Check out these "crazy-good" reviews...

By Ellen Sturgill

Here at The Atlanta Opera, we love all the positive press we're receiving about this season's opening production, Lucia di Lammermoor, but we are especially excited to hear from our loyal patrons and subscribers! Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Below are some of our favorite reviews!

© Tim Wilkerson

"It was absolutely fabulous!! The music was spinning in my head all night. This is probably my favorite performance. And, I must say, that it was pure joy to be sitting among such an appreciative audience."

- Sallie, Atlanta, GA

"Last night's performance of Lucia di Lammermoor was absolutely wonderful. Georgia Jarman made her character come alive with her silvery voice, flips, trills and difficult passages. She made us truly believe her character was mad- her acting was very convincing. The chorus was wonderful. The costumes were superb, as was the set design. I really enjoyed the Armonica- beautiful, unique sound which really added to the score. Congratulations to you all on a magnificent Lucia! Thanks for all you do for fine arts in Atlanta."

- Diane, McDonough, GA

"Excellent!!! A great evening at the opera."

- Marvin, Atlanta, GA

"The Atlanta Opera's Lucia di Lammermoor is a must see!! The production is wonderful. The cast is strong, the set is unbelievable, the technology used is amazing!! The costumes: wow. Georgia Jarman as Lucia has a strong, clear, beautiful voice. . . The director, Tomer Zvulun, did an inspired job. I hope this opera goes into their repertoire. I would love to see it again."

- Mary, Highlands, NC

"Georgia Jarman brought down the house. Who ever found Georgia deserves a kiss."

- Joe, Atlanta, GA

"It was amazing. This was my first ever opera and it was great. I have found a new love."

- "Living Social" patron

"First rate production. Georgia Jarman proved to be a brilliant selection for the lead role- what a marvelous voice combined with captivating acting. . . The entire ensemble worked well together and made the evening a delight. We look forward to the rest of the season."

- Robert, Atlanta, GA

"Last night's performance was probably the best overall in several years. The voices were all good. Georgia was outstanding. The sets were very effective. Overall- A+."

- Eugene, Macon, GA

"If you haven't seen Atlanta Opera and you live withing 200 miles of it, what is wrong with you?"

- Joseph, Atlanta, GA

"An outstanding performance of Lucia di Lammermoor! Lucia (Georgia Jarman) was phenomenal and hit every one of her complicated notes perfectly! The rare armonica performance was an enchanting treat. The staging particularly striking and effective. All in all, a 10 of 10, and a rare evening of perfection!"

- "Living Social" patron

"It was a great performance and, as always, it has the most wonderful music. The soprano was excellent. Thanks for the beauty of it."

- Barbara, Sandy Springs, GA

© Tim Wilkerson

You have two more opportunities to catch this exciting opera. Please visit our website for more information.

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The reviews are in....

Thank you loyal patrons and first-time opera-goers, for your overwhelming response to our 2010-2011 season opener, La bohème! We love to hear about your experiences. Thank you for sharing them with us. Here are some of our favorites!


“I am not going to read another review until after I have seen a performance in the future, as the AJC reviewer must not have seen the same production I did! I thoroughly enjoyed the singers, their acting, the chorus, the orchestra, the staging--the whole afternoon was a joy to behold. May your other endeavors be as entertaining and enjoyable and a pleasure to the ear and the eye. My wish is for your continued success. Better yet, I don't think I will read any more reviews!”

By Barbara – Oct 18, 2010


“We had never seen La bohème before. It was a great production- the music, singing, sets etc. La bohème ranks with the best opera we have seen, which includes Tosca at La Scala and many at the N.Y. Metropolitan.”

By Frank & Frances - Oct. 18, 2010


“We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed the Sunday matinee of La bohème, which happens to be the very first opera I'd seen many years ago at The Met. The performers were fantastic, the sets magnificent, the music splendid. We had invited another couple to join us. They had moved to this area from NYC several years ago, and had enjoyed front row center seats at The Met for many years. He said the performance was “world class,” and he's much more experienced than I. Congratulations to all… glad we are season subscribers!”

