Finally, the current opera world’s darling Renee Fleming is coming to our shores! Following on the heels of Bryn Terfel’s concert (and Dimitri Hvorostovsky’s cancellation a few months ago), our little island is finally gaining ground as an operatic hub in which superstars stopover in between European and American appearances, no longer just a retirement destination for air-con sensitive old-timers to earn a quick buck (i.e Jessye Norman, Kiri te Kanawa and Jose Carreras, who should be shown footage of Montserrat Caballe’s Norma performance in the midst of a heavy gale.)

Cheap shots and hyperbole aside, Renee’s performances at Victoria Concert Hall on 16 and 17 March are also noted for its exorbitant ticket prices, starting from $180 to $280, without even the support of an orchestra but only a pianist (Hartmut Höll). This sets a kind of precedent, coming off the heels of Terfel’s tickets starting at $80, $40 for obstructed view.

As a point of reference, typical prices for such ‘gala’ events usually start from around $40 for decent seats, while Hvorostovsky’s cancelled debut as well as Sumi Jo’s appearance with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra started as low as $16. Besides non-singing superstars, instrumental soloists such as Gil Shaham, Evelyn Glennie (a local favorite) and even conductor Lorin Maazel have appeared with ticket prices that are much more democratic to start with, and with the backing of a full orchestra for support. Full-scale pop concerts, with a live band, dancers and on-stage pyrotechnics, typically start at $60, while a fully-staged opera performance with regional stars may start at $30; much more reasonable considering what you are getting in return.

However, despite the lack of an orchestra, one can still look forward to hearing Renee’s greatest hits and well-known stage portrayals live in the Victoria Concert Hall’s warm acoustics (a marvel commended by Bryn on his first local appearance back in the 90s.) Although the program has not been fixed yet at this time, one hopes that her famous Manon, Violetta, Rusalka, Fiordilligi, Countess Almaviva and Donna Anna will all get their turns on stage.

And as a friend pointed out, support from a pianist may be good a good thing too, as we will get to hear art songs performed. Tickets are available at all SISTIC counters; you may also order online at www.sistic.com.sg.

By Steven Ang

 

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