Nicole Car makes towering debut as Verdi’s heroine
A HOST of operatic superstars have showcased their talents as Verdi’s doomed heroine Violetta; now Nicole Car has proved she is up there with the best of them.
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A HOST of operatic superstars have showcased their talents as Verdi’s doomed heroine; now Nicole Car has proved she is up there with the best of them.
In an extraordinary role debut, this talented performer dominated the production from the first exuberant scene, her clear and versatile soprano ringing out over the chorus with effortless charm.
The former jazz singer has come a long way since making her opera debut about nine years ago, as Donna Anna in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and in the process that distinctively clear line and sharp focus has served her well.
She also looked the part of Violetta, Verdi’s beautiful but consumptive courtesan who succumbs to the blandishments of the besotted Alfredo, played initially with some reserve by Korean tenor Ji-Min Park, although his voice resurged as the drama unfolded.
The list of sopranos who have made La Traviata their own is long and distinguished. Think Maria Callas and our own Dame Joan Sutherland and Emma Matthews. A radiant Nicole would not be out of place in their distinguished company.
LANDMARK
Not bad for a singer whose first choice when it came to buying a CD many years ago was the soundtrack to the Aladdin movie.
Her performance as Violetta in Opera Australia’s revival of Elijah Moshinsky’s 1994 production of La Traviata − The Fallen Woman represents a landmark in her career. We’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more of her in years to come.
The supporting cast was also in fine voice.
As Alfredo’s stern father, Ukrainian baritone Vitaliy Bilyy came across as more overbearing than sympathetic, a quality essential to provide the emotional connection with Violetta, but his voice was satisfyingly resonant and consistent.
Mezzo-soprano Anna Dowsley, as Flora, Violetta’s bubbly friend, sang with spirit and Armenian-Australian soprano Natalie Aroyan managed restrained sympathy as the maid Annina.
Bass-baritone Adrian Tamburini played Violetta’s “protector”, Baron Douphol, with an icy aristocratic hauteur and the sonorous bass of Gennadi Dubinsky lent solemn dignity to the role of the doctor.
Easily the most outstanding production so far this season, due in no small part to Nicole Car’s towering performance
Michael Yeargan’s set was lavish, if a little cramped with so many performers on stage, but it was displayed with good effect by Nigel Levings’ lighting. Peter J Hall’s opulent costumes were a delight.
The chorus was outstanding once again and the orchestra, under conductor Andrea Licata, excelled − and how could they not, with Verdi’s inspired score before them?
Easily the most outstanding production so far this season, due in no small part to Nicole Car’s towering performance. More please.
DETAILS
● OPERA: La Traviata
● STARS: Nicole Car, Ji-Min Park, Vitaliy Bilyy, John Longmuir, Anna Dowsley
● AT: Sydney Opera House
● UNTIL: March 27
● BOOKINGS: www.sydneyoperahouse.com, tel: 9265 7777