Ailyn Pérez and a spectacular roster of soloists perform much loved works by Rossini, Verdi, Puccini, and more at a Gala Concert in Tokyo, hosted as part of the Spring Festival at the Bunka Kaikan on March 28. Ms. Pérez performs alongside tenor Saimir Pirgu, baritone Giulio Mastrototaro, and bass Matthew Curran, with the Tokyo-Harusai Festival Orchestra led by Maestro Renato Balsadonna. The concert is hosted in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Rossini’s death; the occasion also marks Ms. Pérez’ first return engagement in Tokyo following her spectacular portrayal of Violetta in Verdi’s La traviata on tour with the Royal Opera House in 2010:

“As the curtain came down, Pérez was greeted both by a standing ovation and a cheering cast, crew and opera company, who had all gravitated backstage. On leaving the building she encountered a hysterical, although oddly still polite, mob of 70 or 80 new fans outside the stage door, who attempted to press self-addressed envelopes into her hands and begged her to get in touch.” (The Guardian)

Gala Concert programme listing:

Rossini (1792-1868) :
“La gazza ladra” Overture
Largo al factotum (“Il barbiere di Siviglia” Act 1)
Una voce poco fa (“Il barbiere di Siviglia” Act 1)
La calunnia è un venticello (“Il barbiere di Siviglia” Act 1)
O must asil del pianto (“Guillaume Tell” Act 4)
“Guillaume Tell” Overture
Verdi (1813-1901) :
“La Traviata” Prelude of Act 3
Addio del passato (“La Traviata” Act 3)
Parigi, o cara, noi lasceremo (“La Traviata” Act 3)
Come dal ciel precipita (“Macbeth” Act 2)
Ma se m’è forza perderti (“Un ballo in maschera” Act 3)
È sogno? O realtà? (“Falstaff” Act 2)
Mascagni : Intermezzo (“Cavalleria Rusticana”)
Puccini : O mio babbino caro (“Gianni Schicchi”)
Cilea :
È la solita storia del pastore (Lamento di Federico) (“L’arlesiana” Act 2)
Io son l’umile ancella (“Adriana Lecouvreur” Act 1)
Mascagni (1863-1945) : Duetto delle ciliegie : Tutto tace! (“L’amico Fritz” Act 2)