Almost perfect in La Jolla

I went to the most recent Opera Wednesdays concert at the La Jolla Community Center.

I must say I enjoyed the concert. The setting was just about ideal in my opinion. The room opened onto a large patio. Concert goers could sit in a chair right up next to the singers or at a table out in the courtyard.

The setting was chill and the weather was effing hot so I went ahead and wore shorts and a tank top. I felt right at home. A couple children hung out in the courtyard and got up to move from table to table between songs.

There were four singers. Each singer sang an aria and then there was a break. All told, there were three sets of four songs. The pacing of the evening was just about perfect.

The music was varied in regards to style and period. There was some Handel, Mozart, Gounod, Verdi, Richard Strauss, Mascagni, and Lehar.

Those composers represent baroque, classical, romantic, verismo, and 20th century operetta. From a programming standpoint I’d say it was an ideal mix.

However, only one of the singers was from San Diego. I asked Alexis Alfaro, the event coordinator, about the choice to have singers from Redlands Opera, Pacific Opera Project, and Long Beach Opera.

He explained, "The idea was to have singers from five Southern California companies. Point Loma Opera Theater was supposed for be here as well."

Alexis did say he thought they would stick with more San Diego singers in future concerts while still presenting other SoCal singers.

Food and beverages were available in the kitchen including wine. I enjoyed myself and can't wait for the next one.

This is a unique way to enjoy music and I hope this concert series grows with time. The concerts are on the second Wednesday of each month at the La Jolla Community Center and they start at 7 pm.