Maria Stuarda

The Yankee Diva is doing Maria Stuarda again this year! The story behind the beheading of Maria Queen of Scot is often portrayed on film and in theater, however often they are from Elizabeth's perspective, given Elizabeth, who was threatened of her throne, played the up hand and finally eradicate her political and personal rival. People are curious about what must have happened and what took place between the two, sisters by blood and political nemesis by fate. It is no news that powerful families have a history of murdering eachother over wealth and power, however people are made of conflicts, and that's what is interesting. We are making decisions daily on big things and small matters, but to sign off to kill your sister, that is something extraordinary. The opera "Maria Stuarda" captures the battle between the queens, but from Stuarda's point of view.

From Un Ballo to Aida

The two operas we saw within a month were "Un Ballo in Maschera" and "Aida".  My favorite part of "Un Ballo" was soprano Sandra Radvanovsky.  As I have mentioned already in the previous post,
Radvanovsky really brought out the character, not only through her singing, but also through her acting which sometimes can compromise a production.  She was both emotional, full of life and confidant in her range. With Aida, it was a complete different mind set.  The production by Sonja Frisell has been well received by audience since 1988- its elaborate set up, vast stage design and spectacular dancing/in-show entertainment have created a gorgeous, mind blowing moment in opera lover's experience.
(The current singers: Ramis- Stefan Kocan  Radames-Roberto Algna  Amneris-Olga Borodin  Aida-Liudmyla  Mondastyrska  The King-Miklos Sebestyen) are a perfect fit (I use "perfect"lightly here because there were moments of discomfort in range).  But the two women, the two seemingly opposing women, both are daughters of a king. Yet they are so different, whether in their political or personal position, or their shared admiration for Radames, all blend perfectly -- the jealousy, the fear, the pity and the final acceptance. When Amneris cries to Radames, begs him to marry her, to not only be able to escape death but he will "have her crown, her land and her kingdom", only to be rejected outright by Radames.  In the final scene, Ramis and Aida face their doomed fate, Ameris prays for Radamess soul, the trio was heart wrenching.  I think it was the final act that really is the reason why people are so captivated by opera.  Opera certainly is a form of entertainment, but its charm is beyond just "beautiful singing and spectacular stage design", if you take your time to listen and absorb it, its literary context  can be surprisingly rich.  I look forward to "La Rodine" in the NEW YEAR :)

Marty Sohl © 2012 The Metropolitan Opera.

Ramis- Stefan Kocan

Radames-Roberto Algna

Amneris-Olga Borodina

Aida-Liudmyla Mondastyrska

The King-Miklos Sebestyen

Maria Callas, Master Class at Juillard

A perfect Saturday morning

Two amazing ladies hit the door step this morning! :)

Last night's Un ballo in mascara at the Met

I had not seen the score but have read the liberatti -- I love the story, which is based on an assassination attempt on Napoleon III, the censors in Naples basically wanted to gut the whole opera to keep any political incorrectness under away. Whenever a production is "modernized", it meets challenge. One of the biggest challenge is the potential negative reaction from the audience who are use to traditional set ups. I remember back when I saw "Gianni schicchi" in Philadelphia ( a shout out to my Philly singers!!), as soon as the lights went off and the curtain raised, we were given the full view of the minimalist stage set up. The lady behind me complained instantly -- "Well, that's IT for me...!" I could never understand why she judged the entire production value based on a mere look. NOW I GET IT! In Un ballo, I wanted to see the historical context in its origin, and I was afraid that my experience would somehow be compromised because of David Alden's modern approach. Also, I had been curious about Keith Miller and Kathleen Kim. One is a former football player turned classical singer; the other a friend of a friend. I'm glad I was able to see both in one production. So, on the next scout, Aida coming soon!

A Documentry of Edita Gruberova

Edita Gruberova is one of the most celebtrated sopranos of today -- She is still working; helping young artists and doing master class all over the world.  Watching her preforming is like having a master class of its own, so energetic and so vivid, especially with high notes sang in such ease and joy.. Most women at 62 would assume that they have accomplished their "mission", Gruberova has all and some --she still has a world renowned career and reputation as one of the most beloved coloratura sopranos of the time. But most of all, she continues to be an inspiration for today's and tomorrow's artists. This is a must watch for singers and opera lovers.

So True!!

The Yankee Diva posted this, I just can't help but sharing it with my fellow singers!

Ain't that the TRUTH??