James Valenti: Netrebko is a force of nature!

Yesterday it was the last performance of the Royal Opera Tour to Japan. The tour ended with Verdi's "La Traviata" in Tokyo, starring Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valery, James Valenti as Alfredo Germont and Simon Keenlyside as Giorgio Germont. Maestro Antonio Pappano conducted the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Talking about this last performance, James Valenti wrote in his Facebook page:

"We had a truly transcendental performance last night. La Netrebko is a force of nature! I feel so lucky to have shared the stage with such esteemed colleagues. The public went crazy! A wonderful way to end our tour".

Anna Netrebko in "La Traviata" for the final performance of the Royal Opera Tour to Japan

The Royal Opera is currently making a Tour to Japan, visiting Tokyo and Yokohama, with two opera productions: this season's new Laurent Pelly's production of Massenet's "Manon" and the classical Richard Eyre's production of Verdi's "La Traviata".

Anna Netrebko has been singing the title role of Masenet's "Manon" in all of the four performances scheduled on 11., 14., 17. and 20. September 2010 at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. Opposite Anna Netrebko was Matthew Polenzani as Chevalier des Grieux. Music Director Antonio Pappano has been conducting the Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Angela Gheorghiu was initially scheduled to sing the role of Violetta in Verdi's "La Traviata", but she had to withdraw from the tour due to her daughter's unexpected surgery. Royal Opera quickly researched all possibilities, including Anna Netrebko, to replace her.

Obviously, it would be impossible for her to appear in all performances as she was already singing the title role of Manon in the Japan tour and she usually has two days rest between performances, but agreed it might be possible for her to appear in just the last Traviata performance if she felt in good condition after her last Manon.

Meanwhile, the Royal Opera was able to secure Ermonela Jaho. However, Ermonela Jaho was suffering from a sudden allergy and had to withdraw after the first act at the first and third performances.

The Royal Opera made a request to Anna Netrebko once again, after Ermonela's second withdrawal. Today, with her confirmation, the Royal Opera is very pleased to announce Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valéry for the final performance of the Royal Opera's Japan Tour on 22. September 2010.

La Traviata, Royal Opera Tour to Japan, NHK Hall, Tokyo 22. Sep 2010 – Anna Netrebko (Violetta Valéry), James Valenti (Alfredo Germont), Simon Keenlyside (Giorgio Germont), Adrian Clarke (Baron Douphol), Richard Wiegold (Doctor Grenvil), Kai Rüütel (Flora Bervoix), Changhan Lim (Marquis d’Obigny), Ji-Min Park (Gastone), Sarah Pring (Annina); Richard Eyre (Production), Chorus and Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Antonio Pappano

Happy Birthday, Anna!!!

In Tokyo is already 18. September! Anna's birthday!!!

Anna Netrebko is still in Tokyo, wih her son Tiago, taking part in the Royal Opera Tour 2010 to Japan, where she sings the title role of Massenet's "Manon" opposite Matthew Polenzani and with Antonio Pappano conducting the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

In a few days, Anna and Tiago will come to Barcelona to meet Erwin Schrott, who is going to sing the role of Escamillo in Bizet's "Carmen" at the Teatro del Liceo.

Happy Birthday, Anna!!!