Showing posts with label Gran Teatre del Liceu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gran Teatre del Liceu. Show all posts

Monday, October 27, 2025

Barcelona - Roberto Alagna - 30th October 2025

 

🎶 A Night of Puccini: Roberto Alagna in Barcelona

30 October – A Celebration of Passion, Melody, and the Eternal Voice of Puccini

There are certain artists whose very presence transforms the air around them — who carry within their voice the light and shadow of the human heart. Roberto Alagna is one of those rare stars. Charismatic, deeply expressive, and endowed with a voice that blends golden warmth and Mediterranean fire, he has conquered every great stage of the world — from the Metropolitan Opera to La Scala.

I first saw him many years ago, singing Massenet’s Werther at the Capitole Theatre in Toulouse. His performance was unforgettable — tender, vulnerable, incandescent. Later, in Bizet’s Carmen alongside the remarkable Béatrice Uria-Monzon, his Don José was both tragic and passionate, the portrait of a man consumed by love. Since then, I have followed his journey through the world’s opera houses, always mesmerised by the sincerity and truth he brings to every phrase.

Now, he returns to us in Barcelona, offering a recital entirely devoted to Giacomo Puccini, the composer whose music is the very language of emotion. This evening promises to be an ode to love, longing, and beauty — a celebration of Puccini’s genius, illuminated by the golden voice of one of the greatest tenors of our time.


🌹 Torna ai felici dìLe Villi (1884)

Puccini’s very first opera, Le Villi, already reveals his instinct for melody and drama. “Torna ai felici dì” (“Return to the happy days”) is sung by Roberto, a man tormented by guilt and grief. It demands both lyrical control and dramatic intensity — a perfect opening for Alagna, whose voice can move effortlessly from whispering nostalgia to passionate despair. The aria’s lines rise like sighs, filled with the aching regret of lost love.


🔥 Orgia, chimera dall’occhio vitreoEdgar (1889)

From Puccini’s rarely performed Edgar, this aria captures the restless spirit of its hero, torn between sacred and profane love. The music is turbulent, full of harmonic daring and emotional storms. Its vocal writing challenges even the most seasoned tenors — wide-ranging, explosive, and demanding both power and elegance. Alagna’s dramatic instinct makes this music come alive, revealing the youthful Puccini searching for his mature voice.


🌙 La tregenda — Intermezzo sinfonico (piano solo) — Le Villi

A haunting orchestral dance, La tregenda (“The Witch Dance”) conjures a supernatural atmosphere. On piano, it becomes a shimmering miniature — rhythmic, ghostly, and full of suspense. It is one of Puccini’s earliest experiments with orchestral colour, a glimpse of the master storyteller he would become.


💕 Tra voi belle, brune e biondeManon Lescaut (1893)

In Manon Lescaut, Puccini’s first great success, we meet Des Grieux — young, impassioned, and head over heels in love. His opening serenade “Tra voi belle, brune e bionde” (“Among you lovely ladies, brunettes and blondes”) is flirtatious, charming, and deceptively simple — a musical smile. Yet beneath its playfulness lies the spark of fate. For Alagna, whose voice glows with warmth and natural grace, it is an ideal moment of youthful radiance before passion and tragedy take hold.


💘 Donna non vidi maiManon Lescaut

Few arias in all opera capture the ecstasy of first love as perfectly as “Donna non vidi mai” (“Never have I seen such a woman”). Des Grieux has just met Manon — and in that instant, his life changes forever. The melody unfolds with tenderness, rising toward a climax of pure wonder. Technically, it requires legato perfection, seamless phrasing, and a glowing top register — qualities that define Alagna’s artistry. When he sings it, one truly believes in love at first sight.


🌅 Intermezzo (piano solo) — Manon Lescaut

Between the acts, Puccini paints a world of longing without words. The Intermezzo is one of his most moving instrumental pieces — a symphonic reflection of lost love. Its yearning theme, heard on piano, is like a distant memory of happiness. It reminds us of the lyric beauty that runs through all of Puccini’s music.


No!... Pazzo son!... Guardate!Manon Lescaut

A moment of anguish and madness. Des Grieux, now desperate and heartbroken, cries out in pain as he watches Manon suffer. The aria begins almost declamatory, then bursts into soaring agony. It tests the tenor’s strength, stamina, and emotional truth. It is the cry of a man torn between passion and despair — a challenge that Alagna meets with his unique blend of fire and lyricism


❄️ Che gelida maninaLa Bohème (1896)

One of Puccini’s most beloved arias, “Che gelida manina” (“What a cold little hand”) introduces us to Rodolfo, the poet who falls in love with Mimì on a winter’s night in Paris. This aria is a jewel of lyric phrasing — soft, tender, intimate — leading to a radiant high C that must sound like the very soul opening in song. Alagna, whose Rodolfo has long been celebrated, brings both poetry and sincerity to this music. His delivery captures every shade — from shy wonder to soaring love.


🌌 E lucevan le stelleTosca (1900)

The tragic Cavaradossi sings this aria before his execution: “And the stars were shining…” It is perhaps Puccini’s most heartbreaking page — a memory of love, sung on the edge of death. The aria demands immense emotional depth and breath control: long, arching phrases that must remain warm and vibrant even in despair. Alagna’s rich, expressive tone and natural Italianate phrasing give this music its full emotional weight — tender, noble, utterly human.


🌸 Duetto dei fiori e coro a bocca chiusa (piano solo) — Madama Butterfly (1904)

The “Humming Chorus,” as it is known, is one of Puccini’s most ethereal inspirations — a moment of stillness and moonlight. Heard on piano, it becomes a meditation on hope and silence. The music floats like a dream, full of suspended beauty, where time seems to stop.


💔 Addio, fiorito asilMadama Butterfly

Pinkerton’s aria of remorse — “Farewell, flowery refuge” — is brief but devastating. It requires immense control and honesty: the voice must carry guilt, tenderness, and regret all at once. Few singers can make this moment truly believable; Alagna’s sincerity and warmth give it a truth that pierces the heart.


