Baden-Baden Gala 2010, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27./29. July 2010

Baden-Baden Gala 2010 - Anna Netrebko

Anna Netrebko, Marianna Pizzolato, Antonio Pappano, Orchester der Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia - Roma

Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27./29. Juli 2010

PERFORMERS

Anna Netrebko Soprano

Marianna Pizzolato Alt

Antonio Pappano Dirigent

Orchester der Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia - Roma

PROGRAMME

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)

Sinfonia zum Drama¨"Li prodigi della divina grazia nella conversione e morte di S. Guglielmo duca d'Aquitania"

Kantate "Questo è il piano, e questo è il rio" - Marianna Pizzolato

Kantate "Nel chiuso centro" ("Orfeo") - Anna Netrebko

Pause

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736)

"Stabat Mater" - Anna Netrebko, Marianna Pizzolato

Personal Report

I have attended the second performance of the Baden-Baden Gala 2010 - Anna Netrebko on 29. July 2010. The programme, fully devoted to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi including the "Stabat Mater" and other works, was not familiar to me and baroque music was not one of my favorites styles, so I was a litlle bit unsure about how much I would enjoy the concert.

The performance started at 8:00 PM. I arrived to the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden well in advance, around 6:30 PM. I bought a programme booklet and I took a look around the hall. I decided to buy a "bretzel" and a glass of champagne and I took one of the small tables with a view to the stage door, looking forward to seeing Anna's arrival to the Festspielhaus. As usual, Anna arrived just one hour before the performance started. She was looking great. Some fans were waiting for her in front of the stage door and she spent some time talking to them and signing some autographs.

The performance started and all my doubts about how much I would enjoy the performance disappeared. The music was gorgeous. The Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia - Roma conducted by Maestro Antonio Pappano sounded great. After a first Sinfonia, Marianna Pizzolato came to the stage to sing a Kantate. It was the first time I saw Marianna live and she was very good in this repertoire. After Marianna, Anna Netrebko came on stage to sing another Kantate. She was fantastic. Her voice was warm and wide in the lower registers and powerful in the high ones, filling the huge Festspielhaus.

In the second part they sang the "Stabat Mater". Wonderful music, fully of emotions. The voices of Anna and Marianna matched very well and the audience enjoyed so much the performance. Many applauses for the singers, the conductor and the orchestra at the end of the concert. As an encore, they sang again the last part of the "Stabat Mater".

It had been announced a "Meet the Artists" after the concert and a signature session by Maestro Antonio Pappano. Anna came out through the stage door where many fans were aiting for her. Erwin Schrott, who had taken a private jet to attend the concert and see her, was also there. I was talking with him for a while and he told me they had a dinner and they would leave Baden-Baden early next morning to go to Salzburg. Therefore, they were not able to attend the "Meet the Artists" event as they did Mariana Pizzolato, Antonio Pappano and the members of the Orchestra.

It was a fantastic night and fortunately the two Gala performances were recorded and Deutsche Grammophon will release a CD from those live recordings. Most likely the CD will be released previously to the Pergolesi concert tour that Anna Netrebko will give in Berlin, Munich, Paris, Geneve and Toulouse in April/May 2011.

Reports

Herbert attended the two performances of the Baden-Baden Gala 2010. This is the short report he wrote for the blog after the first performance on 27. July 2010.

The Baden-Baden gala yesterday was a great success, although I found the programme a bit short.

The first part lasted 45 minutes. First a sinfonia by the orchestra, then a “Kantate” sung by Marianna Pizzolato, and then “Nel chiuso centro” (“Orfeo”) by Anna (exactly 22 minutes, she wore a mint green long dress).

Part 2 was “Stabat mater”. In the beginning, Anna (in a long black dress) seemed to be very earnest and even a bit nervous because of this difficult part, but she and Pizzolato were great and it was a success.

As an encore they repeated the last part of “Stabat mater” and took a lot of bows, but no more encores.

About 100 people were waiting at the stage door, where Anna gave autographs etc., before she was driven away in a big limousine.

And this is the report he wrote for the blog after the second performance on 29. July 2010.

