EXOTICISM INCARNATE
Renée Fleming and Susan Graham, two of the ecosphere’s leading superstars of opera, have crisscrossed the globe accumulating legions of fans. While they have on occasion appeared in the same opera together, rare is the opportunity to see these two songstresses sing for you in a salon-styled concert. Well, pop the cork on the Perrier-Jouët and warm up the coq au vin to celebrate your appearance this Saturday, January 19 at Walt Disney Concert Hall, where these dynamo divas will present a wide-ranging compendium of French song literature from the 19th century.
Accompanied by pianist Bradley Moore, the recital will feature eight composers traversing from Faure (Pavane, Op. 50) to Offenbach (“Barcarolle” from Les contes d’Hoffmann) to Delibes (“Duo des fleurs,” one of the loveliest duets ever to come from opera). Also represented are the dreamy La Belle Époque composer Reynaldo Hahn, opéra comique composer André Messager, arch-Romantic Hector Berlioz and the prolific Saint-Saëns. The program also includes rarely performed French duet literature from Fauré (a pupil of Saint-Saëns) and Debussy (Moore will have the chance to solo with the sensual and glimmering “Clair de lune”). All of these Frenchmen share the inimitably Gallic assets of sinuous cadence, hypnotic melody, rich harmony, and captivating subtlety.
Soprano Fleming and mezzo-soprano Graham have always been extraordinarily accessible singers, considering they come from a world of oversized personalities. They are also terrific actresses, so don’t expect showy bravado as they explore some of the most exquisite songs ever written; instead expect heartfelt delivery. And if I know anything about these beautiful ladies, they will no doubt show off some amazing gowns. It’s all part this one-time only event which is already proven to be extremely popular at the box office, so dépêchez-vous et achetez vos billets!
RENÉE FLEMING, soprano, and SUSAN GRAHAM, mezzo-soprano
BRADLEY MOORE, piano
LA Phil Colburn Celebrity Recital presented in partnership with the LA Opera
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Saturday, January 19, 2013, at 8 PM
for tickets, call 323.850.2000 or visit http://www.LAPhil.com
