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I’m back in my beloved Munich to take on a role that I’m very fond of, which I’ve engaged with ever since the start of my career, that of Maria (Amelia) in Simon Boccanegra at the Prinzregententheater, where I’m performing for the first time: working too for the first time with the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Münchner Rundfunkorchester conducted by Ivan Repušić. It’s a challenge to be presenting this opera as a concert performance: like a sharpened blade, Verdi’s music plunges into the great themes of power, the hatred that comes of it, forgiveness, and peace. And love, of course. Maria Boccanegra embodies it, singing beautiful lines about both daughterly and romantic love, restoring balance and light to this heavily political opera with her presence. She brings out the less dark side of it, showing herself to be worthy of her father, the former corsair who has become Doge of Genoa, emerging like a giant as he sings “E vo gridando: pace! E vo gridando: amor!”. Art and opera are always incredibly in line with the times.
On 2nd May there will be a repeat performance of our Simon Boccanegra at the Müpa, Budapest, where I will also be singing for the first time.
Simon Boccanegra will be broadcast live on radio BR Klassik on 26th April at 7 p.m.. |
