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Archives for June 2009

“Walk to the Opera” Summer Series

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OperaOggiNY

Menotti’s “The Medium”

Performances June 22 – 28

With smaller seasons at City Opera and the Met, people are finding that a surprising magic exists in small micro budget performances led by OperaOggiNY‘s artistic director Thomas Toscano and music director Bill Lewis. In the spirit of bringing affordable opera to the people, they have created a new concept in local opera performances called “Walk to the Opera.” By focusing upon the drama, text and music rather than pomp and extravaganza, they are forging an expressive repertory ensemble with up and coming young professionals. Beginning with Menotti’s “The Medium” they bring this opera to five different neighborhoods. Starting in Washington Heights, Manhattan, and with subsequent performances scheduled in Astoria, Queens, and Greenpoint, Williamsburg and Ft. Green in Brooklyn.

Soon to follow will be new productions of operas by Vaughn Williams, Lockwood, Moniusko, Puccini, and some contemporary operas by American composers as well. In addition to these, Suor Angelica, L’Oracolo and Massenet’s Sapho, all now part of OperaOggiNY’s repertoire, will be presented  in neighborhoods which have not yet experienced these performances throughout the metropolitan area.

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Random Act of Kindness on Bedford Avenue

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a2b_white_heroreflectionElectric bikes are subject to flats too I learned this past Sunday, Father’s Day.  The unusual bike I’m riding these days, the electric A2B produced by Ultra Motor, allows me a swift ride from Bed-Stuy to the Upper West Side through Williamsburg, (and gets me to dinner with my dad, on time).

After a pleasant meal, riding home using the path alongside the West Side Highway, it starts to rain … but that wasn’t too bad because the air is warm and the ride still enjoyable, almost like sailing. Until … the bike begins halting. 

On the Williamsburg Bridge now in the dark and pouring rain, the front wheel is difficult to turn from side to side, and I think it must have something to do with the electric wiring. I realize on the other side of the bridge, when the impact of riding off the curb onto the street comes with a thump, that I have a flat.  Simple, but it also leaves me stranded on Broadway and Bedford in the pouring rain. I will have to push the bike somewhere, and everywhere I think of is too far away.

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