Nothing to do with Katie…but I was recently invited to attended a couple of days of rehearsals at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. The original soprano scheduled for the title role cancelled, and two Romanian-born singers are taking over. One is the rather famous Angela Gheorghiu. The other is my very dear friend Nelly Miricioiu. Funnily enough, they were both born in the same town, Adjud. Nelly has sung Tosca many times to great acclaim, and is sharing the stage with Bryn Terfel and Marcello Giordani. Imagine my excitement at being at the early rehearsals, watching the singers being directed and practising the many tiny and subtle adjustments to their interpretations. It was art of the highest order and genuinely humbling. The next day they rehearsed on the famous stage itself…with just a piano…but it was surprisingly dramatic and exciting. Just walking across the stage amongst the sets and props, with my favourite diva, was wonderful…unforgettable.
This is a bit of a come-back for Nelly, and she’s going to be magnificent. She has such a wealth of knowledge and skill. She’s a fantastic lady and I love her to bits. I am so very honoured to have been part of this exciting occasion. Here’s a quick sketch I did during the rehearsal…
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