Angela Gheorghiu Down Under

[sydneyboy]

The first advertisement appeared today for a concert on 8 October at the Sydney Opera House by Angela Gheorghiu. She will be following hot on the heels of Renee Fleming. Needless to say I have tickets for both ladies. I saw Angela's ex Roberto Alagna in ''Tosca'' at Covent Garden last year and it would be a coup if he could be enticed to our shores. After that magnificent concert by Jonas Kaufmann last year we are doing rather well with singers more or less in their prime. My great unfulfilled wish is a visit by Juan Diego Florez. I can always dream!

[sydneyboy]

Last night I attended the Angela Gheorghiu concert. I did not think it possible Ms Gheorghiu could possibly surpass the recent Renee Fleming recital but how wrong I was. She was sensational. A magnificent voice, a wonderful program and very generous encores. She looked gorgeous, possessed a wonderful stage presence and rarely (if ever) have I seen a performer in this context appear to be so genuinely enjoying themselves. Mind you this would have been aided and abetted by the constant standing ovations. In the most positive sense she is a prima donna to her fingertips.

The orchestral interludes were more than just padding. In the second half they played the "Romanian Rhapsody'' by George Enescu which was received a rapturous ovation. 'The opera ''Oedipe'' by Enescu is being performed at Covent Garden next year and should be of interest to anyone in London next May.

An evening to cherish.

[Battle]

Thank you

[+ Charlie]

I have always found her more impressive than Alagna.