Renowned for defining the opera scene at the turn of the 20th century, Puccini’s compositions continue to captivate audiences globally.
The event was jointly organised by the Italian Embassy and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) as part of the Spring of Culture festival. Baca president Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and various other dignitaries graced the occasion.
I was delighted to see a full-house at Bahrain National Theatre, with fans and music enthusiasts eager to watch internationally-renowned artists soprano Desirée Rancatore and tenor Davide Tuscano, accompanied by Jacopo Salvatori at the piano and violinists of the Massimo Youth Orchestra Ensemble in concert.
The audience comprised not only Italian expatriates but also classical music lovers from around the world, a testament to the concert’s diverse appeal.
The cultural richness and musical brilliance unravelled in seven parts, each focussing on one or more compositions from one or more acts of Puccini’s operas and musical pieces – Manon Lescaut, La Bohème, Turandot, Piccolo valzer per pianoforte in Mi maggiore, Gianni Schicchi, Tosca and Madama Butterfly.
Even for those not well versed in the world of opera, the experience was magical and memorable.
Maestro Salvatori’s fingers glided on the piano like ripples in water and the audience lapped it up, in pin-drop silence. The young violinists offered the perfect musical partnership. They complemented each other, standing out on their own at times but also not overpowering the other.
Puccini must have been smiling down from the heavens on Bahrain National Theatre.
Soprano Rancatore and tenor Tuscano brought his diverse and strong characters to life, with resounding voices, an immersive performance and an energy hard to escape.
At one point, I could not tell if Ms Rancatore was just acting or if she was really in tears. Likewise, as the show progressed, Mr Tuscano seemed to disappear, embodying his characters.
The flawless acoustics of the theatre further elevated the vocals and instruments. The riveting solo performances and dynamic duets were like riding an emotional rollercoaster. Their expressions and body language told me more than the words themselves – there was love and romance, anger, sadness, frustration, resolve and more.
Towards the end of the show, the singers stepped off stage and walked among the audience as they delivered another melodious piece. Reading the room and connecting with the audience, they displayed masterful showmanship.
It was when they approached close to my seat that I fully appreciated the intensity of their voices. They sliced through the attentive silence that hung in the theatre with precision, power and complete perfection.
– Melissa Nazareth
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