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[title]Will Crutchfield’s Bel Canto at Caramoor summer series is something that New York opera fans count on—not just for the chance to hear rare works, but because of Crutchfield’s keen sense of casting. Season after season, his performances showcase gifted singers who are inexplicably ignored by the Met. This summer, the big draw is likely to be the American premiere of Rossini’s Ciro in Babilonia starring Ewa Podles, conducted by Crutchfield on July 7. The sensational Polish contralto is a throwback to the big personalities and cannonball voices of opera’s golden age, and excels in Rossini’s florid, declamatory writing. Joining Podles is British-Australian soprano Jessica Pratt, making her U.S. debut, plus tenor star-in-the-making Michael Spyres, fondly remembered from last year’s Guillaume Tell.
On July 21, Crutchfield showcases I Capuletie i Montecchi, Vincenzo Bellini’s version of the Romeo and Juliet story. Charismatic Cuban-American soprano Eglise Gutiérrez, who has never set foot on the Met stage, will be Giulietta to the mezzo-soprano Romeo of Kate Aldrich. As Tebaldo (Shakespeare’s Tybalt), tenor Leonardo Capalbo will have a chance to deliver on the promise he showed several seasons ago in L’Elisir d’amore at New York City Opera.
A little more than an hour north of New York City, Caramoor offers its own private bus service from Grand Central Station on opera nights. But music buffs who want to make a day of it can come early via Metro North (plus a five-minute taxi ride from Katonah Station) for a full afternoon of free pre-performance talks and concerts.—Eric Myers
Bel Canto at Caramoor is presented at the Caramoor Center for Music and Arts July 7 and 21.