🌄 Ch’ella mi creda libero e lontanoLa fanciulla del West (1910)

Here, Dick Johnson faces his death with dignity, asking that his beloved Minnie believe him safe and free. The melody is simple yet noble, flowing with American openness and Italian passion. The aria is technically challenging — sustained phrasing, perfect breath support, and emotional restraint. Alagna’s heroic lyricism is perfectly suited to it: brave, tender, and luminous.


💃 Nella dolce carezza della danza — piano solo (La rondine, 1917)

From Puccini’s most elegant and bittersweet opera, La rondine, this waltz-like intermezzo captures the grace of Parisian society tinged with melancholy. On piano, it shimmers with refinement — the sound of Puccini’s gentler world, full of longing and delicate sophistication.


🌙 Nessun dormaTurandot (1926)

And finally — the aria that crowns the night. “Nessun dorma” (“None shall sleep”) from Turandot is Puccini’s ultimate hymn to triumph through love. It demands everything: vocal power, radiant tone, and absolute emotional command. Few tenors can make the climactic “Vincerò!” both heroic and human. Alagna, with his combination of strength, warmth, and golden timbre, turns it into pure exultation — a cry of victory that resounds far beyond the theatre.


🌟 A Night to Remember

This Puccini evening in Barcelona will be more than a recital — it will be a journey through the soul of Italian opera, guided by a voice that has illuminated the world’s greatest stages. Each aria reveals a different face of love: youthful, passionate, despairing, or transcendent.

Roberto Alagna’s artistry brings them all together in one radiant evening — a celebration of Puccini, of song, and of the eternal beauty of the human voice. On 30 October, Barcelona will shine with music, and the audience will leave the theatre carrying a single thought in their hearts: what a gift it is to feel so deeply, and to hear such beauty.


Ночь Пуччини: Роберто Аланья в Барселоне


30 октября – Торжество страсти, мелодии и вечного голоса Пуччини


Есть артисты, чьё присутствие преображает воздух вокруг них – чей голос несёт в себе свет и тень человеческого сердца. Роберто Аланья – одна из таких редких звёзд. Харизматичный, глубоко выразительный, наделённый голосом, сочетающим в себе золотистое тепло и средиземноморский огонь, он покорил все величайшие сцены мира – от Метрополитен-оперы до Ла Скала.


Я впервые увидел его много лет назад, когда он исполнял «Вертера» Массне в театре «Капитоль» в Тулузе. Его исполнение было незабываемым – нежным, уязвимым, пламенным. Позже, в «Кармен» Бизе вместе с замечательной Беатрис Урия-Монсон, его Дон Хозе был одновременно трагичным и страстным, портретом человека, охваченного любовью. С тех пор я следил за его путешествием по оперным театрам мира, неизменно заворожённый искренностью и правдой, которые он вкладывает в каждую фразу.


Теперь он возвращается к нам в Барселону с сольным концертом, полностью посвящённым Джакомо Пуччини, композитору, чья музыка — сам язык эмоций. Этот вечер обещает стать одой любви, тоске и красоте — чествованием гения Пуччини, освещённым золотым голосом одного из величайших теноров нашего времени.


🌹 Torna ai felici dì — «Виллисы» (1884)


Уже в первой опере Пуччини, «Виллисы», проявляется его чутьё на мелодию и драму. «Torna ai felici dì» («Возврат к счастливым дням») поёт Роберто, человек, терзаемый чувством вины и горя. Она требует как лирического контроля, так и драматической интенсивности — идеальное начало для Аланьи, чей голос легко переходит от шёпота ностальгии к страстному отчаянию. Строки арии поднимаются, словно вздохи, наполненные щемящей печалью об утраченной любви.


🔥 Orgia, chimera dall’occhio vitreo — Эдгар (1889)


Эта ария, написанная редко исполняемым Эдгаром Пуччини, передает беспокойный дух своего героя, разрывающегося между священной и мирской любовью. Музыка бурная, полная гармонических дерзаний и эмоциональных бурь. Её вокальное мастерство бросает вызов даже самым опытным тенорам — широкий диапазон, взрывной голос, требующий одновременно силы и элегантности. Драматическое чутьё Аланьи оживляет эту музыку, раскрывая юного Пуччини, ищущего свой зрелый голос.


🌙 La tregenda — Симфоническое интермеццо (фортепиано соло) — Le Villi


Завораживающий оркестровый танец, La tregenda («Танец ведьмы»), создаёт атмосферу сверхъестественного. На фортепиано он превращается в мерцающую миниатюру — ритмичную, призрачную и полную напряжения. Это один из самых ранних экспериментов Пуччини с оркестровым колоритом, проблеск того, каким мастером-рассказчиком он станет.


💕 Tra voi belle, brune e bionde — Манон Леско (1893)


В «Манон Леско», первом большом успехе Пуччини, мы встречаем Де Грие — молодого, страстного и по уши влюблённого. Его вступительная серенада «Tra voi belle, brune e bionde» («Среди вас, милые дамы, брюнетки и блондинки») кокетлива, очаровательна и обманчиво проста — музыкальная улыбка. Но за этой игривостью кроется искра судьбы. Для Аланьи, чей голос излучает тепло и природную грацию, это идеальный момент юношеского сияния перед тем, как страсть и трагедия овладеют ею.


💘 Donna non vidi mai — Манон Леско


Немногие арии в опере так точно передают экстаз первой любви, как «Donna non vidi mai» («Никогда я не видел такой женщины»). Де Грие только что встретил Манон — и в этот миг его жизнь изменилась навсегда. Мелодия раскрывается с нежностью, достигая кульминации чистого чуда. Технически она требует безупречного легато, безупречной фразировки и яркого верхнего регистра — качеств, которые определяют мастерство Аланьи. Когда он исполняет эту арию, по-настоящему веришь в любовь с первого взгляда.


🌅 Интермеццо (фортепиано соло) — Манон Леско


Между актами Пуччини рисует мир тоски без слов. Интермеццо — одно из самых трогательных его инструментальных произведений — симфоническое отражение утраченной любви. Его тоскливая тема, звучащая на фортепиано, подобна далёкому воспоминанию о счастье. Она напоминает нам о лирической красоте, пронизывающей всю музыку Пуччини.


