It is somewhat strange to be writing about conductor Brian Garman now that he is working at Seattle Opera instead of getting to him during his time here at Pittsburgh Opera. But I just can't always get to everything!
Garmen was mostly a chorus master when I was here, but he had done some serious mainstage conducting in the 1990s for the company: "Romeo & Juliet" (1997-1998 season); "Rigoletto" (1998-1999); "Werther" (1999-2000); "The Marriage of Figaro" (2000-2001). Garman held titles of principal coach, assistant conductor as well during his time with Pittsburgh Opera. I don't exactly know why his role was changed/reduced here, but he eventually went West where last season he became the music director of Seattle Opera's Young Artists Program.
Well, conducting on the podium has returned for Garman -- the Seattle Opera just announced he will step in for an ailing Vjekoslav Sutej to conduct the mainstage production of "Traviata" in October. Good for Garman, and good luck to him.
But check this out. This is the "first time in 13 years" that the Seattle Opera has staged "La Traviata!" How cool is it is that the company doesn't have to do it every 5 years or so. I am very supportive of the Pittsburgh Opera, and I love the standard rep as they are usually great works of art, but the repertoire repeats here can sometimes be trying!
Posted
Sep 09 2009, 01:30 AM
by
Andrew Druckenbrod