Gwendolyn Killebrew, RIP

Gwendolyn Killebrew has passed away in Germany, Dec. 28th at the age of 80.  Our paths crossed in the early 70s at New York City Opera. It was always fun.  September 11, 1971, BALLO IN MASCHERA, Ulrica.  She posed in the dressing room. I never noticed at  the time they she made her teeth rotted for this gloomy role, but she had a swell manicure.  Latest thing is Witch style.
 

CARMEN Sept. 2, 1972  with Michelle Molese as Don Jose

BEATRIX CENCI, March 14, 1973. Gwendolyn was Lucrecia. Arlene Saunders was Beatrix

Back to CARMEN, Oct. 6, 1974  this time with Placido Domingo as Don Jose

All performance images shot from the wings with the exception of the Ballo dressing room pictures. The camera was my trusty  manual Leica,- no auto focus, no meter. 

Dear Gwendolyn, THANK YOU.    RIP

Salavdor Novoa, RIP, part 2

This is the second part of the tribute to Salvador Novoa. He was a vibrant member of the New York City Opera family.  The previous post, BOMARZO, was from 1969. The rest are in chronological order. This is CARMEN, March 1967. All are NYC Opera at the State Theater. He is Don Jose.
 

GIANNI SCHICHI, Mar. 8, 1967 as Rinuccio. Beverly Sills as Lauretta.   This was the only time she did the three TRITTICO operas.

TOSCA  Oct. 1967 as Cavaradossi. Ed Pierson is Angelotti, posed shot as this was a closed set, no viewing from wings.

NYC Opera presented a ZARZUELLA at City Center, June 1969. I don't remember the story at all. I remember the soloists, but not their characters. I do remember roaches in the basement.

Salvador is with Nino Garcia.   Only color I have of Salvador.

LUCIA Nov. 1969 as Edgardo.  Beverly Sills in title role

MEFISTOFELE, March 1971,  old Faust, young Faust,  with Gilda Cruz Romo as Marguerite.

with the late great demonic Norman Treigle in the title role

DON RODRIGO, April 14, 1971 in title role.

It was always a pleasure having Salvador in my lens.  The audience was happy too.

To friends and family my heartfelt condolences.  

Salvador,   Thank you.     RIP

Salvador Novoa RIP

Sad news this morning. Salvador Novoa  has passed away. Opera people immediately remember BOMARZO, but he did many more roles.  I will be scanning all day, but wanted to post these immediately. Salvador as Bomarzo, then with Claramae Turner as Diana Orsini. Performance images from 1968.  Shot from wings.
 

Curtain call-  Salvador, Ginastera, the composer, and Maestro Julius Rudel.  This is history.... more than 50 years ago.  More images coming.

Cecilia Brauer, RIP

Cecilia Brauer was the Met pianist for many years. She was also Ray Gniewek's sister. She passed away this month shortly after her brother died.  I first became aware of Cecilia during a 2007 LUCIA. Her glass armonica accompanied Lucia in the mad scene.  If you ever had any doubt that Lucia was "bats in the belfry" you only had to listen to the eerie sound of this instrument.  Not every conductor wants the glass armonica during this scene. I can't imagine the Mad Scene without it.  Cecilia was very generous in sharing her knowledge of the instrument.  Glass, water, large size...  just imagine traveling with one of these.

 

To Cecilia thank you for the extraordinary lesson and huge pleasure.     RIP.

Edita Gruberova, RIP

This is the Memory Keeper checking in again this time for EDITA GRUBEROVA  who passed away Oct. 18, 2021.  She was only in my lens for four operas, so this time I've selected several favorite moments.  First Zerbinetta in ARIADNE Feb. 1979, the only comedy I saw her do.
 

With John Garrison as Brighella.

LUCIA September 1988 with Francisco Araiza as Edgardo

While the coverage was in 1988 I created the multiple exposure in 1991. The print has sat in file since then.

PURITANI  Mar. 1991, Elvira, also with Paul Pishka as Giorgio.

TRAVIATA   Oct. 1989  Violetta  Act I

With Neil Shicoff as Alfredo

                  Act II  Traviata

              Act III Traviata

To the many friends, fans, family members my heartfelt condolences. It was a joy documenting the greatness of this artist.