⚡ Нет!... Pazzo son!... Guardate! — Манон Леско


Момент тоски и безумия. Де Грие, отчаявшийся и убитый горем, кричит от боли, наблюдая за страданиями Манон. Ария начинается почти декламационной, затем перерастает в неистовое страдание. Она испытывает силу, выносливость и эмоциональную правдивость тенора. Это крик человека, разрывающегося между страстью и отчаянием, — вызов, который Аланья встречает с уникальным сочетанием огня и лирики.


❄️ Che gelida manina — «Богема» (1896)


Одна из самых любимых арий Пуччини, «Che gelida manina» («Какая холодная ручка»), знакомит нас с Рудольфом, поэтом, который влюбляется в Мими зимней ночью в Париже. Эта ария — жемчужина лирической фразировки — мягкая, нежная, интимная — ведущая к лучезарному высокому до, которое, должно быть, звучит как сама душа, раскрывающаяся в песне. Аланья, чей Рудольфо давно прославлен, привносит в эту музыку поэзию и искренность. Его исполнение передает все оттенки — от робкого удивления до парящей любви.


🌌 E lucevan le stelle — Тоска (1900)


Трагический Каварадосси поёт эту арию перед казнью: «И звёзды сияли…» Это, пожалуй, самая душераздирающая страница Пуччини — воспоминание о любви, спетое на грани смерти. Ария требует невероятной эмоциональной глубины и контроля дыхания: длинные, арочные фразы должны оставаться тёплыми и яркими даже в отчаянии. Богатый, выразительный тон Аланьи и естественная итальянская фразировка придают этой музыке полную эмоциональную нагрузку — нежную, благородную, совершенно человечную.


🌸 Duetto dei fiori e coro a bocca chiusa (соло для фортепиано) — Мадам Баттерфляй (1904)


«Жужжащий хор», как его называют, — одно из самых возвышенных вдохновений Пуччини — мгновение тишины и лунного света. В исполнении фортепиано он превращается в размышление о надежде и тишине. Музыка парит, словно сон, полный застывшей красоты, где время, кажется, остановилось.


💔 Addio, fiorito asil — Мадам Баттерфляй


Ария раскаяния Пинкертона — «Прощай, цветущее убежище» — короткая, но сокрушительная. Она требует невероятного контроля и честности: голос должен нести в себе одновременно чувство вины, нежности и сожаления. Немногие певцы способны сделать этот момент по-настоящему правдоподобным; искренность и теплота Аланьи придают ему правдивость, пронзающую сердце.


🌄 Ch’ella mi creda libero e lontano — Девушка с Запада (1910)


Здесь Дик Джонсон достойно встречает свою смерть, моля свою возлюбленную Минни поверить ему в безопасность и свободу. Мелодия проста, но благородна, она струится американской открытостью и итальянской страстью. Ария технически сложна — выдержанная фразировка, идеальная опора на дыхание и эмоциональная сдержанность. Героическая лирика Аланьи идеально подходит к ней: смелая, нежная и лучезарная.


💃 Nella dolce carezza della danza — фортепиано соло («Ласточка», 1917)


Это вальсоподобное интермеццо из самой элегантной и горько-сладкой оперы Пуччини «Ласточка» передает изящество парижского общества, окрашенное меланхолией. В исполнении фортепиано оно мерцает изысканностью — звучанием более нежного мира Пуччини, полного томления и утонченной изысканности.


🌙 Nessun dorma — «Турандот» (1926)


И наконец — ария, венчающая ночь. «Nessun dorma» («Никто не должен спать») из «Турандот» — это высший гимн Пуччини торжеству любви. Он требует всего: вокальной силы, лучезарного тона и абсолютного владения эмоциями. Немногие теноры способны сделать кульминационное «Vincerò!» одновременно героическим и человечным. Аланья, с его сочетанием силы, теплоты и золотого тембра, превращает его в чистый восторг — клич победы, разносящийся далеко за пределы театра.


🌟 Незабываемая ночь


Этот вечер Пуччини в Барселоне станет не просто сольным концертом, а путешествием по душе итальянской оперы под руководством голоса, озарявшего лучшие сцены мира. Каждая ария раскрывает разные грани любви: юную, страстную, отчаянную или возвышенную.


Искусство Роберто Аланьи объединяет их всех в один лучезарный вечер — праздник Пуччини, песни и вечной красоты человеческого голоса. 30 октября Барселона засияет музыкой, и зрители покинут театр с одной мыслью: какой это дар — чувствовать так глубоко и слышать такую ​​красоту.


🎶 Une Nuit Puccini : Roberto Alagna à Barcelone


30 octobre – Célébration de la Passion, de la Mélodie et de la Voix Éternelle de Puccini


Il est des artistes dont la seule présence transforme l'atmosphère, qui portent en eux la lumière et l'ombre du cœur humain. Roberto Alagna est l'une de ces rares stars. Charismatique, profondément expressif, doté d'une voix mêlant chaleur dorée et feu méditerranéen, il a conquis toutes les grandes scènes du monde, du Metropolitan Opera à la Scala.


Je l'ai vu pour la première fois il y a de nombreuses années, chantant Werther de Massenet au Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse. Son interprétation était inoubliable : tendre, vulnérable, incandescente. Plus tard, dans Carmen de Bizet, aux côtés de la remarquable Béatrice Uria-Monzon, son Don José était à la fois tragique et passionné, le portrait d'un homme dévoré par l'amour. Depuis, j'ai suivi son parcours à travers les opéras du monde, toujours fasciné par la sincérité et la vérité qu'il insuffle à chaque phrase.


Il nous revient aujourd'hui à Barcelone pour un récital entièrement consacré à Giacomo Puccini, le compositeur dont la musique est le langage même de l'émotion. Cette soirée promet d'être une ode à l'amour, au désir et à la beauté, une célébration du génie de Puccini, illuminée par la voix d'or de l'un des plus grands ténors de notre temps.


