“Frida,” written and composed by Robert Xavier Rodriguez, was declared “Best Opera/Musical Theater of 1991.” The story follows the tempestuous relationship between Kahlo and Rivera. The Florida Grand Opera presented “Frida” on March 16 – 30, 2019. There were seven total shows among the three venues; Miami-Dade County Auditorium, Miramar Cultural Center, and Parker Playhouse.

Robert Xavier Rodríguez’s colorful score is a perfect match for the passionate art of the legendary painter Frida Kahlo. Although the artist was wracked by agonizing physical pain and caught up in a stormy marriage to Diego Rivera, the flame that fueled Kahlo’s art just kept burning and never turned to ash. She created 55self-portraits.

Rodriguez’s music, scored for a small orchestra, is an effective combination of authentic Mexican folk music with his original compositions blending tangos and colorations of zarzuela, ragtime, vaudeville and 1930s jazz. The accordion is the main instrument of the 11-piece orchestra. Stas Venglevski was the guest artist performing with the local orchestra.

The show features the sounds of the versatile accordion from start to finish. The accordion has a key role leading the melody throughout the 3-hour show. Accordion music closes the show. Under conductor Roberto Kalb, the orchestra maximized its potential with a vigorous and colorful performance that skillfully supported without upstaging the singing. Photo: Stas Venglevski with Frida, Catalina Cuervo

Stas’ Concert Schedule, June-Sep 2019

June 14, 15, 16
Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society
Concert in Madison and Spring Green, Madison, WI
https://bachdancing.org/

July 11
Bayfield Summer Concerts
5:30 pm
Christ Episcopal Church
125 N. Third Street, Bayfield
http://www.bayfieldsummermusic.org/july-11.html

July 14
Fishstock Music Concert Series
3127 County Road F
Fish Creek, WI 
http://fishstockmusic.com/

September 8
3pm – 5pm
Music From Almost Yesterday
UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts
2400 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI 53211

For further information: meghada33@gmail.com