While others commute home later today, Toronto baritone Brett Polegato puts his artistry on the line

As I wrote in my review in the Star, the energy level in the Canadian Opera Company's presentation of Rossini's La Cenerentola rose markedly every time Dandini -- as sung by Toronto baritone Brett Poegato -- appeared on stage.

Polegato (pictured above as Vancouver Opera's Eugene Onegin from a three seasons ago) is one of several great singers from this part of the world who are in their vocal prime right now. He is also an excellent actor.

Nothing tests a singer's ability to communicate than a solo recital -- and Polegato is treating us to one at 5:30 p.m. today, for free at the Richard Bradshaw Amphitheatre. It's a fantastic, spring-themed program of art song, many of which we don't hear often, accompanied by the COC's Liz Upchurch:

This is a perfect excuse for me to share yet another interpretation of one of my favourite English songs, Ralph Vaughan Williams' magical setting of Dante Gabriel Rosetti's "Silent Noon." Here, Thomas Allen is accompanied by Malcolm Martineau, in my personal prayer for heat and sun:

Comments

[Alan Ryder]

Nice to see your articles again - perhaps linking back to the Star page is all it will take to generate traffic for the newspaper. When the whole thing was in the feed (convenient of course) one tended to read, enjoy, and take it no further!

As well, thanks for your take on the scene in "Central Canada" - the regionals' arts coverage is so slim we don't hear about important national stories. As you know life is too short for daily "fishing expeditions"

All the best

Alan