Rodell Rosel Performed at the `Magic Flute’: A Spellbound Moment at the Lyric Opera

By: Jovie Calma

 

Last month, Lyric Opera of Chicago launched the astonishing production of “The Magic Flute” in time for the holidays. Mozart’s comic opera about love and brotherhood has gathered together an incredible cast who enchanted the cold night and the fantasy warmed the soul. Top-billed by Christiane Karg and Andrew Staples as Pamina and Tamino, the beautiful pair who found happiness despite of all the trials and tribulations they had to go thru, opened their heats to a world free of superstition and hatred. Christiane, the German Soprano and Andrew, the British Tenor undeniably displayed that they are best matched and both of their vocal prowess possess vigor and passion.

Adam Plachetka, the Czech bass-baritone is a phenomenal Papageno who captured the audience with his comic ways and offered a fresh and full sound all the way. One of the favorites was the super performance of American Soprano, Kathryn Lewek as the marvelous Queen of the Night. In my humble opinion, Kathryn is a singer to watch and her performance was one of the musical highlights. Christof Fischesser had given Sarastro the right degree of authority as well as firm wisdom.

Filipino-American Rodell Rosel, waved our flag with pride as he proved that he’s the right choice as Monostatos. He’s a comic whirlwind. Grammy-nominated Filipino tenor Rodell Rosel made his Los Angeles Opera debut as Goro in Madama Butterfly under Grant Gershon. He later returned to sing Spoletta in Tosca under the baton of Plácido Domingo.

Mr. Rosel was a Grand-Prize Winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, representing the Western Region. He made a successful Metropolitan Opera debut as Valzacchi in Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier, and later as Nathanaël in Offenbach’s Les contes d’Hoffmann, both broadcast live in HD in theaters nationwide, conducted by Edo de Waart and James Levine, respectively. Under Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center, he made his mainstage debut as Remendado/Carmen and since then has appeared on their stage as featured roles in Die Zauberflöte, Les contes d’Hoffmann, Lulu, Falstaff, Die Fledermaus, Turandot, Il trovatore, Salome, to name a few.

In Houston Grand Opera, he debuted with Squeak in Billy Budd, and later returned to sing Goro in Madama Butterfly and Tanzmeister in Ariadne auf Naxos. He originated the role of Ong Chi Seng in the world premiere of Paul Moravec’s The Letter at Santa Fe Opera, conducted by Patrick Summers, with costume designs by renowned fashion designer Tom Ford. Appearances in various regional companies nationwide have included Pittsburgh Opera (Madama Butterfly), Wolf Trap Opera Company (Grammy-nominated Volpone, Die Zauberflöte, Candide, Ariadne auf Naxos, Bastianello, Lucrezia), Tulsa Opera (Madama Butterfly), Cleveland Orchestra (Salome), Florentine Opera (Magic Flute, Susannah, Albert Herring [title role]), as well as Ravinia Festival where he sung in three consecutive summers under James Conlon (Le nozze di Figaro, Tosca, Die Zauberflöte, Idomeneo).

The Manila native studied at Santa Monica College, and the University of California in Los Angeles, where he sang the title role in Britten’s Albert Herring and leading roles in Mozart, Rossini and Ravel, also appeared as tenor soloist in The Creation, Messiah and the Mozart Requiem with Donald Neuen. In addition to his Grand Prize award from the Metropolitan Opera National Council, Mr. Rosel has received top awards from the Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition and the Lotte Lenya Vocal Competition, including the People’s Choice and President’s Award from the Jose Iturbi International Music Competition. He is the recipient of scholarships from, among others, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and the Opera Buffs Career Achievement Award.

He also debuted at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall, alongside Tony-award winning singer Lea Salonga, at a concert called “After The Storm,” benefiting the victims of Philippines affected by the Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. Other participants included Lou Diamond Phillips, Darren Criss (Glee), Charice, Apl de Ap (Black-Eyed Peas), Christina Rocas (Joffrey Ballet), to name a few. He returns to Los Angeles Opera singing as the First Jew in Salome next month. Rodel is also staging a recital at El Camino College Marsee Auditorium in March. Rodel’s performance at “The Magic Flute” was a perfect combination of evil and wacky.

The other extraordinary performers he worked with were Diana Newman (Soprano) as an engaging Papagena and David Gorvertsen as the Speaker. Ann Toomey, Annie Rosen and Lauren Decker brought the house down singing to the Three Ladies. Three talented Chicago talents Casey Lyons, Parker Scribner and Fil- Am actor, Asher Alcantara showcased their vocal and theatrical abilities as the Genii beyond their tender years. Rory MacDonald was the Conductor while Neil Armfield directed the show.

The Magic Flute has so many charms and offers strong spellbinding moment; you should catch it and experience yourself. The show runs until January 27, 2017.

Before I end my article this month, allow me to express my best wishes to all our readers and supporters, a great cheer for 2017! Life is a one-way street no matter how many detours you take. None of them leads back so enjoy life’s every moment, as none of them will happen the same way again. Have a Prosperous and Blissful New Year! My special birthday wishes to Ihman Esturco (Jan.1), Jon Algas (Jan. 1), Juliet Concon (Jan. 4), Florina Vocal (Jan. 7), Joanne Tinimbang (Jan. 7), Kuya Nick Alzol (Jan. 10), Nicole Alvarez (Jan. 15), Vence Abuyen (Jan. 20), Tita Beth Calma (Jan. 22), Epy Quizon (Jan. 23), Don Kramer (Jan. 24), and to my siblings- DJ Hot Rod Calma (Jan. 15) and Jennifer Zamora (Jan. 31). I love you both and wish you more loads of good health, happiness and success. Until the next issue of Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE!

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s post-show meeting at the green room with Fil-Am tenor, Rodell Rosel, who performed as one of the casts in the

VT/CPRTV crew had a blast watching The Magic Flute at the Lyric Opera of Chicago (L-R: Jovie, Veronica Leighton, Nick Vera Perez and Joe Mauricio)

The Angeles-Calma Family celebrated Ricky Calma’s 69th hirthday (and counting)! We wish him amazing blessings of long life, good health, prosperity and love from family and friends!

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s Magical Christmas at Disneyland with her sons, Alric and Rovic. It was a miracle, indeed! #LoveWins