Hot Tosca!

I have to share my delight at attending last night's performance of Tosca at the Royal Opera House. Two shows (July 15th and 17th) of the run had the A* cast - Jonas Kaufman, Angela Gheorghiu and Bryn Terfel. This is what 'Grand Opera' is all about.

Kaufman has an amazing voice - pitch-perfect and a dynamic range to die for. Must be the Number 1 tenor at the moment. Gheorghiu doesn't have the strongest voice around but can she act! She was singing better than I have ever heard her. Terfel is, for me, the ideal Scarpia: no Machiavellian sliminess, just straightforward brutal malevolence. The orchestra under Pappano was magnificent. Top value for my £60 amphitheatre ticket.

I'm not just crowing because the performance is to be shown on BBC3 later in the year and will be shown internationally in cinemas in November. Catch it if you can.

Sounds wonderful! Terfel is doing a concert performance of Tosca here, with Salvatore Licitra and Patricia Racette, at one of our outdoor venues, later this month. Unfortunately, it's the same night as a benefit for an organization on whose board I sit, so I will miss it. A shame, because Terfel doesn't often wander far afield. I shall hope that the Royal Opera House performance comes to a cinema near me.

I thought I had seen that the Metropolitan Opera Live in HD series was going to carry Tosca next season, but it is not on the list. I wonder who we talk to to get Royal Opera House operas on the screen here.

Robert

Abottthomas, I saw Tosca with Terfel as Scarpia and Kaufman as Cavaradossi at the Met in Spring 2010. I've seen my share of hammy "Dr. Evil" Scarpias and Terfel doesn't have to letch it up too much. He just starts singing and all one has to do is sit back and enjoy. All the charisma is in the voice.

Due to see Ellen Kent's 'traditional' production of Tosca at the end of February (UK tour). Looking forward to it!