🌹 Torna ai felici dì — Le Villi (1884)


Le tout premier opéra de Puccini, Le Villi, révèle déjà son instinct pour la mélodie et le drame. « Torna ai felici dì » (« Retour aux jours heureux ») est chanté par Roberto, un homme tourmenté par la culpabilité et le chagrin. L'air exige à la fois maîtrise lyrique et intensité dramatique, une ouverture parfaite pour Alagna, dont la voix passe sans effort de la nostalgie murmurée au désespoir passionné. Les vers de l'air s'élèvent tels des soupirs, emplis du regret douloureux d'un amour perdu.


🔥 Orgia, chimère dall’occhio vitreo — Edgar (1889)


Tirée de l'Edgar de Puccini, rarement interprété, cette aria capture l'esprit agité de son héros, tiraillé entre l'amour sacré et l'amour profane. La musique est turbulente, pleine d'audace harmonique et de tempêtes émotionnelles. Son écriture vocale défie même les ténors les plus chevronnés : ample, explosive, exigeant à la fois puissance et élégance. L'instinct dramatique d'Alagna donne vie à cette musique, révélant le jeune Puccini en quête de sa voix mature.


🌙 La tregenda — Intermezzo sinfonico (piano solo) — Le Villi


Danse orchestrale envoûtante, La tregenda (« La Danse de la Sorcière ») évoque une atmosphère surnaturelle. Au piano, elle devient une miniature chatoyante, rythmée, fantomatique et pleine de suspense. C'est l'une des premières expériences de Puccini avec la couleur orchestrale, un aperçu du maître conteur qu'il deviendra.


💕 Tra voi belle, brune e bionde — Manon Lescaut (1893)


Dans Manon Lescaut, premier grand succès de Puccini, nous rencontrons Des Grieux, jeune, passionné et éperdument amoureux. Sa sérénade d'ouverture, « Tra voi belle, brune e bionde » (« Parmi vous, belles dames, brunes et blondes »), est enjôleuse, charmante et d'une simplicité trompeuse – un sourire musical. Pourtant, sous son côté espiègle se cache l'étincelle du destin. Pour Alagna, dont la voix rayonne de chaleur et de grâce naturelle, c'est un moment idéal d'éclat juvénile avant que la passion et la tragédie ne s'emparent d'elle.


💘 Donna non vidi mai — Manon Lescaut


Rares sont les airs d'opéra qui capturent l'extase du premier amour aussi parfaitement que « Donna non vidi mai » (« Jamais je n'ai vu une telle femme »). Des Grieux vient de rencontrer Manon – et à cet instant, sa vie bascule à jamais. La mélodie se déploie avec tendresse, s'élevant vers un apogée de pure merveille. Techniquement, elle exige une perfection legato, un phrasé fluide et un registre aigu rayonnant – des qualités qui définissent le talent artistique d'Alagna. Lorsqu'il la chante, on croirait véritablement au coup de foudre.


🌅 Intermezzo (piano solo) — Manon Lescaut


Entre les actes, Puccini peint un monde de désir sans paroles. L'Intermezzo est l'une de ses pièces instrumentales les plus émouvantes – une réflexion symphonique sur l'amour perdu. Son thème nostalgique, entendu au piano, est comme un lointain souvenir de bonheur. Il nous rappelle la beauté lyrique qui imprègne toute la musique de Puccini.


⚡ Non !... Pazzo son !... Guardate ! — Manon Lescaut


Un moment d'angoisse et de folie. Des Grieux, désespéré et le cœur brisé, crie sa douleur en regardant Manon souffrir. L'aria débute presque déclamatoirement, puis explose en une agonie vertigineuse. Elle met à l'épreuve la force, l'endurance et la vérité émotionnelle du ténor. C'est le cri d'un homme déchiré entre passion et désespoir – un défi qu'Alagna relève avec son mélange unique de fougue et de lyrisme.

❄️ Che gelida manina — La Bohème (1896)


L'un des airs les plus appréciés de Puccini, « Che gelida manina » (« Quelle petite main froide ») nous présente Rodolfo, le poète qui tombe amoureux de Mimì par une nuit d'hiver à Paris. Cet air est un joyau de phrasé lyrique – doux, tendre, intime – menant à un do aigu radieux qui doit sonner comme l'âme même qui s'ouvre au chant. Alagna, dont Rodolfo est depuis longtemps célébré, apporte à cette musique poésie et sincérité. Son interprétation en capture toutes les nuances – de l'émerveillement timide à l'amour exalté.


🌌 E lucevan le stelle — Tosca (1900)


Le tragique Cavaradossi chante cet air avant son exécution : « Et les étoiles brillaient… » C'est peut-être la page la plus déchirante de Puccini – un souvenir d'amour, chanté à l'orée de la mort. L'air exige une profondeur émotionnelle immense et une grande maîtrise du souffle : de longues phrases arquées qui doivent rester chaleureuses et vibrantes même dans le désespoir. Le timbre riche et expressif d'Alagna et son phrasé italien naturel confèrent à cette musique toute sa force émotionnelle : tendre, noble, profondément humaine.


🌸 Duetto dei fiori e coro a bocca chiusa (piano solo) — Madama Butterfly (1904)


Le « Chœur bourdonnant », comme on le surnomme, est l'une des inspirations les plus éthérées de Puccini : un moment de calme et de clair de lune. Au piano, il devient une méditation sur l'espoir et le silence. La musique flotte comme un rêve, emplie d'une beauté suspendue, où le temps semble s'arrêter.


💔 Addio, fiorito asil — Madama Butterfly


L'air de remords de Pinkerton — « Adieu, refuge fleuri » — est bref mais bouleversant. Cela exige une maîtrise et une honnêteté immenses : la voix doit exprimer à la fois culpabilité, tendresse et regret. Peu de chanteurs parviennent à rendre ce moment véritablement crédible ; la sincérité et la chaleur d’Alagna lui confèrent une vérité qui transperce le cœur.


