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Opera in Concert
La rondine
Monday, October 2, 2006
Puccini’s
La rondine is probably the composer’s least performed mature work, but the
Opera in Concert cast and chorus under music director Jose Hernandez and chorus
master Robert Cooper gave such a vibrant reading of the score that it reminded
the audience of just how good the opera is.
Talented
soprano Arlene Alvarado as Magda once again displayed her rich, smoky,
expressive voice, although one wishes she would hold her end notes longer. Kurt
Lehmann as Ruggero is proving to be one of Canada’s most dependable tenors. He
has the money notes and a clear, clean, romantic delivery.
The
find is soprano Lydia Skorides as Lisette who is a lyric soprano of wonderful
dimensions and a natural stage actress. Also of note is young bass Vasil
Garvanliev as Rambaldo whose voice is sweet and commanding at the same time.
Tenor Rory McGlynn as Prunier had the patter down pat, but showed a bit of a
pinched top. He is also a talent to watch.
I’m
Paula Citron, arts reviewer at CLASSICAL 96.3 FM.