Conductor Roberto Paternostro
Did you ever think it was possible to watch Mozart’s Papageno in the Magic Flute prance through the forest looking for his Papagena, and the very next minute become entranced by Calaf in Puccini’s Turandot performing Nessun Dorma? It didn’t even occur to me that I could until I found out about Bravissimo! Opera’s Greatest Hits.
The beauty of Bravissimo! is that it gives you a window into all styles of opera. There are irresistible excerpts from some of the most famous arias ever composed – Carmen, Samson and Delilah, La Giaconda – and from many of opera’s other canonical pieces. The aforementioned Magic Flute? Possibly the best instance of opera comique around. Madama Butterfly and Turandot, meanwhile, cover the romantic end of the operatic spectrum. And with my university days now behind me, I must say I’m happy to brush up on some literature with a bit of Victor Hugo and Alexander Pushkin – novelists who have also shared their words in operas such as Rigoletto and Onegin. The combination of score and libretto can bring everything from countryside romances to political revolutions alive.
As an intern for Attila Glatz Concert Productions, I’ll have the opportunity to get a sneak peek during rehearsals this week, before the big night. I am looking forward to seeing how the singers switch musical styles from one opera to another. (I’ll be tempted to join in, but knowing my singing skills I should probably leave that for another time!)
It’s the opera performance even the most timid neophyte can love. And just maybe, you might hear an extra voice in the audience singing along. That’s the beauty of the Bravissimo! effect.
Mijana Veljkovic is the Marketing and Communications intern for Attila Glatz Concert Productions Inc., which is co-producing Bravissimo! Opera’s Greatest Hits and New Year’s Day Celebration: Salute to Vienna with Roy Thomson Hall.
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