🌄 Ch’ella mi creda libero e lontano — La fanciulla del West (1910)


Ici, Dick Johnson affronte sa mort avec dignité, demandant à sa bien-aimée Minnie de le croire sain et sauf. La mélodie est simple mais noble, imprégnée d’ouverture américaine et de passion italienne. L’air est techniquement exigeant : phrasé soutenu, soutien respiratoire parfait et retenue émotionnelle. Le lyrisme héroïque d’Alagna lui convient parfaitement : courageux, tendre et lumineux.


💃 Nella dolce carezza della danza — piano solo (La Rondine, 1917)


Tiré de La Rondine, l'opéra le plus élégant et doux-amer de Puccini, cet intermezzo aux allures de valse capture la grâce de la société parisienne teintée de mélancolie. Au piano, il scintille de raffinement — la sonorité du monde plus doux de Puccini, empreint de nostalgie et de sophistication délicate.


🌙 Nessun dorma — Turandot (1926)


Et enfin — l'air qui couronne la nuit. « Nessun dorma » (« Nul ne dormira ») de Turandot est l'hymne ultime de Puccini au triomphe de l'amour. Il exige tout : puissance vocale, timbre radieux et maîtrise émotionnelle absolue. Rares sont les ténors capables de rendre le « Vincerò ! » culminant à la fois héroïque et humain. Alagna, avec sa force, sa chaleur et son timbre doré, transforme cette musique en une pure exultation – un cri de victoire qui résonne bien au-delà du théâtre.


🌟 Une Nuit Inoubliable


Cette soirée Puccini à Barcelone sera plus qu'un récital : ce sera un voyage au cœur de l'âme de l'opéra italien, guidé par une voix qui a illuminé les plus grandes scènes du monde. Chaque air révèle une facette différente de l'amour : juvénile, passionné, désespéré ou transcendant.


L'art de Roberto Alagna les réunit tous en une soirée radieuse – une célébration de Puccini, du chant et de la beauté éternelle de la voix humaine. Le 30 octobre, Barcelone resplendira de musique, et le public quittera le théâtre avec une seule pensée : quel cadeau de ressentir si profondément et d'entendre une telle beauté.



Friday, October 24, 2025

Barcelona - Ballet Gala - 9/10 nov 2025

 ✨ Gran Gala de Danza at the Liceu: From Petipa to Balanchine — A Night When the World Will Dance in Barcelona

There are nights when the art of ballet transcends the stage — when it becomes a pure act of love, memory, and celebration.
On November 9 and 10, 2025, the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona will open its golden curtains for such a night — or rather, two nights — that promise to remain forever in the memory of all who breathe the poetry of dance.

Under the title From Petipa to Balanchine, the Gran Gala de Danza will unite on the Liceu stage a constellation of stars — the kind of dazzling line-up that only happens once in a lifetime. From St. Petersburg to London, from New York to Seoul, from Paris to Houston, from Stuttgart to Barcelona itself, the greatest artists of our era will gather to honor ballet’s eternal flame.

This is not merely a gala. It is a celebration of legacy and renewal — a dialogue between generations, between classical perfection and the vibrant pulse of today’s dance world. The Ballet de Catalunya and the Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, conducted by Andrea Quinn, will join forces under the artistic direction of Leo Sorribes to create a night where the world’s finest dancers will offer the most exquisite gift: beauty itself.


🌹 The Sacred Stage of the Liceu

Few theaters in the world can rival the majesty and history of the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
For over a century and a half, its stage has been a temple to music and dance — a space where Dame Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, Maya Plisetskaya, and so many others have cast their spells before enraptured audiences.

To see the Liceu once again transformed into a cathedral of ballet, illuminated by the radiance of a new generation, feels like witnessing time fold upon itself. The spirit of Fonteyn’s grace, of Nureyev’s fire, of the great Petipa himself, will surely hover over these two evenings, blessing the dancers who now inherit their mantle.


🌟 A Constellation of Stars 🌟 The Stars Who Will Illuminate the Night

Maria Khoreva — Mariinsky Ballet, St. Petersburg

The roster assembled for this Gala reads like a dream, each name carrying a story of devotion, artistry, and triumph.


Maria KhorevaMariinsky Ballet, St. Petersburg

The jewel of the Vaganova school, Maria Khoreva embodies the essence of Russian ballet: purity, precision, and musical intelligence. She will come to Barcelona shortly after dancing Giselle at the Mariinsky — a role that has become a reflection of her own artistry: fragile, spiritual, luminous. Watching Khoreva dance is like witnessing lace move to the rhythm of a heartbeat.


Sangeun LeeEnglish National Ballet

From Seoul to Dresden and now London, Sangeun Lee has traced a path of grace and quiet strength. Trained at the Sunhwa Arts Schools, she was a Soloist with the Universal Ballet and later Principal at the Semperoper Ballett Dresden, where her portrayals of Giselle and La Bayadère drew critical acclaim. Since joining the English National Ballet, her dancing radiates an effortless musicality that marries Asian lyricism with European finesse — a rare and delicate alchemy.


Gareth HawEnglish National Ballet

From Cardiff comes Gareth Haw, one of Britain’s brightest hopes. Educated at The Royal Ballet School, he ascended swiftly through the ranks of the Semperoper Ballett and, within two years of joining ENB, reached the pinnacle as Lead Principal. With noble line and poetic strength, Haw is the epitome of the modern danseur noble: intelligent, musical, and deeply human in his interpretations.


Chloe MisseldineAmerican Ballet Theatre (ABT)

New York’s newest star, Chloe Misseldine, is ballet’s whisper of the future. This summer, she captivated the audience of the Metropolitan Opera House with her sublime Swan Lake — a performance hailed as “a revelation of elegance and emotion.” Soon after dancing Nikiya in La Bayadère, she will cross the Atlantic to grace the Liceu stage. Her Odette was pure soul; her Nikiya, a breath of tragedy. In Barcelona, we will witness a young artist on the threshold of legend.


Joo Won AhnAmerican Ballet Theatre (ABT)

A perfect complement to Misseldine, the South Korean Joo Won Ahn combines heroic strength with lyrical artistry. Trained at the Korea National University of Arts, his Albrecht and Solor are marked by noble presence and spiritual depth. Ahn’s technique is crystalline, but it is his quiet humility and sincerity that make his dancing unforgettable.


