A FEW OF THE MANY LETTERS TO OPERA NAPLES AND THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS EDITOR
Letter: Looking up, mostly
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Editor, Daily News:
A great and wonderful thing happened Sunday night. Naples culture took a giant step forward with the premier performance of "Tosca" by Opera Naples. The house, Gulf Coast High School auditorium, was almost sold out despite the fact that the Daily News waited until the day before this monumental production to give a generous write-up.
From the minute the curtain opened and the orchestra began playing, it was obvious this was going to be a night to be remembered.
Steffanie Pearce's beautiful soprano voice was the perfect match for tenor Jeffrey Springer and Todd Thomas' evil Scarpia. The chorus, the other characters in the opera, and the wonderful orchestra were all first-rate.
It is obvious that Opera Naples is off and running and truly deserves the support of the community.
We all know it is the performance that makes the hall, not the opposite.
Opera Naples is on its way!
Gordon Robertson , Naples
© 2006 Naples Daily News and NDN Productions. Published in Naples, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co.
________________________________________________________________________
Dear Steffanie and Sam,
Sunday’s production was splendid. Naples was truly uplifted with a cultural event worth remembering. As one who has both participated in, and viewed major opera productions on stages around the world, I would rank this one among the most moving. Everything from sets, to staging, to your own incomparable singing and acting was clearly first class. Only those who have dealt firsthand with this multi-faceted monster called “opera” will appreciate the courage, coordination, and skill that went into the production.
Proud of you,
Dr. Robert Newell,
Director of Music ministries, NNUMC
________________________________________________________________________
Good Morning Steffanie,
Last night was so hectic that I didn’t have a chance to congratulate you on not only a highly successful evening, but a beautiful performance as well. Until last night, I hadn’t had the opportunity to watch and hear you perform in an opera and it was just magical! I was moved to tears several times!
My friends, co-workers, and Chamber members have been calling and visiting me all morning with congratulations. This e-mail was particularly “glowing” so I thought I would share it with you. I’m sure the congratulations are rolling in at record speed, but I thought you’d appreciate these kind words as well!
Emily Brennan
________________________________________________________________________
From: Suzanne Willis
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 11:01 AM
To: Emily Brennan
Subject: comments from Tosca
Emily,
I wanted to share the following comments with you from a friend who attended the performance last night.
Tosca was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely, without a doubt, the BEST I've ever seen!! It was incredible! From the music, the sets, the costumes and the voices....just spectacular!
Steffanie's voice is amazing AND she brought such life and passion to Tosca - it really made the entire show great (I've seen performances on PBS where the lead had a great voice, but was so wooden and artificial as an actress.) It was so fantastic that I don't think I know enough words to describe just how great it was! Having a real orchestra also helped to heighten the beauty of Puccini's score and the drama of the story.
It is absolutely my favorite opera…..The pagentry of "Te Deum" and seeing it live on stage was just overwhelming and, yes, of course I cried during Tosca's and Mario's arias -- two of the most moving arias in opera.) JUST spectacular.
OperaNaples should be PROUD of what they've brought to Naples. A true, professional and appreciated performance! It was so nice to be part of an audience where the members were there for the love of opera and not just "because we have season tickets just to be seen." Truly, an amazing evening!
Suzanne
Suzanne Willis
Vice President, Community Relations
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce
Phone: (239) 403-2910
Fax: (239) 403-2918
HYPERLINK "mailto:Suzanne@napleschamber.org"Suzanne@napleschamber.org
________________________________________________________________________
Tosca was everything one could hope for! And what an enthusiastic response! You should be very proud. Well done!
Bill
William R. O'Neill, Esq.
Roetzel & Andress, LPA
850 Park Shore Drive, Third Floor
Naples, FL 34103
phone (239) 649-2722
fax (239) 261-3659
My, my..... Steffanie, what a magnificent debut. The performance was overwhelming.
You made Floria what she should have always been. A strong woman...deeply in love.
You've taken my heart once more. Your Opera company will be an immense success.
