I gave the show my all and was rewarded by an invitation to return for the next show. I already bought a new recording of La Traviata and must collect my old score next time I'm home.

There's a lot to catch up on. Contract Work needs the liability rules hammered into a usable shape. I still owe someone theme music. Other music projects vie for my attention. Plus, there's that bothersome social life thing.

Thanks to those who made it out to the show. It's always good to have ringers in the crowd.

. . . or an afternoon.

Rigoletto by Giuseppi Verdi presented by Boheme Opera of NJ this Friday, April 20th at 8PM. Matinee on Sunday, April 22nd at 3PM. Performed at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, New Jersey. Ticket prices range from $28 to $68. To reserve tickets, call the Box Office Manager at (609) 581-7200, M-F, 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Further details may be found at Boheme Opera NJ.