Young soloists and masters alike recently took part in an evening of romances at Ukraine’s National Opera. The program combined romances from the classical repertoire and popular works used in home musical performances, beloved by several generations of listeners. There were works by Ukrainian and foreign composers.
A romance is the quintessence of lyrical feeling and concentrated sincerity. The set decorations for the soiree embodied the unique magic of the atmosphere in which romances were once composed and performed: a fireplace, candles, elegant drapes, a piano, a dusky blue background, the splendor of concert costumes, and the artists’ natural charisma.
The concert will long be remembered for the vivid pace of the program numbers, the artistry and professional quality of the performances, and the large number of distinguished opera stars assembled on one stage — it was a virtual galaxy of People’s and Merited Artists. With their brilliant performances Oleksandr Vostriakov, Mykola Koval, Anzhelina Shvachka, Taras Shtonda, Tetiana Nelidova, and other wonderful singers managed to recreate the atmosphere of bygone years.
Prima donna Maria Stefiuk’s performance concluded the first part of the concert. She sang with the concertmaster, Svitlana Orliuk. Their duet made the greatest impression on the audience with its artistry, skill, and exalted rendition of the romances. Oases of quiet but clear voices, wonderful diction, and the transformation of vocal miniatures into small performances thanks to the singers’ acting skills are features of true mastery displayed in all its magnificence.
The concert featured colorful dramatic episodes, including Mussorgsky’s romances “The Flea” and “Hopak,” performed by Serhii Skubak, and Sarasate’s “Black Fan,” sung by Liudmyla Yurchenko. Two musicians also took part in the concert: Pavlo Khmara (violin) and Natalia Pshenychna (cello). The works that sounded in their performance (solo and accompaniment) were harmoniously interspersed throughout the concert program, intensifying the atmosphere thanks to an original blend of voices and stringed instruments.
The charming duet by Iryna Semenenko and Anzhelina Shvachka, which was expanded by a theatrical scene, deserves special mention. The exhilarated spectators spontaneously started dancing and clapping to the “Gypsy Polka,” performed by a quartet of guitarists (artistic director Volodymyr Sharuiev).
The organizer and stage manager of the concert, Volodymyr Behma, is already planning the next soiree entitled “Kyiv Romance,” a tribute to the many famous works created by composers who lived and worked in our capital. The masterpieces of past centuries are still popular today.