Sincerely,
Dominick
________________________________________________________________________
Hi Steffanie!! What a treat this evening was! You were wonderful....the
production was brilliant and the sets, fabulous. I had no idea Sam was
designing the sets; I thought you were borrowing them from another opera
company! It is amazing how you were able to put this together with so little
rehearsal, and with such professional results. As you can see, you are
getting enormous support...so it looks like you'll have a good season next
year. It would be great if we could work on getting you a venue.....perhaps
on Bayshore?? Again, congratulations, Steffanie. Let's try to get together
soon.........
Chellie Doepke
________________________________________________________________________
Letter: "Converted"
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Editor, Daily News:
In regard to Opera Naples' performance of "Tosca:"
If you missed it, I am very sorry. Excellent scenery, lavish costuming, marvelous music and the singing was superb. Indeed, Opera Naples will do well if the enthusiastic crowd has anything to do with it.
From lead singers soprano Steffanie Pearce and tenor Jeffrey Springer down to the little shepherd boy Patrick Moran, the singing was solid and often sublime.
Be sure to catch the next show — "Amahl and the Night Visitors."
An opera convert,
Michael Gaynor , Marco Island
© 2006 Naples Daily News and NDN Productions. Published in Naples, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Steffanie,
Congratulations and brava! Tonight's performance of Tosca was a landmark performance for Opera Naples that those of us in the audience were proud to have been a part of. The singing, the costumes and sets, the conducting and the orchestra impressed everyone. The chatter during intermissions and after the performance was, to my ears, all positive.
Good luck to you on your endeavor to make Opera Naples a viable and vital regional opera. You got well on your way this evening.
Best regards,
Jack Berry
________________________________________________________________________
Dear Steffanie,
Last night's performance was so much more than I ever imagined it would be. The professionalism was evident throughout - in the sets, the costumes, the orchestra, and most of all, the singers.
You were marvelous. You expressed every emotion of Floria Tosca with intensity. Your singing was superb - mellow and rich. Vissi d'Arte was spellbinding.
Last night's Scarpia was the best I have seen from a total character point of view. He communicated consummate evil and manipulation -and was the villain we loved to hate. His voice was strong and compelling. Cavadarossi also was wonderful - a beautiful, strong voice that carried throughout the hall.
All the principals not only sang beautifully but conveyed the dramatic intensity of the story with their strong acting skills.
It was a moving and memorable production. I can only imagine how much effort went into bringing this off in Naples. You are to be admired and congratulated.
Fondly,
Joanne
Letter from Joanne Pottorff
________________________________________________________________________
Va, Va...Tosca. You are to be highly complimented for what you have accomplished so far.
Let us know how we may help in the future. There should be a future for Opera Naples.
Please let me share an anecdote with you. A woman I know from Sioux City, Francis Kline was
at the opera. Francis was married to a genius by the name of Marvin Kline. Marvin was a piano
player, song writer and composer. Though he did some professional work, he was mainly
a businessman in Sioux City. Yet, I got to know his very considerable and unique talents
over the years. Francis, too, shared his love for the arts and always impressed me as a fussy
person. Francis asked someone if she might come to the VIP reception last night so that she might say
hello to me. (I had not seen her but know she was down here some of the time.) She told us that
Tosca is one of her very favorite operas and she has seen it many times. Steffanie,
she was duly impressed and so gracious in her praise of the company's efforts. I shall cultivate her as a patron. George also told us he had seen Tosca five times and had never seen it done better.
He further said that one of the productions he had seen featured Sherrill Milnes as Scarpia. He thought
Tod's portrayal was better.
Charles "Charley" Nevaril, Realtor
Waterfront Realty Group, Inc.
HYPERLINK "mailto:chasnev@earthlink.net"chasnev@earthlink.net
1-239-290-9641 (Cell)
1-239-594-9180 (Home)
1-239-594-9086 (fax)
________________________________________________________________________
Hi Nancy:
Once again, thank you for all your hard work to make this Opera such a success.
