Sondra Radvanovsky Sings Bolero from I vespri Siciliani

This Wednesday (April 11), soprano Sondra Radvanovsky is the soloist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.  She also turns 43 on Wednesday!  Radvanovsky is considered the foremost Verdi soprano of our time, and for good reason.  The voice is huge and powerful, with a gorgeous timbre, great legato, long breath-line, all backed by a fabulous technique. A singer of intelligence and discerning taste, Radvanovsky excels not just in Verdi but all the Bel Canto operas of Bellini and Donizetti.  In the two performances with the TSO (April 11 and 14), Radvanovsky is singing "Merce, dilette amiche" otherwise known as the Bolero, from Verdi's I vespri Siciliani.  When I interviewed her two years ago, she said Elena is one of her most favourite roles, and she throws in the sustained high E at the end of the Bolero, as in the audio clip here.  The other piece on the TSO program is Tatiana's Letter Scene from Eugene Onegin.  Well known Italian conductor Gianandrea Noseda is at the helm.  This is a concert not to be missed!

Joseph K. So