Werther, The Bocelli American Opera Debut

Emails and discussion Posts from Bocelli Fans that attended the Opera, PAGE 7

• Page 1
  • Report 1

    from Eileen M

    "My Impressions of Werther"

• Page 2
  • Report 2

    from Susan Bazzel

    from Detroit

• Page 3
  • Report 3

    from Carol

    "My Review"

• Page 4
  • Report 4

    from Jon

    "Werther,Werther"

• Page 5
  • Report 5

    from Bocellionline

    (old bocelli site now not online)

• Page 6
  • Report 6

    from Joy

    on Opening Night

• Page 7
  • Report 7

    from Rosalie

    "She met Andrea !"

Photos



Andrea above

Andrea Pictured with Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves below



The dinner was held in the rehearsal hall, very beautifully done with huge candleabra on round tables. Dinner was buffet and very gourmet---too bad I was too excited to eat! And it was fun meeting onelisters who I had only known by name previously. Dr. DiChiera introduced all the performers to enthusiastic applause--Denyce was late in arriving I thought I had better show some interest in her, also, so we talked briefly about her other performances of Werther, etc., and she graciously signed her autograph. I didn't even want to ask AB, for obvious reasons. I wonder if Denyce's nose was a little out of joint because of AB's popularity....she's not used to that. She is a stunning looking woman. Andrea said a few words, joking as he bumped into the mike about how he and microphones have problems (don't know if this was face value, or a reference to his critics re mikes), then he said "And after two glasses of wine, my English isn't so good either!" He said the gestures were hard to learn, particularly how to move his arms. He commented on how warm and affectionate the Americans and Detroiters are and that he feels very comfortable here, and will plan to come back soon and often. He was absolutely charming, as usual. Then back to the Atheneum hotel where we sat up for several hours with Joy, Kandi, Connie, Angie and Johnnie. A wonderful evening which I wish all could have shared!!! We truly were thinking of all of you!!Ciao, Rosalie



10/31 Rosalie met Andrea (opening night)

Here's her story!

I am still in a daze after last night, but I can answer your question about what he wore at the candlelight dinner (oops, sorry, but I have to check my pictures--ha, ha--actually the pics aren't the greatest---I just snapped away while he was at his table talking and being interviewed---figured the flash wouldn't bother him!)Anyway, he wore a dark jacket and a white shirt open at the neck with no tie. No pedalpushers or boots at that hour! I will probably be thinking of things to relay for the next few days, but have a few comments for the moment.

Johnnie and I were talking to a young couple sitting in front of us at the intermission between second and third acts--they knew next to nothing about opera and nothing about Bocelli (tickets were a present). Somehow the fact of his blindness was mentioned, and the man said "He's BLIND? I didn't know that!" This, folks, after watching AB for two whole acts!!! So that should tell you something about how he moved on stage, no? He didn't miss a beat---never stumbled or hit his foot on a step....nothing....just perfect. My personal opinion was that Andrea was a little uptight during the first act, but that he loosened up as it went along. When he arrived on the white horse (led by a couple of handlers---he didn't just gallup in!) the audience really loved it. And he had me in tears at the end of the second act--a truly moving acting job. This is a very touchy-feely opera the way they did it. Denyce must have taken lessons from Sarah B. :-)) This was surprising to me after watching Ramon Vargas do his stolid Werther role on the Mexican video. But, unlike Sarah, this was tastefully done. There was applause after every aria---the audience was quite liberal in their enthusiasm, and there was great cheering for the curtain calls---my hands were numb from clapping....and I wasn't the only one.

I had the feeling that the audience was really cheering for them to succeed. As for the dinner after---was I ever glad I spent another $125 on that! Really didn't think I would have a chance to meet him and hung back as others from our table made their way up to his table. But then I thought "I'll never be this close again," so I went for it. Spoke to Enrica, who was sitting beside AB---she doesn't seem to know any English, but when I asked her about Amos and Matteo, her face brightened and she said "Sleeping". She is truly lovely looking, with as big a smile as Andrea's.

I asked Carlo Bernini (who has good English) if AB was happy with the way things went and he said Andrea was quite pleased. (as well he should be) I told Mercurio I would be back on Wed. and he said "Great! Come and whoop and holler!"

(I was sort of working my way around the table while AB was talking to someone). When I got to Andrea, he was standing up (my, but he is a tall one!!) and I stupidly put out my hand while I introduced myself, forgetting he couldn't see it (dumb!), so I ran my hand down his sleeve to his hand and murmured something earthshaking like "I really thought it was a wonderful performance", to which he responded, "I'm happy if it was acceptable." And that was it!!! But a great moment to remember!

Enjoy the above navigation rule and read the fans impressions of Andrea's first major American opera performed in Detroit Michigan at the Detroit Opera House

Copyright 2010 © Mary-Ann Myers

Home: illustration site Contact email: mam1132@yahoo.com Conductor Steve Mercurio's site