I know how hard it must have been to be able to pull this whole thing together, but your talents came through. I checked the paper today and did not find any article about the Opera but, perhaps, that is because it was late and the press may not have had a chance to get anything into their office in time.
I also spoke to several people in the lobby, during the intermission (they did not know that I was in the chorus) and EVERYONE was thrilled with the performances. One gentleman said that he was so impressed with the timing - he has been to several operas and he said "this was far the best that he had seen in years."What a compliment to the cast and all that were associated with it.
Please take care and thank you again.
Love
Eileen
________________________________________________________________________
Steffanie,
I asked Ron for your address so I could add my congratulations to the hundreds I'm sure you have received since Sunday night. Your production of Tosca was top notch in every respect and created a memorable evening for many people. Although I'm sure a lot of people worked hard on this production, you deserve a great deal of credit personally. I have witnessed, on a much smaller scale, Ron's preparations for monthly concerts at the NOS. Your ability to handle so many details, schedules, and logistics and still deliver such a virtuoso performance is amazing. Your grace under pressure shown through even during the reception afterward.
Having heard Ron describe the rehearsals and having seen Jeff Springer at the New Year's gala, I was sure that the singing would be superb. The actual performance, both singing and acting, was still better than even my high expectations. Perhaps the most surprising things to me were the quality of the sets, costumes, and the perfection of the staging. It would not be unreasonable to think that with so many people on stage, some not professionals, that someone would have bumped into the scenery or something. But I had the feeling that I was watching a performance perfected over many nights, not the opening night of a brand new company. Although I am not very knowledgable about opera, I had just watched a movie version of Tosca twice and had attended the Palm Beach production less than a month ago. Your production was on par, perhaps better.
I enjoyed your performance from beginning to end. I, like everyone else, have to highlight your Vissi d'arte. Your ability to convey the emotion of the piece with your beautiful voice is outstanding. For many of the people who attended from International College, this was their first opera. They are now fans, as I'm sure there were many more converts in the audience Sunday night.
Because I have helped clean up after NOS receptions, counted money, loaded very limited sets into the van, etc., I have a great appreciation for all of the work that was still left to be done after the evening was over for most of us. Hats off to you, your board, and all who worked on this production. I will be sending a small check in support of your company. I wish it could be more.
Sincerely,
John White
________________________________________________________________________
Steffanie -
Congratulations on your very positive review in the Naples Daily News.
I agree - this was one of the most exciting cultural events of the Naples season.
I have seen Tosca many, many times - but never have I felt the intensity of emotion that I did on Sunday night. It was a stirring and totally absorbing performance. Kudos to everyone who made this a reality.
Joanne
Letter from Joanne Wyss
________________________________________________________________________
Congratulations on a job wonderfully and lovingly done. Kudos to all. Looking forward to more of Opera Naples in the future. I don't see why operas have to be done on some monumental scale - my favorite opera venue of all was a small theater.
One minor quibble - real incense in the censer would have added a nice touch. (I'll never forget actually smelling the spaghetti sauce in L'Elisir d'Amore.)
You have put on a first class production that brought us tremendous enjoyment. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Paula Allen
________________________________________________________________________
From: Fred H. Biere <fjbiere@swfla.rr.com>
To: operanaples@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 24 Apr 2006 08:41:50 -0300
Subject: Thanks, Opera Naples
Last evening at the Opera was truly a magnificent event. If I had closed my
eyes to the surroundings, I would surely have believed we were at the Met.
(I've been there.) Everything from start to finish was superb. The lead
roles were simply the most outstanding voices we have heard in Naples.
Steffanie was glorious! The orchestra did an outstanding job as did
everyone else. Thanks for this special opportunity. We are retired and are
not able to become patrons, but you can be sure we will attend other such
gifts to the community as were given to Naples last evening. Hurrah for
OPERA NAPLES!!!!
