Washington, DC—Georgetown University’s Department of the Performing Arts launched the 2010 edition of its Friday Music Series in high style last Friday afternoon, presenting, in recital, three terrific vocalists from the Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists Program. Featuring soprano Micaëla Oeste, mezzo Brandy Hawkins, and tenor José Ortega—introduced and accompanied by pianist Michael Spassov--the singers presented a variety of popular, mostly operatic arias and duets to a delighted, near-capacity audience in the University’s intimate McNeir Hall. (Artist bios here.)
In spite of the frigid arctic winds blustering outside, WNO’s young singers—a little like the Hilltop hoopsters last weekend--obviously came warmed up and ready to play sing, moving with ease and elegance through a challenging program.
Ms. Hawkins led the recital off with a superb performance of Rosina’s famous showpiece aria, “Una voce poco fa,” from Act I of Rossini’s ever-popular “Barber of Seville” (“Il Barbiere di Siviglia”). Unafraid of the composer’s tricky vocal ornamentation, she sang beautifully throughout. Working without costuming or props, she fully re-created her character on McNeir’s unadorned stage.
Mezzo-soprano Brandy Lynn Hawkins
(Courtesy WNO).
Serving as master-of-ceremonies as well as accompanist, Mr. Spassov introduced the remaining numbers in groups, providing context and background for those not completely familiar with each operatic tale.
Mr. Ortega led off with “De’ miei bollenti spiriti” (roughly, “How I miss her when she’s not here”) from Verdi’s “La Traviata.” It’s sung by Alfredo who eagerly anticipates Violetta’s arrival, and was rendered here with great exuberance and passion by Mr. Ortega. His clear, forceful voice was quite persuasive in McNeir’s intimate but somewhat hard-edged acoustical space.
Miss Oeste followed with a more delicate aria in the same vein, “O luce di quest’ anima” (“You are the light of my spirit”), sung by the eponymous heroine of Donizetti’s “Linda di Chamounix,” who, like Alfredo, also awaits the arrival of her beloved. Miss Oeste sang this exquisite bel canto piece persuasively and well.
Mr. Ortega returned to sing “Ah, la paterna mano” (“Ah, this father’s hand was not there…”) from Verdi’s “Macbeth.” This is Macduff’s tragic lament as he discovers his family has been slain by the treacherous Macbeth. Mr. Ortega convincingly embodied the horror and sorrow of this horrific event.
Miss Hawkins and Miss Oeste returned to sing the “Flower Duet” from Leo Délibes’ exotic yet rarely performed opera “Lakmé.” This miniature (and now un-copyrighted) masterpiece has become familiar to many via its deployment in service to everything from chocolate commercials to films (“The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor”). Fortunately, Miss Hawkins and Miss Oeste conjured up the original here, a magical encounter with nature that occurs early in the opera.
Soprano Micaëla Oeste (Courtesy WNO).
Mr. Ortega returned to give a moving performance of Rodolfo’s famous aria “Che gelida manina” (“What an icy little hand”) from Puccini’s beloved “La Bohème.” Occurring in Act I, this is the moment when Rudolfo meets and falls in love with the opera's tragic heroine, Mimi. Mr. Ortega movingly captured Rudolfo’s wonderment and joy, singing with quiet astonishment at the outset and bursting into romantic enthusiasm as he embraces what is happening.
Tenor José Ortega (Courtesy WNO).
In a more popular mode, Miss Oeste followed with “Strahlender Mond” (“Bright Moon”) from Künneke’s light opera “Der Vetter aus Dingsda” (variously “The Cousin from Dingsda” or “The Cousin from Nowhere”). This winsomely charming waltz tune, sung with gossamer perfection by Ms. Oeste, brought back the romantic essence of the genre, which historically served as a bridge between serious opera and the evolving Broadway show early in the twentieth century.
(BTW, it’s a shame we rarely get a chance to hear more of this wonderful music. But, if you’re so inclined, you can immerse yourself in it this summer in relatively near-by Wooster, Ohio.)
The singers concluded their recital with three popular crowd-pleasers, Augustin Lara’s popular song, “Granada” (Mr.Ortega); Gershwin’s “Summertime” from “Porgy and Bess” (Ms. Hawkins); and the rousing duet, “Torero quiero ser” (“I wish to be a matador”) from Manuel Penella’s zarzuela “El Gato Montés” (“The Wild Cat”), sung with gusto by Ms. Oeste and Mr. Ortega.
Mr. Spassov—also part of the Domingo-Cafritz program—joined the singers at the program’s close for a well-deserved round of applause.
Georgetown's Friday Music Series continues through April 23, with the Apex Winds next up on February 5. The price for each event (free) is right, and each is open to Georgetown students, faculty, and the general public. For more information on this and other GU performing arts programs, click the link here, or call 202.687.ARTS.
Rating: *** (3 Stars)
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