This month’s lunch music in the Opera Galleria – the final for this season – was a delightful romp through the well-known songs of Verdi’s “La Traviata”, inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ “La Dame aux Camélias”. The Royal Opera House Muscat Outreach team is hosting a series of pre-performance events this week to deepen understanding of the music and narrative of Giuseppe Verdi’s iconic opera. Saturday’s performance marked the first of these events. This free lunchtime recital featured just three understudies from Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova as soloists, providing a genuine treat for all in attendance.
The occasion was further enhanced by a stunning black dress created by Omani fashion design student Nehal Al-Khizairi, who secured second place in the ROHM “Violetta Project” Costume Sketch Competition. The dress was modelled by soprano Ana Oniani with flair.
Celebrating Verdi’s beloved score, one could not overlook the hearty rendition of the drinking song “Brindisi”. To underscore the spirit of the celebration, Richoux Café provided both singers and the audience with glasses of juice to toast the occasion. Tenor Dario Prola emerged from the back of the atrium, delivering a robust introduction as Alfredo, harmonising with Ana Oniani’s sweet soprano and the chorus—four men and one soprano—at the front with their rousing refrain.
The love song ‘Un di, felice, eterea’ (one day, happy, ethereal) was movingly performed by Prola as Alfredo in a sincere declaration of love, the melody serving as a delicate theme throughout the opera. Ana, portraying Violetta, responded with youthful innocence in an amusing encounter, later blending their voices in a passionate duet.
Ana followed with the extended “E strano... Follie... Sempre Libera,” showcasing dark, brooding colours in her voice alongside tender lyricism. She sang of her beating heart, echoing Alfredo’s theme, demonstrating the impressive versatility and range of her voice. The ‘La Follie’ section displayed her remarkable coloratura technique, transitioning into an amused, jovial quality. Alfredo’s voice, almost mocking as it drifted from the gallery, was met with Ana’s regained composure and light, playful tone.
A striking contrast was provided by South Korean Byung Jun’s rich, warm baritone as Violetta’s father, Germont. In “Pura siccome un Angelo” (Yes, God gave me a daughter, pure as an angel), he extolled her beauty and youth with clear enunciation, imploring her to forsake Alfredo and return home. An emotional dialogue ensued between Ana and Jun, infused with anguish, yet their still posture lent a chilling dramatic intensity.
Later, Jun exhibited his confident stage presence in Germont’s famous “Di Provenza del mar” (Of Provence the sea, the soil that erased from your heart). An unaccompanied section near the end was beautifully poised and well placed.
Joyously, this was followed by the quintet presenting a rousing “Coro di Zingarelle e Mattadori”. Two dancers from the Antonio Gades Company, Alvaro Madrid and Elena Ros, took centre stage as the gypsy and the matador, captivating the audience with their exquisite flamenco moves.
Returning to the drama, Ana Oniani’s recitative in “Addio del passato” was half spoken through plaintive tears, leading into the slow Aria she delivered with restrained sadness. Her acting skill matches her vocal range in versatility. Violetta and Alfredo dream of far-off Paris in “Parigi o cara”, a heartfelt duet which melted listeners’ hearts. Prola's strong tenor complemented Ana’s lyrical agility, leading to a perfectly matched acapella conclusion.
Violetta’s final Aria, “E’ strano...Che! – Cessarono gli spasimi” (Strange; the painful spasms have ceased), was swift yet dramatic in her high tessitura, as she died in Alfredo’s arms. There could be no better encore for this splendid matinée than a reprise of “Brindisi”. Pianist Andrea Dindo returned to the Yamaha Grand after an hour of continuous accompaniment, and all took a well-earned bow.
The event concluded with an opportunity to join “Violetta and her friends” for lunch, courtesy of the generous invitation from Richoux Café, complimentary for ten lucky early birds.
By Georgina Benison
Photos Khalid al Busaidi
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