THE National Symphony Orchestra (NSO)makes a long-awaited return to University Concert Hall, Limerick on Thursday May 1 evening for an Opera Gala with the internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Tara Erraught.
Hailed as ‘one of opera’s chosen’ (Arts Desk), Tara, one of the most thrilling opera voices of her generation, is a singer at the very top of her game. Her outstanding voice and artistry have taken her to many of the world’s leading opera houses and concert halls, including the Metropolitan Opera, Vienna State Opera, Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall.
Her hugely successful term as an NCH Artist-in-Residence for the 2024-2025 Season comes to a close in this spectacular opera gala in University Concert Hall, to be repeated at the National Concert Hall on Friday 2 May, featuring the magnificent power of the NSO.
Presenting some of opera’s most essential arias by Mozart, Donizetti, Puccini, Bellini and Rossini, it is an unmissable showcase for Tara’s remarkable artistry and virtuosity.
Expect vocal fireworks aplenty in arias from Mozart’s Così fan tutte and Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro). Matters of the heart are treated by all-time favourite arias including Puccini’s ‘O mio babbino caro’ and Bellini’s ‘Casta Diva’.
Bristling, bright orchestral overtures by Mozart, Donizetti, Bellini and Rossini alongside Puccini’s elegiac Crisantemi spotlight the NSO with the ‘outstanding colourist [and] formidable energy’ (Classique News) of up-and-coming Italian conductor Clelia Cafiero on the podium.
Listen out for…the sheer beauty of Mozart’s ‘Giunse alfin il momento…’, one of his most lyrical and lovely creations for the soprano voice; The sweet innocence and yearning sincerity of Puccini’s ‘O mio babbino caro’ mirrored by music of luxurious simplicity; How Bellini’s graceful, melodic style perfectly suits the prayer-like invocation of ‘Casta Diva’.
National Symphony Orchestra Opera Gala with Tara Erraught takes place at University Concert Hall on Thursday May 1. Tickets from www.uch.ie.