Friedemann VogelStuttgart Ballet

There are artists who define an era. Friedemann Vogel is one of them. Celebrating twenty-five years with the Stuttgart Ballet, he remains the quintessence of classical elegance. Recipient of the prestigious John Cranko Prize, Vogel is a poet of movement — refined, introspective, timeless. His every gesture speaks of a life dedicated to beauty.


Olga Smirnova & Jacopo TissiDutch National Ballet

After their triumphant Romeo and Juliet in Amsterdam this October, the reunion of Olga Smirnova and Jacopo Tissi on the Liceu stage will be nothing short of magic. Smirnova, with her impeccable Vaganova training and emotional depth, is the embodiment of grace. Tissi, her Italian counterpart, dances with noble grandeur and lyrical power. Together they are a symphony of passion and restraint, a dialogue between two cultures united by the same language: the language of dance.


Sarah Lamb & Ryoichi HiranoThe Royal Ballet, London

Few partnerships possess the chemistry of Sarah Lamb and Ryoichi Hirano.
Lamb, one of the Royal Ballet’s most luminous Principals, first enchanted Barcelona as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty during the company’s tour — a performance still remembered as one of the Liceu’s most sublime nights. Hirano, her frequent partner, is admired for his dignified artistry and profound musical understanding. Together they weave refinement and passion into the purest harmony.


Hannah O’NeillÉtoile, Paris Opera Ballet

The Paris Opera Ballet’s newly appointed étoile, Hannah O’Neill, is the embodiment of elegance reborn. Of Japanese and New Zealand heritage, she unites precision, fire, and serenity in equal measure. Her Giselle at the Palais Garnier was greeted with rapture, and her mastery of Balanchine’s repertory has made her one of the most versatile artists in Paris. In Barcelona, she will bring the luminous spirit of the French school — crystalline, intellectual, yet heartbreakingly beautiful. Hannah O’Neill has conquered audiences with her crystalline technique and inner radiance.

Her Giselle and Aurora at the Palais Garnier were revelations — classical yet alive with emotion. A true specialist in Balanchine, she will bring Parisian chic and Balanchinean brilliance to the Liceu.



Liudmila KonovalovaVienna State Ballet / Guest Artist

A true Russian jewel, Liudmila Konovalova, trained at the Bolshoi Academy, carries within her the legacy of Moscow’s great classical tradition. Her Odette is a vision of purity; her technique, impeccable. Before arriving in Barcelona, she will appear in London’s Nutcracker and later in Switzerland as Odette/Odile — a testament to her international acclaim. Her presence in the Gala will bring that unique fragrance of Russian romanticism to the evening.


Yuriko Kajiya & Connor WalshHouston Ballet

Yuriko Kajiya, born in Aichi, Japan, began her training at eight and became one of the first foreign students at the Shanghai Ballet School. A winner of the Prix de Lausanne, she personifies delicacy, clarity, and integrity. Her partner Connor Walsh, from Virginia, trained at the Kirov Academy and Harid Conservatory, joining Houston Ballet in 2004 and becoming Principal in 2007. Together, Kajiya and Walsh evoke the American romantic ideal — luminous, tender, technically flawless.


Tiler Peck & Roman MejiaNew York City Ballet

From the electric heart of Manhattan comes the most dynamic duo in American ballet today. Tiler Peck, a phenomenon of musical precision and joy, and Roman Mejia, her charismatic partner, will bring to Barcelona the kinetic brilliance of Balanchine’s New York. Their dancing is the embodiment of life itself — quicksilver energy, sparkling rhythm, and the courage to reinvent every phrase anew. Few duos radiate such joy and vitality. Tiler Peck, the radiant muse of Balanchine, and Roman Mejia, her fiery partner, will bring to Barcelona the very spirit of New York: spontaneous, musical, breathtakingly alive. Watching them is to witness rhythm itself made flesh.


Julian MacKayBavarian State Ballet

Julian MacKay’s story reads like a modern ballet fairytale. Born in Montana into a family of dancers, trained at the Bolshoi Academy, and polished at The Royal Ballet School, he bridges East and West with ease. Currently a Principal in Munich, he dances Albrecht in Giselle on this very stage in October — a role that marks both his Liceu debut and his artistic homecoming. His return for the Gala will feel like the continuation of a love story between dancer and theatre. Julian MacKay unites Russian discipline with American openness.

He is currently dancing Giselle as Albrecht at the Liceu — and will return for the Gala as both protagonist and promise. His elegance recalls a young Baryshnikov; his artistry, deeply his own.

Ellen Mäkelä, Paolo Calò & David García LucasBallet de Catalunya

The local spirit will shine through the dancers of the Ballet de Catalunya, led by Ellen Mäkelä and Paolo Calò, both First Soloists, and David García Lucas. They represent the vitality and excellence of Catalan dance today — artists of commitment, intelligence, and technical refinement. Their participation links this Gala not only to the great international houses but also to the creative heart of Catalonia itself.


🎶 The Orchestra and the Repertoire

The evening’s live music will be entrusted to the Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, under the baton of Andrea Quinn, renowned for her elegant precision and sensitivity to dancers.
The repertoire will span centuries and continents: from Marius Petipa’s classical grandeur to George Balanchine’s neoclassical architecture, through Lev Ivanov, John Cranko, Kenneth MacMillan, Stanton Welch, Leo Sorribes, and Vincenzo Timpa.

The composers’ names — Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Yates, Bates, Puccini — form a musical bridge between worlds, uniting Russian romanticism, French lyricism, and modern soundscapes.


💫 A Dialogue Between Centuries

To witness From Petipa to Balanchine at the Liceu is to witness ballet’s living history unfold before our eyes. Each dancer brings not only their own artistry but the heritage of their school:
the noble strength of the Russian academies, the clarity of the French tradition, the lyricism of the British style, the vitality of American ballet, and the fresh spirit of Catalonia’s own company.

It will be an evening where styles converse, where past and present meet — where Petipa’s romantic ideals meet Balanchine’s crystalline abstraction.
In that dialogue lies the beauty of ballet itself: ever ancient, ever new.