Fred and Jean Biere
________________________________________________________________________
From: Adriannecady
To: Operanaples
Sent: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 13:44:41 -0400
Subject: BRAVI
How delighted I was to be a part of the audience Sunday night!!! What a fabulous production!! I wanted to sit right down and write a note of congratulations, but decided to e-mail so you would get it pronto.
All around me were folks who are so much more versed in opera than myself, and all had nothing but accolades for the production......the performers....the costumes....the set.......
One couple seated next to me were regulars at the Chicago Opera....had never been to an opera in Naples, and told me that Sunday's production of Tosca was equal to performances they have attended in Chicago.
I overheard lots of folks buzzing about "the article" in the NDN that Saturday and their plans to continue their support of your efforts to bring more wonderful productions to the Greater Naples audience.
Then, the piece de resistance...Peg Longstreth's review in today's paper....I just knew it was going to be glowing as I was seated right behind her, and she was beaming as she said to me how wonderful the production was and commented on the conductor and the orchestra's exceptional performance.
Thank you so much.
Gratefully,
Adrianne Cady
________________________________________________________________________
From: Susan Craig <susanbcraig@mindspring.com>
To: operanaples@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 25 Apr 2006 15:38:55 -0400
Subject: Tosca
What a blazing, wonderful, fabulous performance !! More, more, more!
Congratulations are in order when days later we still have smiles on our faces and are sharing the reviews with our friends who weren't fortunate enough to attend.
Are we going to be able to order tickets for future performance , giving our seats numbers for Tosca?
Thank you again, for all your efforts.
Susan Craig
________________________________________________________________________
From: libbie <libbiebramson@earthlink.net>
To: naida rodman <nermar30@aol.com>
Sent: Wed, 26 Apr 2006 08:42:59 -0400
Subject: Opera was fabulous!
Naida……….
Much better news re. opera ……It was OUTSTANDING! Almost all 1200 seats were sold, and the whole thing was professional and excellent. Attractive sets, music was well-conducted, etc. Stephanie, Jeff (the tenor) and Tod (the villianous Scarpio) were all outstanding. It was well-acted, staged, etc. I have seen Tosca at the Lyric at least 5 times and the second act performed here was the best I have ever seen. The acting was so good that the audience felt part of the "happening."
The opera was Sunday evening and people are still talking about it 3 days later…..
Libbie
________________________________________________________________________
Steffanie and all involved in TOSCA: BRAVO, BRAVO!!!! This was a spectacular event for opera lovers in Naples. The voices were outstanding, the scenery was marvelous and the orchestra was terrific. Looking forward to future productions. Thank you, Thank you.
Patty Fairweather
Newsletter Editor for the Naples Opera Society
________________________________________________________________________
Dear Nancy, Steffanie, et al:
Congratulations on a great performance! I was overwhelmed by the professionalism of all who participated, singers, directors, backstage workers, orchestra and especially the conductor. Thank you for including me as part of the orchestra. I look forward to future performances.
Antonina Nigrelli
Violin and Viola
________________________________________________________________________
naplesnews.com
Editorial: Opera Naples
Another first for our area
Daily News staff
Friday, April 28, 2006
Welcome and good luck to Opera Naples, an opera company that made its debut with the ambitious “Tosca” over the weekend.
The company’s backers — opera aficionados weary of traveling to the nearest opera venues of Miami and Sarasota — aim to follow in the footsteps of other performing arts endeavors that have started modestly, and flourished.
Some such ensembles used to play in tents and at public schools. Opera Naples brought the curtain up at Gulf Coast High School, which boasts an auditorium for which taxpayers paid extra for exactly such purposes.
It will take hard work and fundraising to make Opera Naples a long-term success.
Yet, in a growing area with an evolving arts scene, there is room for everything good.
Best wishes. Tanti auguri.
© 2006 Naples Daily News and NDN Productions. Published in Naples, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co.
