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!!! =)