🕊️ An Unforgettable Night Awaits

To gather such an extraordinary galaxy of talent in one theatre, for two nights only, is something that even the great stages of the world rarely achieve.
For those fortunate enough to be in Barcelona on November 9 or 10, this will be an opportunity to witness not just dance, but living history — to feel the continuity of the art that began with Petipa and still burns with Balanchine’s modern light.

The Liceu — that venerable stage that once welcomed Margot Fonteyn and now embraces the stars of a new century — will once again become the heart of the ballet world.
The chandeliers will shimmer, the orchestra will breathe, and as the curtains rise, time itself will seem to pause.

Because ballet, in its purest form, is not merely an art.
It is the promise of eternity made visible — and on those nights, eternity will dance in Barcelona.


✨ A Dream for Every Ballet Lover

There are moments when the art of ballet transcends the stage — when it becomes a language of the soul, a mirror of beauty itself.
This November, that moment will happen in Barcelona.

On November 9 and 10, 2025, the Gran Teatre del Liceu will open its legendary stage to a gathering of artists so extraordinary that the very idea feels like a dream.
The Gran Gala de Danza: From Petipa to Balanchine, organized by the Ballet de Catalunya and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, will unite an international constellation of stars — a living tribute to ballet’s timeless power and to the genius of those who shaped it.

For us who breathe ballet as if it were air, these two evenings will be sacred.


🩰 The Liceu: A Temple of Memory and Rebirth

Few theatres in the world possess the soul of the Gran Teatre del Liceu.
For more than 175 years, its stage has hosted the greatest legends of music and dance. Here, Margot Fonteyn once illuminated the air with her divine stillness; Rudolf Nureyev, Maya Plisetskaya, and Carla Fracci filled this house with their grace and fire.

To see the Liceu once again become a cathedral of classical dance — this time alive with the brilliance of a new generation — is to feel the continuity of art itself.
From Petipa’s Imperial elegance to Balanchine’s modern geometry, the history of ballet will unfold anew in the city that has always loved both passion and precision.


🎼 The Orchestra, the Repertoire, and the Dream

Under the direction of Andrea Quinn, the Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu will perform the music that has shaped ballet’s soul: Tchaikovsky, Massenet, Puccini, Yates, Bates — from romantic to neoclassical, from Petipa’s grandeur to Balanchine’s clarity.

Choreographies by Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, Lev Ivanov, John Cranko, Kenneth MacMillan, Stanton Welch, Leo Sorribes, and Vincenzo Timpa will offer a panorama of styles, eras, and emotions — a living map of ballet itself.


💫 A Dialogue Across Centuries

The Gala’s title — From Petipa to Balanchine — is not just a description; it is a journey.
It evokes the lineage of art: the 19th-century romantic ideal, the 20th-century modern reimagination, and the 21st-century renewal that these dancers embody.

Each artist carries the DNA of their school — Russian precision, French purity, British lyricism, American dynamism, Catalan passion — converging into one voice.
Together, they remind us that ballet, for all its discipline, is ultimately about emotion — about making time stop, if only for a heartbeat.


🕊️ The Promise of an Unforgettable Night

To see all these stars in one theatre, for two nights only, is a privilege few audiences in the world will ever know.
For those who enter the Liceu on November 9 or 10, it will be more than a performance — it will be an act of communion between past and future, between dancer and dreamer.

The chandeliers will shimmer, the orchestra will breathe, and when the curtain rises, we will feel the presence of Fonteyn, Nureyev, Petipa, Balanchine — and the pulse of a new century of dance.

Because ballet, at its heart, is not only movement.
It is memory, spirit, eternity.
And on those nights, eternity will dance again — in Barcelona.

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Barcelona - Turandot 26 Nov - 16 Dec 2023

 L'opéra le plus fabuleux de Puccini revient à l'opéra de Barcelone. Cet opéra devait être joué en mars ou avril 1994, mais en raison de l'incendie tragique, les représentations n'ont logiquement pas eu lieu, c'est pourquoi le théâtre une fois reconstruit a proposé à Turandot d'être le premier du nouveau théâtre déjà reconstruit. Ce fut une belle réussite, j'ai eu la chance d'être là. De grandes personnalités sont venues, les rois d'Espagne et des personnalités de la politique, de l'art, de la culture, de la musique et de nombreux autres mondes liés à l'opéra. Ce fut une soirée mémorable non seulement à cause de la réouverture du grand théâtre, mais aussi parce que l'opéra lui-même, la fonction, ce fut un grand succès. Maintenant, je ne me souviens plus qui a joué ce spectacle, mais je me souviens que Giovanna Cassolla et Eva Marton ont joué dans ces spectacles et, logiquement, j'ai vraiment apprécié et j'ai assisté à plusieurs de leurs représentations respectives. Turandot est l'opéra le plus fabuleux du compositeur italien et quelle que soit la production, c'est toujours une réussite, car la musique est divine. Dans ce cas, la belle et merveilleuse production classique sera ce que le public verra, la même production utilisée dans la renaissance du théâtre. Une réalisation vraiment exquise que j'aime beaucoup. Je me souviens qu'un ami qui m'accompagnait à l'une des représentations m'avait dit que la robe de la princesse Turandot était un chef-d'œuvre, un joyau des costumes de théâtre, une merveille. comme le reste des costumes vraiment exquis qui transportent le spectateur en Chine il y a des milliers d'années. Dans ce cas, nous aurons la princesse Turandot jouée par Elena Pankratova et Ekaterina Semenchuk .Le Prince Inconnu sera Michael Fabiano qui alternera avec Martin Muehle .Le rôle du malheureux Liú, qui a un destin tragique dans l'opéra, est en fait Toscanini qui a terminé la représentation à la Scala le jour de la première lorsque Liú meurt, puisque c'est là que Puccini a terminé l'opéra, ou plutôt, il il ne continua plus à écrire puis il mourut.Les chanteuses qui alterneront le rôle du pauvre Liu seront : Vannina Santoni et aussi la grande star catalane de Tarragone qui a eu un grand succès dans Norma ici au Teatro Liceu, seront Liú, nous faisons référence à l'extraordinaire soprano Marta Mathéu.Adriana González et Maria Agresta chanteront également le rôle de Liú.La chef d'orchestre Alondra de la Parra, née à New York, sera chargée de diriger le fabuleux orchestre du Liceo, le chœur et la formidable distribution de chanteurs et de chœurs qui seront sur scène, une tâche difficile pour tout chef d'orchestre. Diego García Rodríguez dirigera également certains spectacles. Turandot est un opéra à ne pas manquer même si on l'a entendu d'innombrables fois car c'est une belle occasion d'entendre de nouvelles voix et de nouvelles directions d'orchestre et ainsi découvrir comment les metteurs en scène interprètent cette fabuleuse partition.

