“Light-footed elegance” — summer of Haydn and Handel, a big hit
Once again, Nic triumphs in Aspen
And that's a wrap on another wonderful summer of much acclaim at the Aspen Music Festival.
Critics and audiences alike expressed immense thrill over Nic's signature of joyous conducting of Bach, Handel, Haydn, Strauss, and Shostakovich.
Harvey Steinman of The Aspen Times remarked: "The two Haydn symphonies on the program lie in McGegan’s wheelhouse….the more familiar Symphony No. 100 (“The Military”) caught the light-footed elegance that balances the composer’s wry humor" (AspenTimes.com). Steinman even stated that McGegan's appearances were among "the happiest of the week."
Nic's success was also heard overseas through a charming production of Handel's Giulio Cesare in Egitto. Michael Lee of GoldenPlec exclaimed: "It is a luxury to have a fuller-sized ensemble than is usually heard for productions of early opera here, directed superbly from the harpsichord by Nicholas McGegan. Hopefully it will not take long for Handel’s operas to be performed and appreciated once again on the main stages of this country, so that audiences can see and hear what is possible in these mercurial and deeply (even dangerously) witty works” (Goldenplec.com).
Speaking of Handel in the summer…
If you want to hear more of Nic's magical touch on opera, his recording of Serse is one that’s not to be missed. The opera opens with the famous aria "Ombra mai fu," sung by King Serse, expressing gratitude for the peaceful shade of a plane tree. The opera combines tumultuous love triangles, blood-boiling betrayal, and beyond virtuosic singing and playing. The world of this drama is set in mesmerizingly lush royal gardens and endlessly green backdrops, making it a perfect score for the warm, breezy temperatures of late summer.
Roving & Recipes, Curated by Nic
A Month in the Country
Earlier this summer, I spent a wonderful month in Ireland. My reason for being there was to take part in a production of Giulio Cesare and a gala concert. But my trip was not all work and performances. I found time to explore the area and to have some delicious food.
What's next for Nic?
Royal Danish Opera (October, 2024)
Cantata Collective (November, 2024)
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (December, 2024)
Additional engagements include appearances with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Curtis Opera Theatre, Antwerp Symphony, Bournemouth Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Blackwater Valley Opera Festival, and more.