Show One Productions – Dmitri Hvorostovsky, baritone and Sondra Radvanovsky, soprano

Reviewed by Paula Citron

Dmitri Hvorostovsky was the better known singer at the weekend concert, but the audience left murmuring the name of Sondra Radvanovsky. Their joint recital was a thriller. Radvanovsky sang more difficult selections, but Hvorostovsky is still a great artist.

Russian baritone Hvorostovsky is an opera superstar. With his shock of white hair, matinee idol good looks, compelling voice and dramatic expression, he presents a commanding stage presence. The mostly Verdi program showed a voice that has darkened over the years to a rich, burnished hue.

American/Canadian soprano Radvanovsky is among the greatest Verdi sopranos of today. Her rapturous voice soars, arcs and sweeps across the ears. Her sound is vibrantly alive – that is the only way to describe its instant impact on the listener. She is also a consummate actress.

The young members of Orchestre de la Francophonie were astutely conducted by Russian maestro Constantine Orbelian for the arias and duets, and their own music director Jean-Philippe Tremblay in the orchestral selections.

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Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Sondra Radvanovsky
Show One Productions
Orchestre de la Francophonie conducted by Constantine Orbelian (arias and duets) and Jean-Philippe Tremblay (orchestrals)
Roy Thomson Hall, Mar. 20, 2010
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