Divas in Beijing

In follow up of my post about my concern for the health of the opera singers currently in Beijing I've been wondering if any of you have been wondering whether any of us here on the Western Hemisphere will ever hear any of these concerts. I know that I always like to see concerts from around the world, i.e. Proms, etc., so I was excited to hear today that the "Divas in Beijing" concerts will be filmed. They are hoping to broadcast them in November or December of this year. See the Divas in Beijing website for more details on the schedule of releases!


It's fair to say that I am still extremely worried about the well-being of all singers/athletes involved. I'll admit that I hope the opening ceremonies are good. I always love watching those. Hopefully they all won't have to wear oxygen masks!!!


Happy Listening!!! =)

Opera's Biggest Stars Singing Through the Smog in Beijing

The "Divas in Beijing" concert, which is apparently one of the highlights of the "Meet in Beijing 2008 Olympic Arts Festival", will feature our most treasured opera stars. This includes, of course, Renee Fleming, Angela Gheorghiu, Dmitri Hvorostovky, Marcello Giordani, and others.
Angela Gheorghiu will start the string of concerts on August 7th, the day before the Olympics officially start. She will be accompanied by the China National Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Emmanuel Villaume. All the concerts will be at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.


As cool as this may sound right now, this could have some serious effects on the singers. I'm very worried about all the singers (the athletes, too, of course) going through the smog in Beijing and the terrible pollution all around that area. I'm especially worried (as we surely all are) about Renee. It would be dreadful if the conditions should threaten her voice for the big Renee Opening Night Gala at the Met. (=]) It's a potentially disastrous situation for all the singers, but the Met (I'm sorry-- the Renee) Opening Night can't be spoiled because of the Olympics. Pardon my saying so, but Rondine, Trovatore, and La Damnation de Faust can't all be robbed of their lead singers because of a little smog and pollution!
In all seriousness, I'm concerned for the health (and vocal longevity) of all of the singers participating. (Once again, I'm concerned for the athletes as well.) At least they will be inside for the concerts, but I hope they don't breath in too many harmful fumes. I don't want anything terrible to happen just before, or during, what promises to be an exciting season in many opera houses around the world.


Happy Listening!!! =)