Misha Didyk sings in Bellini opera "The Capulets and the Montagues" (05/19/02)

Misha Didyk sings in Bellini opera "The Capulets and the Montagues"

by Bohdan Markiw

PHILADELPHIA - The matinee presentation of Vincenzo Bellini's opera "The Capulets and the Montagues" at Philadelphia's renowned Academy of Music on April 13 was a spectacular performance due to a hand-picked cast of international artists that included the Ukrainian tenor Misha Didyk.

The opera, written for two sopranos, featured mezzo-soprano Ruxandra Donose of Romania in the lead role of Romeo. Ms. Donose's quality of singing may be characterized as luscious, with a creamy velvety tone.

The Russian coloratura-soprano Anna Netrebko, in the role of Giiulietta, has an agile voice and beautiful appearance. Although one would prefer to discern a more feminine delicacy in the aria in which she appears with her father as well as in the duet with Romeo, and a more resigned piano sound in the tomb scene, nevertheless, she did win over the public with her impeccable clearness of pitch and the musicianship of her singing.

The opera's leading tenor was Mr. Didyk, in the role of Giuletta's suitor and Romeo's rival. Mr. Didyk convincingly demonstrated his ability to sing bel canto with all the attributes of that style. Whereas his aria "I love her so and she is so dear to me" was sung with touching, deep emotion, in the call to battle, his voice acquired more dramatic color, culminating in a brilliant high "C."

The supporting characters were the forceful bass Brain Jauhiainen, in the role of Lorenzo, doctor to the Capulets, and the cultured voice of baritone Mark McCrory as Giuletta's father.

In general, the chorus was very good, except for a lack of focused crispness in the last number of the first act. Also, there was some unevenness in the beginning of the Overture in the orchestra as led by conductor Maurizio Barbacini. The excellent costumes, stage sets and lighting design complemented this triumphal performance.

After individual bows to the sound of resounding bravos, the conductor and the entire cast were given a standing ovation.

Bohdan Markiw, an orchestral conductor, concert violinist and chamber musician, is choir conductor of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven, Conn.

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