Last Wednesday, the NeatEngine attended his first opera of the 2006-2007 opera season: the New York City Opera's production of Georges Bizet's Carmen. Latonia Moore as Micaela was warm, inviting and spellbinding. Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed by Rinat Shaham's singing in the title role. Overall, it was a delightful evening.

Having been a member of the Seattle Opera's Bravo! Club during the 2005-2006 season, I decided to join the New York City Opera's Big Deal! Club. To kick off this new season, Big Deal! held a pre-opera party at Providence (311 West 57th Street - between 8th & 9th Avenues).