It has been more than 15 years since I last saw an opera at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. On May 14, it was a spur of the moment when I decided to see an opera with my husband at Casa Romantica in San Clemente after all the venue took place in our neck of the woods. It was my very first to see an al fresco opera. I was like why not, CDC just announced that day one can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart, except where required by federal, state, local, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. So I bought the tickets and went to see the show. I can’t say enough how impressed I was with the setting, the ambiance, and of course the performers.
Fall
The first season was autumn which took place at the ocean terrace. BTW, what a fantastic view. Andrea Zomorodian performed Serenade d’Automne accompanied by a harp. Such a perfect setting with nice blue sky, ocean breeze and you could hear the waves as part of the backdrop. But the one I was taken aback was when she performed Autumn Leaves. That was one of my late mom’s favorite songs where she used to play it on the piano. That alone was already worth it.
Winter
The second season was winter. So the crowd had to walk to the main salon. This time the performer was Liv Redpath. Liv performed three opera pieces, opening with Silver from Three Meditations accompanied by a piano. The setting was dramatic. The floor was displayed with a bevy of led light lanterns spread on the floor and antique look stand led light votives. With an amazing voice that surrounds the main salon, I felt like I was transported to a different time.
Spring
This season was my favorite among all the seasons performed. This took place in the courtyard with a fantastic arrangement of flowers. Liv Redpath kicked off with Die rose, die lilie, die taube, die sonne from Dichterliebe. At this time, the sun was setting which made the courtyard setting dreamy.
Summer
Andrea Zomorodian introduced summer with an opera piece Aubade. The setting was at the beach with a white umbrella stand embellished with fringes. The venue was also located in the courtyard. And while Andrea serenaded the audience, the sky slowly turned into midnight blue and string lights became part of the sky.
But the best part was the finale. The two sopranos joined forces with the most breathtaking voices together singing The Flower Duet (Duo des fleurs / Sous le dôme épais from the opera Lakmé). I felt like I was in Paris in the 19th century watching these two remarkable talents. The audience was in pure bliss.
And speaking of these exceptional ladies here are their mini bios:
Andrea Zomorodian
Based in Los Angeles, her work is concentrated around classical live performance and studio work in film and television. Her recent projects include Outlander, Mulan, Frozen 2, Star Wars and many more.
Liv Redpath
Liv is a graduate of Harvard University and The Juilliard School. She received further training in various programs at the Houston Grand Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and Wolf Trap Opera.
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