Here’s a shout out for the Orcas Center wizards who brought the Metropolitan Opera (“Encore” now, “Live” later) to our island.

The wizards responsible are: the dynamic new director of the center, Kara O’Toole; Artha Kass; Deborah Sparks; Jeffrey Ludwig; Annie Moss Moore; and Jake Perrine – the volunteer hero who tackled the special sound system, which is incredible.  The picture and the sound at the Orcas Center are much, much better than can be found in a huge Seattle multiplex.

I want to add for those who might have “fear of opera” that the English translations of the dialogue and songs are easily read from the screen and don’t interfere with the visuals. And the visuals are superb – the camera work is unobtrusive and intimate. You are not separated from the action by the frame of a stage. And, last but not least, today’s opera singers are often knockouts.  Anna Netrebko is just one of a number of gorgeous divas. And there is dark, handsome Juan de Flores.  For times and dates of Met Opera at the Orcas Center, please consult www.orcascenter.org.

Great music, striking singers, gripping stories and we’ve got it all here. Thanks, Orcas Center wizards.

Terrel Kaplan

Eastsound