Asmik Grigorian's Recital: July 10, 2019

© P Gasiunas 

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World-renowned Lithuanian operatic soprano Asmik Grigorian gave a marvelous recital at the Yerevan Opera Theater on July 10, 2019, where she performed selections from famous operas alongside Artistic Director Constantine Orbelian. Asmik Grigorian dedicated the concert to her late father, famous Armenian tenor Gegham Grigorian (1951-2016)

The spectacular program consisted of one exciting number after another. The evening opened with Orbelian conducting "Gli arredi festivities" from Verdi's Nabucco. This was a well-fitting opening to a glorious evening. In an extremely heartfelt performance, Asmik Grigorian sang four Richard Strauss songs: Zueignung, Meinem Kinde, Allerseelen, and Morgen. All four songs were uniquely performed, and their individual characteristics brought out elegantly by Grigorian. It was an honour to be present.

In the second half of the evening, Grigorian performed many of my all time favorites, such as Tatiana's letter scene aria from Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin, Rusalka's aria from Dvořák's Rusalka, and finally Anoush's aria from Tigranyan's Anoush. Grigorian's Letter Scene was entrancing by how brilliantly she acted out Tatiana's inner thoughts as she wrote the letter. Orbelian also performed the Polonaise from Eugene Onegin, with the theater's orchestra and chorus. Grigorian's performance of Rusalka's aria was amazing. Not only did her acting reflect a new character, but also her voice. Anoush's aria from Tigranyan's Anoush concluded the programmed evening, causing an enormous wave of applause in response to the beautiful singing. As an encore, Grigorian performed Lauretta's aria from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and Un di bel vedremo from Puccini's Madame Butterfly.

Grigorian's recital was a beautiful evening of gorgeous music performed by the operatic soprano.