Now About That Medea

COMMANDOpera has enjoyed an ongoing hypothetical discussion with the one and only Director/Designer (who is of the highest and most prestigious global rank) on the planet capable of mounting a Medea which would be worthy of Maria Meneghini Callas. Invariably, every other month, one of receives a short email from the other regarding who would be best for this role or that, or who would be the one and only on the podium. It occurred to COMMANDOpera, the Maestro in question would virtually have to be a modern answer to Maestro Leonard Bernstein to wrought that indefinable electricity unique to the Cherubini score. A conductor who, like Maestro Bernstein, was most at home in the symphonic orchestral traditions, with a deep appreciation of early Germanic baroque style. He has been found. As for the soprano who would essay the supreme role, there are some favourites spoken of, however none agreed upon. If COMMANDOpera were to select a theatre it would be an American theatre with suitable lineage: Dallas. Perhaps Teatro alla Scala as a second, or Bolshoi if the prima took place in five years.

Maestro Bernstein conducts Medea Teatro alla Scala 1953.