On the auspicious evening of Friday, May 10, 2024, the audience at BroadStage in Santa Monica was graced with a recital of exceptional caliber, featuring the illustrious mezzo-soprano ElÄ«na GaranÄa, whose performance was augmented by the symphonic grandeur of a full orchestra.
ElÄ«na GaranÄa, whose reputation as a preeminent mezzo-soprano in the classical music sphere is well-founded, is lauded for her sumptuous, velveteen vocal timbre and the profound emotional resonance she imparts upon each character she embodies. Her artistry, a harmonious fusion of vocal splendor and dramatic fervor, has garnered widespread adulation on the global operatic stage.
The impeccable vocal technique of Ms. GaranÄa is beyond reproach. Her voice, which effortlessly traverses the spectrum from contralto to soprano, is marked by an exceptional blend of agility and power. Yet, it is her interpretative acumen that truly distinguishes her; she immerses herself in each role with scrupulous care, considering the historical milieu, the composer’s vision, and the subtle intricacies of the libretto. This meticulous preparation manifests in her performances, where each melodic line and lyrical phrase is meticulously crafted to enhance the narrative and emotional trajectory of the character.
In collaboration with her esteemed spouse, the conductor Karel Mark Chichon, Ms. GaranÄa achieved a symbiotic rapport with the well-rehearsed orchestra, engendering a vibrant and cohesive musical exchange that bridged the divide between stage and orchestra pit.
The recital served as a testament to her artistic versatility and her innate capacity to forge a profound connection with her audience, transforming each rendition into a collective emotional odyssey. The program was a curated selection of mezzo arias by Mascagni, Cilea, and Verdi, interspersed with three zarzuela arias and a trio of Neapolitan songs arranged by Chichon. The operatic arias resonated most powerfully, courtesy of GaranÄa’s impassioned delivery. Nevertheless, the zarzuela arias and Neapolitan songs, while charming, did not afford her voice the same breadth of expression as the arias.
Interludes between the songs featured the orchestra performing overtures, intermezzos, and other brief orchestral pieces. Despite their competent execution, these compositions served as mere filler, as the audience’s anticipation was primarily centered upon the presence of Ms. GaranÄa, rather than the orchestral ensemble.
After her first encore, a zarzuela aria, Ms. GaranÄa sang the beloved aria “L’Amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Carmen. Her portrayal, imbued with confidence and the rich timbre of her voice, which is eminently suited to the lower and middle registers, rendered this piece the zenith of the evening.
Notwithstanding the recital’s delights, one could not help but yearn for an expanded offering of her Carmen, a portrayal that is arguably unparalleled in its interpretation. A mere quibble to a delightful evening.
BroadStage, which steadfastly upholds its status as the preeminent sanctuary for opera recitals in Los Angeles, leaves this critic in keen anticipation of the forthcoming season’s array of recitals by opera luminaries.
The program for the evening included:
– Verdi: Overture to Luisa Miller, and pieces from Don Carlo
– Cilea: Arias from Adriana Lecouvreur
– Mascagni: Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana
– Barbieri: Canción de Paloma from El Barberillo de Lavapies
– ChapÃ: Romanza de Socorro from El barquillero
– Chueca: Prelude to El bateo
– Mato/Castelao: Lela (arr. Duran)
– Suppè: Overture to Light Cavalry
– Neapolitan Songs arranged by Chichon
ElÄ«na GaranÄa – Recital with Orchestra
reviewed on Friday, May 10, 2024 at BroadStage in Santa Monica, CA
tour continues; for dates and cities, visit ElÄ«na GaranÄa