Puccini's most fabulous opera returns to the Barcelona opera house. This opera was going to be performed in March or April 1994, but due to the tragic fire, logically the performances did not take place, so the once rebuilt theater offered Turandot as the opera to be the first of the new theater already rebuilt. It was a great success, I was lucky to be there. Great personalities came, the kings of Spain and personalities from politics, art, culture, music, and many other worlds linked to opera. It was a memorable night not only because of the reopening of the great theater, but because the opera itself, the function, it was a great success. Now I don't remember who performed that performance, but I do remember that Giovanna Cassolla and Eva Marton acted in those performances, and logically, I really enjoyed it and attended many of their respective performances. Turandot is the most fabulous opera by the Italian composer and whatever the production, it is always a success, because the music is divine. In this case the beautiful and wonderful classic production will be what the public will see, the same production used in the theater's revival. A truly exquisite production that I really like. I remember that a friend who came with me to one of the performances told me that Princess Turandot's dress was a masterpiece, a gem of theater costume design, a marvel. like the rest of the truly exquisite costumes that transport the viewer to China thousands of years ago. In this case we will have Princess Turandot played by Elena Pankratova and Ekaterina SemenchukThe Unknown Prince will be Michael Fabiano who will alternate performances with Martin Muehle .The role of the unfortunate Liú, who has a tragic fate in the opera, in fact Toscanini ended the performance at La Scala on the day of the premiere when Liú dies, since it is right there where Puccini finished the opera, or rather, he no longer continued. writing then he died. The singers who will alternate the role of poor Liu will be:Vannina Santoni and also the great Catalan star from Tarragona who had great success in Norma here at the Teatro Liceu, will be Liú, we are referring to the extraordinary soprano Marta Mathéu.Adriana González and Maria Agresta will also sing the role of Liú.The conductor Alondra de la Parra born in New York will be in charge of directing the fabulous Liceo orchestra, the choir and the tremendous cast of singers and choirs that will be on stage, a difficult task for any orchestra director. Diego García Rodríguez will also direct some performances. Turandot is an opera that should not be missed even if one has heard it countless times since it is a great opportunity to hear new voices and new orchestra directions and thus discover how the directors interpret this fabulous score.

L'opera più favolosa di Puccini ritorna al Teatro dell'Opera di Barcellona. Quest'opera avrebbe dovuto essere rappresentata nel marzo o nell'aprile del 1994, ma a causa del tragico incendio, logicamente le rappresentazioni non ebbero luogo, quindi il teatro, una volta ricostruito, offrì Turandot come opera per la prima del nuovo teatro già ricostruito. È stato un grande successo, ho avuto la fortuna di essere lì. Sono venuti grandi personaggi, i re di Spagna e personaggi della politica, dell'arte, della cultura, della musica e di tanti altri mondi legati all'opera. È stata una serata memorabile non solo per la riapertura del grande teatro, ma perché l'opera stessa, il funzione, è stato un grande successo. Ora non ricordo chi fece quello spettacolo, ma ricordo che in quegli spettacoli recitarono Giovanna Cassolla ed Eva Marton e, logicamente, mi divertii molto e assistei a molte delle loro rispettive esibizioni. Turandot è l'opera più favolosa del compositore italiano e qualunque sia la produzione, è sempre un successo, perché la musica è divina. In questo caso ciò che il pubblico vedrà sarà la bella e meravigliosa produzione classica, la stessa produzione utilizzata nel revival del teatro. Una produzione davvero squisita che mi piace molto. Ricordo che un'amica che venne con me ad uno degli spettacoli mi disse che l'abito della principessa Turandot era un capolavoro, un gioiello del costume teatrale, una meraviglia. come il resto dei costumi davvero squisiti che trasportano lo spettatore nella Cina migliaia di anni fa. In questo caso avremo la principessa Turandot interpretata da Elena Pankratova ed Ekaterina Semenchuk. Il Principe Ignoto sarà Michael Fabiano che alternerà le esibizioni con Martin Muehle. Il ruolo dello sfortunato Liú, che nell'opera avrà un destino tragico, infatti Toscanini concluse la rappresentazione alla Scala il giorno della prima quando Liú muore, poiché è proprio lì che Puccini terminò l'opera, o meglio, lui non continuò più a scrivere poi morì.I cantanti che si alterneranno nel ruolo del povero Liu saranno:

Vannina Santoni e anche la grande stella catalana di Tarragona che ha avuto grande successo in Norma qui al Teatro Liceu, sarà Liú, ci riferiamo alla straordinaria soprano Marta Mathéu.Anche Adriana González e Maria Agresta canteranno il ruolo di Liú.Il direttore d'orchestra Alondra de la Parra, nato a New York, avrà il compito di dirigere la favolosa orchestra del Liceo, il coro e lo straordinario cast di cantanti e cori che saranno sul palco, un compito difficile per qualsiasi direttore d'orchestra. Diego García Rodríguez dirigerà anche alcuni spettacoli. Turandot è un'opera da non perdere anche se l'avete ascoltata innumerevoli volte poiché è una grande opportunità per ascoltare nuove voci e nuove direzioni d'orchestra e scoprire così come i registi interpretano questa favolosa partitura.


Moscow - Don Quixote - Bolshoi- October 2025

  Don Quixote at the Bolshoi: Three Nights of Spanish Brilliance Moscow’s legendary Bolshoi Theatre is preparing to open its vast stage to o...