North Bay Opera Reviews

"North Bay Opera has emerged over the last decade as the crown jewel of the arts in our commmunity. We in the audience have matured with NBO. Watching young talent develop, expanding our repertoire, setting high standards and delighting in every achievement. In each performance, I always wait for that moment when I am taken in fantasy to another place and time; North Bay Opera delivers that magic."

Fern Henry; Piano Technician,Vacaville

"North Bay Opera is a premier performing group in Solano County."

Sandy Wallace, Vacaville Reporter

"Excellence and North Bay Opera define each other."

Beth Baumblatt, Daily Republic

"North Bay Opera is the best entertainment value in Solano County and, in fact, it is without question the finest cultural happening in our area. Opera is a unique experience that no other type of theater can duplicate. Everyone can enjoy opera and this community is indeed fortunate to have high-quality productions provided by North Bay Opera. We eagerly look forward to each exciting season of this highly professional Opera Group and hope to enjoy its performances for many years to come."

Pedro and Carol Hiort-Lorenzen

"Opera is something that I didn't grow up with. I thought it was too elitist. Was I wrong! The music, stories, and wonderful presentations by North Bay Opera changed my attitude and opened a whole new avenue for enriching my life. Thank you North Bay Opera."

Fay B. King, Realtor


2006 Macbeth "With the staging of Verdi's first draft of Macbeth North Bay is making History...  When the curtain parts on opening night, it will mark the first performance of this version on the West Coast and only the third  staged production anywhere in the United States since 1864 ..." Richard Bammer, The Reporter
2005 The Consul "... that is what made North Bay Opera's recent production of Gian-Carlo Menotti's  The Consul in Fairfield such a success, for Menotti's edgy score and plaintive characters can make for easy mastery ..." James Koelker, San Francisco Classical Voice
2004 The Fledermaus "The singing and acting are impeccable, and the performances romantic and Viennese ... a stunning cast ... The costumes, the ball gown for Rosalinda and Adele are gorgeous- were designed by Vivian Roubal." Marilyn Mantay, Fairfield Daily Republic 
2003 Tosca "Jullian Khuner as Tosca ... who through her theatricality, can out-diva Tosca herself and baritone Stephen Janzen as Scarpia ... in charge of his performance as his character is of his political world."

"a brilliant reading of Puccinni's sore by conductor Philip Kuttner ... Jaeho Lee as Mario Cavaradossi possessed the thrust and technical discipline, the colorful lyricism that was occasionally meltingly rich and beguiling and the sturdy top notes to get through some demanding songs." 

Marilyn Mantay, Davis Enterprise

 

 

Richard Bammer, Vacaville Reporter

 

 

2002 Tales of Hoffmann "NBO's "Hoffmann" is magical. ... The entire cast is excellent." 

"seamless quality of music directed by Philip Kuttner blending as smoothly as Cararra marble with a first-rate ensemble's singing. ... All the lead singers engaged their parts with generously supple vocals and convincing acting."

Marilyn Mantay, Fairfield Daily Republic

Richard Bammer, Vacaville Reporter

 

 

2001 The Marriage of Figaro "Savvy cast, direction, conducting combine for Mozart winner." 

"North Bay Opera's lively, often hilarious, and always musically delightful production opened Saturday."

Richard Bammer, Vacaville Reporter

Marilyn Mantay, Fairfield Daily Republic

2000 The Ballad of Baby Doe    
1999 La Boheme "Acting and singing equally passionately and dynamically, Nikitenko portrays a memorable Mimi that rises to star caliber." Richard Bammer, Vacaville Reporter

1997 Madame Butterfly

NBO 10th Anniversary

"Brilliantly performed ... A must see." Nanci Bauer, Daily Republic
1998 Don Giovanni "Superb singers and dramatic staging knock patrons out of their seats."
 
Marilyn Mantay, Davis Enterprise
1996 Rigoletto "Excellently executed arias and convincing acting." R. Bammer, Vacaville Reporter
1995 Barber of Seville "Opera troupe assembles talented cast." R. Bammer, Vacaville Reporter
1994 Carmen "Hot NBO Carmen thrills audience." M. Wallis, Napa Register
1993 La Traviata "A truly lovely version of Traviata." M. Mantay, Davis Enterprise
1992 Tosca "A brilliant, passionate Tosca." T. Hoffman, Vacaville Reporter
1991 La Boheme "A gem of ideal proportions." R. Masuillo, Sacramento Bee
1990 The Magic Flute "A fun and fascinating experience." T. Hoffman, Vacaville Reporter
1989 G. Schicci, The Impressario, Falstaff "NBO impresses with strong performances." Sandy Wallace, Vacaville Reporter
1989 Madame Butterfly "An excellent production." J. Furlong, Vallejo Times Herald