La Traviata

29/01/2008 Tuesday 8pm at Esplanade theatre

Went to watch Verdi's La Traviata with Chris, his mum and waileong. With 2 intermissions and a scene change, the whole opera took 3 hours to finish and what glorious 3 hours of music. In the 1st act, i think Nancy Yuen's voice was not really warmed up yet as at times she was practically drowned by the chorus and orchestra. Her solo scene which is one of opera's most popular aria and cabaletta (Estrano..estrano...sempre libera) was not as strong as her performance in verdi's gala concert last year. Her strong force lies in her pianissimo moments where her voice just glides...very beautiful. Overall i think she fully deserves the wondrous applause the audience showers to her right at the end of the opera. The tenor and bass (Alfredo and Germont) are equally good especially the bass. His voice is just so powerful. Vocally they are very secure and confident...something that Nancy lacks sometimes in my opinion.

The chorus is the one that i am really really impressed. They were so strong and all wonderful actors. I always find myself smiling when they sing. They obviously love being on stage.

This being the 1st full length opera that i've watched live, i have to say its a very memorable experience. Looking forward to Turandot, their next production.