The MET Opera Presents L'Amour de Loin by Finish Composer Kaija Saariaho

The fairly new opera "L'Amour de Loin" by Finish composer, Kaija Saariaho (b Finland 1952) had its world premiere at the Salzburg Festival in 2000.  For those who are not true opera lovers, this will not convert you into a fan of this magnificient art form.  I faulted the staging which might have caused the late, great installation artist, Dan Flavin (b Amer 1933-66) to see red.  The opera takes place in the 12thC on the Mediterranean Sea.  The set for the sea was a layering of neon lined lights.  The raked lights were vivid in oscilating tones of turqoise, azure, amber, vermillion & a trillion other shades.  In fact, viewing required shades the flaring lights were that blinding.  This was a minimalist opera featuring only 3 characters:  a mezzo-soprano, soprano & bass baritone.  Soprano, Susanna Phillips' voice was exquisite.  Phillips sang in La Boheme at the Met earlier this season.  She received the Met's Beverly Sills Award in 2010.  The sole object on stage (besides the lights) was a retractable bridge/  staircase.  This moveable structure proved a distracting device.  Every so often a chorus, comprised of all black torsos would rise above the waves.  The effect intended to be sombre was somewhat silly & was met by a temerity of tittering.  The program notes "…the score earned immediate praise for its beauty and individuality."  I'm not a huge opera buff, I admit.  "L'Amour de Loin" was not a big hit for me.