Entertainment covers a lot of ground. In this post I will ignore any streaming binges or serials that I’ve watch this year and instead concentrate on a few of the highlights for documentary films (which I love) and opera performances. I also attended many orchestral and chamber music performances, but these aren't listed here.
I viewed five notable documentaries:
Scotch! The Story of Whisky, Acorn TV. This three-part series covers the history of scotch through the current industry. I found it fascinating because one day, I hope to take the Whisky Master class. Scotch making is quite an art. David Hayman did a fantastic job as host.
Fantastic Fungi. I love mushrooms, so I enjoyed this amazing story of fungi.
Breaking Out, Irish movie about musician Fergus O’Farrell. I watched this on the plane while enroute to Ireland. I knew nothing about Fergus until then, but was so mesmerized by his story that I bought one of his albums when I returned home. He was a very influential singer songwriter. He died at an early age due to muscular dystrophy.
A Word after a Word after a Word is Power, Margaret Atwood documentary. I watched this while sailing on the Ocean Endeavour. Margaret was a guest staff on the boat, so it was quite interesting to watch this in my room and then walk out and see her at dinner. I hadn't realized how her books have inspired protests! She is an amazing woman.
Aftershock: Everest and the Nepali Earthquake, a 3-part documentary. I loved the way the film maker wove together three stories to give a comprehensive view of this devastating event. The quake happened the year I wanted to take a trek to the Kangshung face of Everest. Roads were closed and that plan dissolved. But for the people living there, it was a very sad time.
I attended all except one in person. What a delight!
Mozart & Figaro in Vienna, Hershey Felder, January 16, streamed, from Europe.
Carmen, Opera San Jose, February 14.
West Side Story, Opera San Jose, April 29. Finally! OSJ staged a musical. What a fabulous production.
Coraline, West Edge Opera, August 7. They did an amazingly great job staging this fantastic story.
Chopin in Paris, Hershey Felder, Theatre Arts, August 21. Hershey is best to see in person. I was very happy to see he resumed travel. What a talent!
Marriage of Figaro, Opera San Jose, September 18. I don't like Mozart, but this production made sense because it was set in India where it was clear that the British imperialists were trouncing on the Indian citizens.
Cinderella, Opera San Jose, November 12. Seventeen-year-old Alma Deutscher conducted her own opera. This was her operatic conducting debut and she did a splendid job.