The Teatro Colón disguises itself as a party and celebration. A gala for Commemorating the 100th anniversary of two of its pillars: the Stable Orchestra and the Stable Choir. Born to bring to life their own artistic productions, both have achieved a work of uninterrupted excellence over these 100 years, becoming undisputed protagonists of the prestige of this theater. They shared the stage on a magical afternoon and blessed those in attendance a concert full of emotions, and thus demonstrated his great artistic and professional commitment.
In recognition of all the artists who have integrated their stable bodies since 1925, a QR printed in the handheld program opens a beautiful document containing their historic pay stubs. Some of them are not yet fully completed and their research is ongoing, but they are still surprising when you consider the thousands of names of artists who were part of this theater.
Beatrice Venezi, principal guest conductor of the Stable Orchestra, She was very excited when she started the first part: Alexander Nevsky, op.78 by Sergei Prokofiev. It is a cantata for mezzo-soprano, choir and orchestra, composed in 1939, which is the concert version of the soundtrack that the Russian composer wrote for Sergei Eisenstein’s film of the same name. Starting the concert with this work was not an easy decision, but it was a test passed with distinction and recognized with distinction by the audience big ovation. Sung in Russian, the author honors the figure of Prince Nevsky in his seven sentences as a symbol of resistance and unity. Venezi conducted the piece with great skill and feeling and was confidently performed by both the orchestra and the choir. One of the most outstanding moments was the appearance of Mezzo-soprano Guadalupe Barrientos who brought strong drama to the piece with his performance.
The beginning of the second part of this 100-year gala, which included a selection of the most representative titles from the theater’s historical repertoire, was: Mario Perusso retired several years ago and is director emeritus of the Stable Orchestra. his most emotional moment. With Verdi as the first composer, the performance of the overture by The power of fate and the chorus “Gli arredi festivi” from the first act of Nabuccoturned out to be beautiful, with that complicity typical of those who have known each other for a long time. “Long live Verdi, long live Perusso and the stable choir!” shouts could be heard from the audience.
“It is an honor and pride to be part of this important celebration of the choir and stable orchestra’s 100th anniversary this prestigious theater. Furthermore, it gives me great pleasure to be able to share this party with Maestro Perusso, as he represents an essential part of cultural and theater history. I am very grateful to this theater that I adore, to all bodies and especially to the musicians, for the trust that this opportunity has given me. For me it is an appreciation for the work that has been done so far. “It was an intensive, beautiful year with very beautiful productions with which I strengthened the relationship with the theater committees and the entire audience,” said Venezi enthusiastically in the preview of the concert.
After Perusso’s interventionThe Lucca-born conductor returned to her place on the podium to continue leading the orchestra, which, together with the choir, offered the audience a series of concerts Interpretations by various composers that touched and shook everyone. With great elegance and subtlety the intermezzo of Cavalleria Rusticanaan opera composed by Pietro Mascagni that is considered the beginning of verismo. After this orchestral moment, the Easter choir followed: “Regina coeli… Inneggiamo” also out Cavalleria Rusticanawith another masterful performance by Guadalupe Barrientos as soloist accompanying the choir.
Miguel Martínez, director of the Stable Choir since 2013emphasized that the preparation of this concert was carried out with a lot of love and commitment. “It’s a very emotional evening for everyone.: Celebrating this important birthday of the stable bodies is a great event. I have been working at Colón since 1994, where I started as an assistant to grandmasters. Directing this choir means a great responsibility for me, but it also gives me great satisfaction. I feel honored to lead one of the most important choirs in the country, which also stands out internationally. It consists of top professionals and the entrance tests are very demanding. The sound of the choir must fill the entire hall, one of the largest opera houses in the world. I feel very privileged and grateful to the theater for giving me the opportunity to occupy this space. I would also like to thank my country for giving me the opportunity to develop my profession.”
Mascagni was followed by a happy Gounod with the “Kermesse” choir. Splendora festive and joyful time that is very appropriate for this celebration. Then it was the turn of Puccini, another great master of opera, creator of unforgettable melodies full of emotions, with the beautiful intermezzo of Manon Lescaut. And at the end the great Verdi returned once again with “Gloria all’ Egitto”, the triumphal march from the second act of Aida, a title very closely linked to the story of Columbus. His Majesty always moves you and transports you to the magnificent parade that has been so often recreated on the stage.
The standing ovation that the audience gave to all the protagonists of this memorable concert was long and full of emotions. After the welcome, when everyone was together on the stage, everyone returned to their place to sing perhaps the most beautiful and popular opera chorus ever written. Transformed into a true collective anthem, the “Va, pensiero” from the third act of Nabuccoput the finishing touches on a gala that not only paid homage to a story, but also reinforced it the commitment and excellence of those who work with a deep love for art.
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