The second gala on Thursday, 29. July, was also something very special. Anna was completely relaxed when she entered the stage for "Stabat mater". She beamed with joy at the audience, twinkled at somebody whom she recognized, and when a few people wanted to applaud during "Stabat mater", she smiled "with shock" so that the audience kept quiet until the end.

The two voices of Anna and Marianna Pizzolato were in perfect harmony with the orchestra, and sometimes it was not possible to distinguish the voices from the instruments - was this Anna singing or was it a violin? Perfect beauty! Baroque music can enchant such a large hall as the Festspielhaus, when it is presented in such virtuosity. We can be looking forward to the CD recording!.

After the performance there was a "Meet the Artists" in the foyer of the Festspielhaus. Drinks, tomato soup (!) and "bretzels" were served, and we could talk to Antonio Pappano, Marianna Pizzolato and members of the orchestra, who mixed with the audience. Only Anna could not take part in this after show party, because she had to attend a dinner (together with Erwin Schrott) and she had an early flight to Salzburg next morning. I think Carlos knows more about it ;-))

Press Reviews

[1] Baden-Baden Gala 2010 – Anna Netrebko und Marianna Pizzolato - Operapoint 28. Juli 2010

[2] «Gute-Laune-Fee» wird leise: Netrebko singt Pergolesi - Frankfurter Neue Presse 29. Juli 2010

[3] Anna Netrebko singt Pergolesi - Focus Online 30. Juli 2010

[4] Alles richtig gemacht - Badische Zeitung 30. Juli 2010

[5] Weit weg von Oberflächlichkeit - Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 31. Juli 2010 [Fotos]

[6] Anna Netrebko sang die sakrale Musikperle von Pergolesi - Baltische Rundschau 1. August 2010

Photos

Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano, Kantate "Nel chiuso centro", Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko, "Stabat Mater", Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko, Marianna Pizzolato and Antonio Pappano at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the stage door, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the stage door, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the stage door, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko leaving the Festspielhaus Baden-Baden in the Maybach of the Brenner's Park Hotel & Spa, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 27. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano, Kantate "Nel chiuso centro", Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko, Kantate "Nel chiuso centro", Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko, Marianna Pizzolato and Antonio Pappano at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko and Marianna Pizzolato at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko and Marianna Pizzolato at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the end of the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Erwin Schrott at the stage door after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Carlos/Marijke

Marianna Pizzolato signing autographs during the "Meet the Artists" after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Marianna Pizzolato during the "Meet the Artists" after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Antonio Pappano signing autographs during the "Meet the Artists" after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Marianna Pizzolato during the "Meet the Artists" after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Antonio Pappano talking with Marianna Pizzolato during the "Meet the Artists" after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Maestro Antonio Pappano signing autographs during the "Meet the Artists" after the concert, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden 29. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Manon, ROH, London 10. July 2010

Seventh and last performance of the run of the new Laurent Pelly's production of Massenet's "Manon" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, starring Anna Netrebko in the title role, Vittorio Grigolo as Chevalier Des Grieux and Antonio Pappano on the pit..

In September the production moves to Japan for a tour with Anna Netrebko in the title role, Matthew Polenzani as Chevalier Des Grieux and Antonio Pappano conducting.

Manon

Opéra comique in five acts

Music by Jules Massenet

Libretto by Henri Milhac and Philippe Gille

After the novel L'Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by

Abbé Antoine-François Prévost

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London

Saturday 10. July 2010 7:30 PM

PRODUCTION

Director: Laurent Pelly

Designer: Chantal Thomas

Lighting Designer: Joël Adam

Choreographer: Lionel Hoche

CAST

Manon: Anna Netrebko

Chevalier des Grieux: Vittorio Grigolo

Lescaut: Russell Braun

Comte des Grieux: Christof Fischesser

Guillot de Morfontaine: Guy de Mey

Brétigny: William Shimell

Poussette: Simona Mihai

Javotte: Louise Innes

Rosette: Kai Rüütel

Innkeeper: Lynton Black

Conductor: Antonio Pappano

Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Background

Introduction, Synopsis and Characters

Radio Broadcasts

One of the performances of Manon, most probably the one on 1. July 2010, has been broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Reports

Herbert, who has attended the performance of Manon on 25. June 2010, attended also this last one and he wrote the following short report for the blog,

Oh my God – it is hard to believe, but today’s performance was even better than the one on 25. June. Maybe because it was the last performance in this run, but everybody on stage and in the orchestra pit added a little extra and made it an unforgettable evening. This performance should have been recorded on DVD – but it isn’t.

