All posts in Uncategorized

Abercrombie & Fitch Addresses Controversy–Kind Of.

by admin on May 15, 2013 in Uncategorized

Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi

by Paria Amini on April 18, 2013 in Uncategorized

Opera San Jose is ending its 2012-2013 season with an outstanding double bill featuring Italian operas Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi. Giacomo Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi are parts one and three of Il trittico (The Triptych)–three one-act operas with contrasting themes.

While the operas were originally written to be presented together, they are more commonly performed alone or paired with one another. Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) tells the story of a nun desperate for salvation after committing a mortal sin, while Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi tells the comical tale of a con artist striving for wealth and fortune.

The cast of Opera San Jose provided a riveting performance of these Puccini classics. The aria, “O mio babbino caro” (“Oh My Beloved Father”), the most well-known of Gianni Schicchi, stands out as a beautiful and simple voice among the chaos of the story. Cecilia Violetta López (Lauretta) delivers a moving interpretation of the famous aria, leaving the audience in awe of her striking talent and presence on the stage.

Do not miss this double bill runs from now until April 28th at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose! Tickets are on sale at the Opera San Jose box office, by phone at (408) 437-4450, or online at www.operasj.org. We cannot wait till the 2013-2014 season!

Il trovatore

by Paria Amini on February 15, 2013 in Uncategorized

A story of a curse, love, and revenge–Giuseppe Verdi’s Il trovatore is a staple in the world of opera for obvious reasons. First performed in Rome in 1853, Il trovatore is set in Zaragoza, Spain. Count di Luna is in love with Leonora, the lady-in-waiting to the Princess. However, Leonora is in love with the troubadour Manrico, the Count’s rival.

The audience learns that long ago, a gypsy accused of bewitching the youngest of the two di Luna sons, faces the wrath of the Count. The gypsy was killed, and in her final moments pleads with her daughter Azucena to avenge her death. The son soon goes missing, and when the bones of a young child are found, the Count cannot accept the death of his boy. He orders the eldest, the new Count di Luna, to find Azucena and his brother, believing the boy is still alive. The series of events that unfold test the limits of love, and the lengths one will go to for revenge.

Sung in Italian, Il trovatore is divided into four acts. Regularly performed worldwide, the opera is well-known for its famous choral melody “Anvil Chorus.” The cast sang beautifully and harmoniously, effortlessly capturing the mood and meaning behind the poetic lyrics of the song. Nicole Birkland, cast to play Azucena, gave an exceptional performance, from her acting, to her singing, to her presence on the stage–she was meant to play this role.

Il trovatore is a wonderful continuation of the 2012-2013 season at Opera San Jose. Il trovatore runs from now until February 24th at the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose. Tickets are on sale at the Opera San Jose box office, by phone at (408) 437-4450, or online at www.operasj.org.

TART Collections $150 Giveaway

by Hasti Kashfia on February 3, 2013 in Uncategorized

We’re so excited to feature TART Collections and give you a chance to win a $150 gift card! How do you enter? It’s super easy…just follow these instructions.

1- Read Hasti’s Valentine Style guide on the TART Collections blog and comment your favorite look on the bottom of this blog.

2- Follow Hasti and TART Collections on Instagram and keep an eye out for Hasti wearing her favorite TART look and hashtag it with #MODETART

3- And use the form below to “like” MODE Bay Area, TART Collections, and follow Hasti on Facebook!

4- Tweet about the Giveaway below!

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