00:00
Verdi - La Traviata
After its initial rejection, Verdi’s unique opera La Traviata became one of the most acclaimed works of this composer. This love story brought the tragedy of Violetta Valéry and Alfredo to light. The rich courtesan has everything she wishes for, including money, friends, and lovers, but when she falls in love with the young Alfredo, she gets in trouble. Giorgio Germont, Alfredo’s father, disapproves the relationship and tells Violetto that she should leave Alfredo forever. This story brought Verdi legendary status through music with a profound sense of humanity and psychological portrayal of the characters and their feelings. Stage director David McVicar sets this drama in a world of romantic references while retaining an up-to-date perspective. The performance features Ermonela Jaho (Violetta Valéry), Francesco Demuro (Alfredo Germont) and Juan Jesús Rodriguez (Georgio Germont). The orchestra and chorus of the Teatro Real Madrid play under the baton of Renato Palumbo.
02:14
Waldbühne 2001: Spanish Night
This wonderful concert at Berlin's Waldbühne brought the audience to its feet. Conductor Plácido Domingo and the Berlin Philharmonic share the stage with soloists Sarah Chang (violin) and Ana Maria Martinez (soprano) in several performances of popular Spanish compositions. Sarah Chang's fleet-fingered rendition of Pablo de Sarasate's technically demanding dances is impressive, to say the least. With her unmatched technique and her unique musical sensitivity, Chang's performance is a joy to the ear. Ana Maria Martinez's passionate and warm vocal timbre are perfectly suited to the spirit of the Zarzuela melodies. Among the pieces performed in this broadcast are Emmanuel Chabrier's España, Manuel de Falla's El sombrero de tres picos, Pablo de Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy, and Johan Strauss II's Spanish March.
04:26
Stingray Originals - Seljan Nasibli
Azerbaijan-born artist Seljan Nasibli moved to England at an early age, where she was encouraged to take up music. Although Nasibli chose to sing jazz, her Oxford teachers heard an operatic tendency in her voice and advised to train classically. Nasibli completed her studies at The Royal College of Music, where she graduated with a master's degree in Vocal Performance. In this episode of Stingray Originals, Nasibli performs three of Giacomo Puccini's most beautiful arias: 'Signore, ascolta!' and 'Tu, che di gel sei cinta' from the opera Turandot, and 'Quando m'en vo' (Musetta's Waltz) from the opera La bohème.