We miss the late Cornell MacNeil.He had the HUGEST baritone voice I ever heard,even bigger than Warren. This is an Example of how he ROCKED the Met!!!!

For Renata's birthday on Feb.1, I present an example of the most phenomenal voice imaginable..A Wagner-like sound,with the greatest beauty you can imagine...and as lovable offstage as anyone could be. More coming!!

 Even if you are not Italian, you will enjoy (?) Mari Lyn's wonderful Trovatore aria. (with interesting titles.)  Be warned!  I do not advise eating or drinking before watching this.

   I have just been in contact with Met head Peter Gelb, who watched the travesty of Beyonce lipsynching the National Anthem. He agreed with me that some singers,who were contracted several years ago, and who cannot sing, should be allowed to do a "Beyonce" in a few cases.

    I am not going to mention any names,because you know how tasteful I am, but the thought of a Milanov/Tucker Chenier next season might be a revelation. Also, I would like to have Justin Bieber appear as Norma, with Maria doing the voice.

    By the way, the Rondine this week, except for the glorious Kristine Opolais, should have had the rest of the cast miked. Do NOT believe the coming broadcast. It LIES!!!

Virginia Zeani may not hit the E flat here, but she did on the phone on my birthday!!!!!

  How come all the great stars celebrate birthdays this week? Marcello celebrates on Jan.25 (b.1963), and we had Joe Calleja on the 22nd and what's his name and me on the 21st.

   We love Marcello, possessor of a brilliant voice, fine technique, and one of opera's favorites. I hope he has a great day and many,many more!!!!

                                                                           Carlo

  You all know when I get started on a great new voice, I inundate you with clips...Why not? This is a truly gorgeous voice and I hope you love it as much as i do.

   I am always so happy to "discover" new divas.You all know I have seen the greats, and so when someone like Mme.Opolais comes along, I am so thrilled. She not only has the voice, but she has the kind of depth of emotion that is so important in opera.

   I have just returned from La Rondine at the Met with the Latvian soprano, Kristine Opolais, as Magda. What a wonderful treat to add another superb diva to our array of wonderful sopranos.

   What a gorgeous rendition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!