By William - Oct 18, 2010


“The Sunday matinee performance was the second Atlanta Opera production my wife and I have attended since moving to Smyrna from Boston late last year. We saw and thoroughly enjoyed Aida in the Spring and subsequently purchased season tickets. La bohème was every bit as good, and we are eagerly looking forward to the Gershwin and Mozart productions that will be coming up in 2011”

By Berni - Oct 18, 2010


“Magnifique.......the only word I can use to describe it! This opera is more than 100 years old, yet it is just as beautiful as if it were the first time I had seen it. I can only put myself into the seat of those who first heard this magnificent piece of music. My compliments to the cast, chorus and supernumeraries. You have all put Atlanta onto the Opera Map.”
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By Bonnie - Oct 18, 2010


“We are new to the greater Atlanta area and attended with 5 of our neighbors. Sensational is the best I can come up with! The [orchestra], staging, preformers, quality, and “awe factor” all exceeded expectations. When the second act closed and everyone froze in action, it looked like a famous painting. It was so exquisite.”

By Jim - Oct 18, 2010


“Beautiful singing, gorgeous orchestral music, terrific costumes, wonderful sets, fabulous production. Fantastic!”

By Jim & Trudy‎ - Oct 18, 2010

Mrs. Woodward Goes to the Opera

The Atlanta Opera has a great tradition - Mrs. Jerrie Woodward's reviews of our Final Dress Rehearsals. Mrs. Woodward is the mother of one of our board members, Bob Woodward. For years, The Atlanta Opera staffers have come in to work to find her impressions of our newest productions in our inboxes. They are delightful, observant, and constant reminders that what we do touches many lives. She writes these reviews as "thank you letters" to her son. That alone, tugs at our heart strings.

As we open our 2010/2011 season with Puccini's La bohème, let's take a moment to reflect on what Mrs. Woodward has to say, and try to put our own impressions into words.


* * *


Dear Bob,

When I leave a performance of Atlanta Opera, I’m eternally grateful for the Cobb Energy Center. What a difference it has made in the enjoyment of the Opera and the ease of my getting there and back. As I think back on how it was at the Civic Center, I utter a prayer of thanks. Beauty begets beauty, whatever the art.

Now, to tonight’s final rehearsal of La bohème that enchanted the fairly large audience in attendance. I imagine most everyone attending knew the sad story, but the director presented a cast that brought the story to life in a beautifully unique way. The four “good ole boys” exhibited true comradeship, sharing what little material things they had, as well as the frustration and pain of trying to find true love.

After beginning a bit timidly, Hymel’s Rodolfo soon won me over as the sensitive lover and soul mate of Mimì. His beautiful tenor filled the hall, and his personality made me fall in love with the poet, too. I love a guy who can empathize with a lonely and sickly maiden, as well as listen to her story of common poverty portrayed in poetic language - I guess that’s the poet in himself. A close rival for my affection was Marcello. In fact, the entire cast was excellent - all strong and commanding. I wish Mimì had let her hair down sooner, though.

The orchestra was very, very good – with a full, great tone. It was the best the orchestra has performed in many performances. The sets worked well in all scenes, whether the mood was up or down.

The scene at Café Momus was somewhat overcrowded, making it difficult to find which one was singing, and subsequently how the story was going. I think less would have been more.

The death scene really pulled my heart strings. Rodolfo was magnificent in his portrayal of heartbroken grief, Mimi looked more beautiful in death than life, and a real tear rose in response to this tragic ending. I do wish the audience could wait until the orchestra has ended the last note and let it settle in the heart before applauding.

It is a terrific beginning for the 2010-11 season. I truly hope Atlanta takes advantage of the excellent opportunity to experience live opera on its home turf. Why go anywhere else for an evening of pure dedication and delight?

Thanks for the tickets. All of us were in one accord of praise for the company of The Atlanta Opera.

Love, Mother