Even Anna could improve a little bit. Some tiny gestures rounded her portrait of Manon, and her aria at „Cours-la-Reine“ was absolutely immaculate.

Vittorio Grigolo’s vocal weaknesses of last time had disappeared completely, and his acting was full of passion and credibility again.

Their duet in St. Sulpice couldn’t be more passionate and breathtaking as it was!

So this was a perfect highlight to finish this run of Manon at the ROH.

There was a large crowd waiting at the stage door today. Anna was accompanied by Erwin Schrott again, and there was applause and cheers when they left and waved at the fans.

Vittorio was surrounded by many many women, one of them had even come from Canada only to see him in this production!

Photos

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

William Shimell, Russel Braun, Anna Netrebko, Antonio Pappano and Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Erwin Schrott and Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 10. July 2010. Photo: Herbert

Anna Netrebko nominated for the Echo Klassik 2010

Anna Netrebko has been nominated for the Echo Klassik 2010. Winners will be proclaimed on 20. July 2010. The award ceremony will be held at the Essener Philharmonie, Essen on 17. October 2010.

Anna Netrebko has been previously awarded with one Echo Klassik 2004, two Echo Klassik 2005, one Echo Klassik 2006, two Echo Klassik 2007, two Echo Klassik 2008 and one Echo Klassik 2009.  For a full list of awards and prizes received by Anna Netrebko check the Anna Netrebko | Award and Prizes

Manon, ROH, London 4. July 2010

Fifth performance of the run of the new Laurent Pelly's production of Massenet's "Manon" at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, starring Anna Netrebko in the title role, Vittorio Grigolo as Chevalier Des Grieux and Antonio Pappano on the pit. The rest of the cast was almost identical to the first four performances, the only difference being now Guy de Mey as Guillot de Morfontaine. Two more performances are scheduled on 7. and 10. July 2010.

In September the production moves to Japan for a tour with Anna Netrebko in the title role, Matthew Polenzani as Chevalier Des Grieux and Antonio Pappano conducting.

Manon
Opéra comique in five acts
Music by Jules Massenet
Libretto by Henri Milhac and Philippe Gille
After the novel L'Histoire du Chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut by
Abbé Antoine-François Prévost

Royal Opera House Covent Garden, London
Sunday 4. July 2010 1:00 PM

PRODUCTION
Director: Laurent Pelly
Designer: Chantal Thomas
Lighting Designer: Joël Adam
Choreographer: Lionel Hoche

CAST
Manon: Anna Netrebko
Chevalier des Grieux: Vittorio Grigolo
Lescaut: Russell Braun
Comte des Grieux: Christof Fischesser
Guillot de Morfontaine: Guy de Mey
Brétigny: William Shimell
Poussette: Simona Mihai
Javotte: Louise Innes
Rosette: Kai Rüütel
Innkeeper: Lynton Black

Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Background
Introduction, Synopsis and Characters

Radio Broadcasts
Manon will be broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on 10. July 2010 at 6:00 PM local time, 7:00 PM CET.

Personal Report
This weekend I have been in London and I have been lucky enough to be able to attend three fantastic opera performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. First, on Friday 2. July 2010 Elijah Moshinsky's production of Verdi's "Simon Boccanegra", with a super cast starring Plácido Domingo in the title role, Joseph Calleja as Gabriele Adorno, Marina Poplavskaya as Amelia, Ferruccio Furlaneto as Fiesco and Antonio Pappano conducting, then on Saturday 3. July 2010 David McVickar's production of Mozart's "Le Nozze di Figaro" with Erwin Schrott as Figaro and finally on Sunday 4. July 2010 Laurent Pelly's new production of Massenet's"Manon" starring Anna Netrebko in the title role, the young italian tenor Vittorio Grigolo as Le Chevalier Des Grieux and once again the fabulous Antonio Pappano conducting.

