By Reg Huston
SOAPBOX ALERT: These days, having an appreciation for the “classical” arts, especially the vocal arts, usually means knowing who won American Idol or what songs are on the top of the charts.To give the general public an appreciation for the art of singing, a real appreciation for something that is far removed from the usual fare, is extremely difficult. David Gordon is attempting to do just that with his new non-profit association, Opera Project Carmel, and he is doing it in the right way. Most people who want to see opera thrive on the Monterey Peninsula attempt to mount a production that brings a name star to our area for a brief time, present a concert and then disappear into the sunset having given (perhaps) something memorable and (surely) something fleeting for our residents. The opera presentation may have been worth attending but it never infuses the community with the desire to have local opera succeed in a sustained way. Those seeking such lofty goals should be praised for their sincere attempts but nothing will happen until there is an understanding, an education, of what they are seeing and hearing. That is where Mr. Gordon comes in. (I now descend from my soapbox).
Finally, we have an attempt at educating the audience, first and foremost, so that a foundation of understanding of the art can be established. Gordon is taking the bull by the horns (pardon any opera references to Carmen) and is trying to create an audience, and, at the same time, reach those people who are already opera lovers. Better yet, he is using local talent, of which, there is plenty.
Case in point, Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Church, the newly formed Opera Project Carmel presented “Audible Emotions” which showcased a group of local singers (together with two imports) who presented worthwhile duets and trios from operas such as The Tales of Hoffman, The Magic Flute, Cosi, Madama Butterfly, Lakme, Candide, The Pearl Fishers and, even, Die Walkure. Gordon, the Master of Masters of Ceremonies, was a superb host and narrator who created an upbeat and easy afternoon of listening. Gordon has done another smart thing: he has reached out to San Jose and included the talents of Michel Singher (who has an opera portfolio as long as your arm) and an accessible talent base.
The singers were: Bob Bogardus, Michelle Boulware, Sean Boulware, Jenny Silber Butah, Katherine Edison, Jessica Leash, Delmar McComb, Patty Pai and Michael Russell. Although “recitals” of this sort usually cover a range of inexperienced singers to more mature performers, here is good news: the singers were worthy of our attention. All were especially well coached in their presentations and, though one might quibble over “a glazed-look here” or “a hand-conducting there,” all sang from the heart and all should be proud of their showing. I’d rather hear a heart-felt beginner than a cold, grandstanding pro any day. Special mention must be made for the rendition of the Pearl Fishers duet by Sean Boulware and Bob Bogardus. It’s always a crowd-pleaser and the gentlemen delivered beautifully. All of these singers have a fine start and the future looks good for Opera Project Carmel.
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