________________________________________________________________________
April 27, 2006
Hello,
I would like to purchase a full page ad in your program on an ongoing basis. I have been a member of NOS for ten years and am a past member of the board or directors of NOS . My jaw dropped on Sunday evening to see what you have achieved in such a short period of time. I salute all of your efforts and want to support you. Please advise me as to what you might need in terms of content and what the rate might be for the ad. BRAVO, BRAVO! That was truly, a night to remember!
Cordially,
Marcia Hawken
REALTOR
_____________________________________________________________________
From: HYPERLINK "javascript:parent.ComposeTo('hhussar@earthlink.net');"Helen Hussar
To: HYPERLINK "javascript:parent.ComposeTo('jlongstreth@plgart.com');"jlongstreth@plgart.com
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2006 8:20 PM
Subject: Tosca
Dear Mrs. Longstreth: Thank you for the wonderful review on the Opera Naples performance of Tosca --- I too was mesmerized by the performance and am thrilled for them that it was such a success. I Have spent many evenings at the Metropolitan Opera House and this certainly equalled any that I saw there. How can I help to raise money for Opera Naples -- it will be so exciting to have them continue to perform here. Love your column.
Helen Hussar
________________________________________________________________________
Letter: Superior opera
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Editor, Daily News:
Bravo to Steffanie Pearce and Opera Naples and may they continue to bring opera of quality to our area as seen last Sunday at their outstanding performance of "Tosca."
Naples opera buffs should give their financial support to Opera Naples if they want this company to continue……
It was a spectacular night of excellent opera that attracted 1,200 opera lovers who had no problem with the very nice theater at Gulf Coast High School……
— Patricia Fairweather / Naples
© 2006 Naples Daily News and NDN Productions. Published in Naples, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co
________________________________________________________________________.
Dear Steffanie,
Let me start off by saying that there just are not enough adjectives to express what overflows within my heart and my soul since April 23, 2006.
To have helped in cultivating this vision and dream along with a "core" of extremely talented musicians, and the selflessness of countless others, Opera Naples emerged. The "magic" happened and as had been mentioned everyone who was lucky enough to obtain a ticket even up to the last minute, was and remains completely "blown away" by the "magic" they all witnessed. Tosca--in it's Opera Naples Premier. No, it was not all magic, Steffanie, you absolutely alone could have "blown away" an audience with your Tosca. You have been infatigable in mastering such a killer role and dealing every day with countless other situations I know that were exhausting for you. Kudos fall way too short in my mind for what you are, did, and continue to do. Namely by bringing in such fabulous singers and in short, getting one of the best sounding orchestra's to boot. Conductor Kellog was just great as well. Now, after hearing and reading of the long awaited community's "overwhelming" support- and the county and it's excitement…..
Both Ken and myself feel honored in supporting and in giving …….we gave because we did believe in you and in the very need for Naples to have the only cultural and musically artistic treasure of it's kind-Opera Naples!!!!!!!
I am very excited regarding next season, it sounds like a perfect combination of performances to me; along with an Opera Ball that the best of the best will be fighting for to attend.
Our love and pride overflow from our very hearts
Catherine Malless- Riha and of course my wonderful Ken
________________________________________________________________________
Dear Ms. Pearce,
Congratulations on Sunday nights Tosca performance. You and the rest of the cast were superb. Likewise for the orchestra, it’s conductor, the stage settings, costumes and all else. From my business experience I know that nothing works smoothly without a tremendous amount of preparation. Your production on Sunday proved the point. We hope to have many more Opera Naples performances in the future. Opera Naples is already a well regarded local organization.
Walter C. Ivancevic
________________________________________________________________________
Letter: Glowing, going
Daily News
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Bravo! to Peg Goldberg Longstreth, for her glowing review of the Opera Naples production of “Tosca” Sunday evening.
---- Gulf Coast High School auditorium was a worthy background for this brilliant beginning of a much-needed opera company in Naples.
Bravo! to Steffanie Pearce for launching Opera Naples so successfully!
Jean and Jim Hachen/VillageWalk, Naples
© 2006 Naples Daily News and NDN Productions. Published in Naples, Florida, USA by the E.W. Scripps Co.