An artistic presentation of seismic proportions took place Feb. 28 at Detroit’s Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts when the venue launched its new Classic Opera Series with a one-night-only concert staging of Puccini’s grand “Turandot.”
The brainchild of Detroit-based soprano and arts administrator Christine Goerke and Music Hall CEO Vince Paul, the knockout performance brought high drama and massive, unamplified sounds that captivated the rapturous audience — a highly responsive one that cheered, applauded and whistled spontaneously all evening.
Goerke and viral opera superstar Limmie Pulliam delivered stunning performances, their voices ringing throughout the hall – and yet it was Latonia Moore who stole the show with her rich and shattering work as Liù. As the Emperor, hometown hero Alvin Waddles brought a gospel-like rasp instead of operatic might. Kevin Thompson’s powerful, booming bass worked wonders for the character of Timur, and Richard Ollarsaba, Leo Williams and Jason Ferrante were a treat as Ping, Pang and Pong.
The decision to strip this production down to concert style, dress the performers mostly in black and seat the orchestra onstage was a wise one, allowing the music and those sterling voices to truly shine. Curious was the choice of rotating background projections that seemed sort of like Windows ’95 screen savers, but it did not distract from the incredible music being presented.
This night could never have reached such heights without Suzanne Acton’s triumphant conducting, which captivated from the first notes. The quiet moments were tender and aching; the big moments felt explosive. Praise is reserved for the chorus and, in particular, the Detroit Youth Choir, whose members stole hearts every time their mouths opened.
With such a profound and deeply rewarding production, Music Hall’s Classic Opera Series has announced itself like a bolt of lightning. Opera lovers are eagerly awaiting announcement of their next production(s). Goerke has made clear that the next will not be a one-night-only affair.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: New opera series at Detroit’s Music Hall gets off to spectacular start
Reporting by Duante Beddingfield, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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