This was my second performance for this new production of "Manon" at the Royal Opera House, as I had also attended the performance on 25. June 2010. Therefore, I was familiar with the details of the sets. I loved the idea to place the set at the end of the 19th Century, The First Act takes place at a square in front of an Inn. Buildings surround the square and large stairs are in front of the stage. The Second Act takes place at a small flat, with a bed and a small table, on the top of the roofs of Paris. The First Scene of the Third act is less impressive, with some ramps crossing the stage from one side to the other. The Second Scene takes place at the church of Saint Sulpice showing also the small appartment for the Chévalier Des Grieux. The set for this Scene were also very nice. The Fourth Act takes place at what looks like an underground casino, without any decoration, simple plane tables and lights, with once again ramps crossing the stage from one side to the other and some stairs between the ramps. A small door is on the top, on the fron of the stage. Guests are dressed for a party and the contratst between the dresses and the place is evident. Finally, sets for the last Fifth Act are quite simple, showing us just an almost void street near Le Havre's Harbour.

Anna Netrebko was Manon! She was so believable since the first moment she comes on stage! Anna was a wildly innocent sixteen girl, avid to get new sensations, open to the world and fascinated by beautifiul dresses and pleasures of life. Vocally she was perfect, always able to trespass the orchestral mass with her high notes, allowing the orchestra to play without any volume restrictions given by the voices. The entrance of Vittorio Grigolo was also stunning. The story of love, passion and tragedy was ready to start and the chemistry between the two singers was evident since the first moment they are together on stage.

On the second Act Anna was a sexy girl living with her Chevalier but eager to live the pleasures of life, pleasures that she cannot get with him. Particularly moving was when she was at the door of their small flat, looking at the small table from the door, and she started to sing "Adieu, notre petite table".

In the first scene of the Third Act Anna was now a rich woman, wearing an dressed light pink dress, and getting all she wants from De Brétigny. The Second Scene, when she mets le Chevalier Des Grieux at Saint Sulpice, is one of my favorites moments of the opera. The temptation scene was superb. Both Anna and Vittorio were performing at their best, both vocally and acting. The audience become crazy at the end of the scene, giving to them a well deserved amount of applauses and "bravi".

The entrance of Anna at the Fourt Act, wearing a fantastic dress, quite similar to the one she had used for the cover of the CD Opera or the Wiener Opernball 2007. The contrast with the nude green walls of the casino, with the lights focussing on her, was spectacular. Following her, Vittorio dressing a frac. Both of them looking gorgeous.

Finally, we arrive to the last Fifth Act, together with the Second Scene of the Third Act one of my favorites moments of the opera. Once again, stunning performance of Anna and Vittorio, absolutely moving dead scene. I ended up with tears in my eyes.

An absoultely stunning performance of "Manon". Aside of Anna and Vittorio, I would like to higlight the superb conducting of Maestro Antonio Pappano. Fabulous sound of the orchestra and chorus. The rest of the cast was also good and I would like to point out the very good performances of Guy de Mey, as Guillot de Morfontaine and Christof Fischesser as Comte Des Grieux.

Strong applauses for, in order of appearance, Vittorio Grigolo, Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano. Nevertheless, taking into account the magificent performance we got, I think the audience was a little bit cold.

After the performance, I met Anna at her dressing room and she signed me several outstanding photos from this production.

Press Reviews
[1] Una "Manon" para la Netrebko - By J.M. Irurzun, La Razón 5. Jul 2010

Blog Reports
[1] Aparté: Manon, 4. July 2010
[2] Classical Iconoclast: Massenet "Manon" Royal Opera House, 6. Jul 2010

Photos

The score for Manon. Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

William Shimell, Russell Braun, Anna Netrebko, Vittorio Grigolo and Christof Fischesser at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko and Vittorio Grigolo at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne-Laure

Russell Braun, Anna Netrebko, Vittorio Grigolo and Christof Fischesser at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Antonio Pappano at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

William Shimell, Russell Braun, Anna Netrebko and Antonio Pappano at the final curtain calls. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Marie-Antoinette

Erwin Schrott at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Anna Netrebko at the stage door. Erwin Schrott in the background. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne

Vittorio Grigolo at the stage door. Manon, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London 4. July 2010. Photo: Anne